2008 DODGE NITRO brake

after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48
km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9and the9ESP/
BAS Warning Lamp9come on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. The ESP Control System
will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is actively
operating.
11. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
The TOW/HAUL button is located on the gear
shift bezel. This light will illuminate when the
TOW/HAUL button has been selected.
12. Turn Signal Indicator Light
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate
the direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective turn
signal LED. A single chime is activated when the left/
right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM vehicle
speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more than one
mile.
13. Transmission Temperature Warning Light Ð If
Equipped
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in N
(Neutral) until the light goes off.
14. Brake Warning Light
The red ªBRAKEº warning light will come on when the
ignition key is first turned on, and stay on briefly as a
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 171
4

bulb check. If the bulb does not come on during starting,
see your authorized dealer for service. If the light stays
on, it may be an indication that the parking brake has not
been released, or there is a low brake fluid level. If the
light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster. In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related
to the brake Booster the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake.
The ªBRAKEº warning light will flash whether or not it
is in gear, if the park brake is applied, and the engine is
running (manual transmission only). The ªBRAKEº
warning light will remain on steady with the park brake
on and the shifter in the P (Park) position. If shifted out
of P (Park), it will begin to flash (automatic transmission
only).If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
15. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Ð
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
172 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

16. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
The yellow ESP indicator light in the speedom-
eter area illuminates with the key in the igni-
tion switch turned to the ON/RUN position. It
should go out with the engine running. The
9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The
9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9also flashes when TCS is
active. If the9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The ªESP/
TCS Indicator Lightº becomes illuminated when the
ESP-Off button has been pressed or ESP is only partially
available caused by lack of engine management or brake
thermal model.17. Voltage Warning Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
18. SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
The ªSERV 4WD Indicator Lightº will come on
when the ignition key is turned to the ON
position and will stay on for 2 seconds. If the
light stays on or comes on during driving, it
means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly
and that service is required.
19. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 173
4

approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately. With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are
also switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights illu-
minate with the engine running. If the charging voltage
falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light
illuminates and the ABS is switched off. When the
voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indi-
cator light should go out and the ABS is operational. If
the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the system checked at your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
20. Front Fog Light Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.21. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained.
22. Airbag Warning Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on when the ignition is
first turned on, or the light stays on or comes
on while driving, have the airbag system checked by an
authorized dealer.
23. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(rpm x 1000).
174 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................245
NManual Transmission..................245
NAutomatic Transmission................245
NNormal Starting......................245
NExtreme Cold Weather (Below ±20ÉF Or
±29ÉC).............................246
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................246
NAfter Starting........................248
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........248mManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.........249
N6-Speed Manual Transmission............249
mAutomatic Transmission..................252
NShift Lock Manual Override Ð If Equipped . . . 253
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......254
N4±Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L
Engine)............................255
N5±Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L
Engine)............................260
NGear Ranges.........................260
5

mFour-Wheel Drive Operation...............265
NMP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case Ð
If Equipped.........................265
NShifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................266
NMP 140 Single-Speed Full-Time Transfer Case Ð
If Equipped.........................267
mOn-Road Driving Tips...................268
mOff-Road Driving Tips...................268
NWhen To Use 4L Or 4LO (Low) Range......268
NDriving Through Water.................268
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........270
NHill Climbing........................270
NTraction Downhill.....................271NAfter Driving Off-Road.................271
mParking Brake.........................272
mAnti-Lock Brake System..................274
mPower Steering........................277
mTire Safety Information...................279
NTire Markings........................279
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........282
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........283
mTires Ð General Information...............287
NTire Pressure.........................287
NTire Inflation Pressures.................288
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation....290
NRadial-Ply Tires......................290
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in ªNº (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the
clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the ªNº
(Neutral) or ªPº (Park) position. Apply the brake before
shifting to any driving range.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) are
expected to last for several days.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION Ð IF EQUIPPED
6-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.Follow the shift pattern on the gearshift knob.
NOTE:The backup lights will come on when your
vehicle is in R (Reverse) gear and the ignition is in the ON
position.
Manual Shift Controls
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5