2008 DODGE NITRO warning light

²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for a extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with engine running for more
than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Always run the climate control in panel or floor mode
when driving with any windows open, even if only
slightly, to help keep fresh air circulating inside ve-
hicle. Otherwise poisonous gases could be drawn into
the vehicle.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the center front
edge of the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully closed,
with both latches engaged.
NOTE:Ensure hood prop rod is fully seated into clip
before closing hood to prevent damage to grille.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are fully latched before
driving.
LIGHTS
Interior Lights
The overhead light comes on when a door is opened. It
may also be turned on by rotating the control for the
dimmer switch on the multi-function control lever fully
upward.
The overhead light will automatically turn off in about 20
minutes if a door is left open or the dimmer control is left
in the dome light position. Turn the ignition switch ON to
restore the overhead light operation.
Daytime Brightness Feature
Certain instrument panel components (odometer, radio
display) can be illuminated at full brightness during the
daytime. This can be helpful when driving with your
headlights on during the daytime such as in a parade or
a funeral procession. To activate this feature, rotate the
left stalk one detent lower than the dome light.
122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Tapping the ªSET DECELº button once will result in a 1
mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed decreases.
NOTE:The Speed Control system has been designed to
shut down if multiple speed control switch functions are
operated simultaneously in order to ensure proper op-
eration. If this occurs, the system can be reactivated by
pushing the speed control switch ON/OFF button and
re-setting the desired vehicle SET speed.
Manual Transmission
Depressing the clutch pedal will disengage the speed
control. A slight increase in engine RPM before the speed
control disengages is normal.
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may need
to be shifted into a lower gear to climb hills without
speed loss.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The9ESP/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.
WARNING!
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ESP cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.
The ESP system has 2 available operating modes in 2WD,
4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time, and on 2WD vehicles.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135
3

situation requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº
mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily
depressing the ªESP OFFº switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in
the instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ªONº position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS
Warning Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on 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 to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.NOTE:
²9The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9and the9ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp9come on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER Ð IF EQUIPPED
HomeLinktreplaces up to three remote controls (hand
held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security
systems. The HomeLinktunit operates off your vehicle's
battery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
3

WARNING!
Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a danger-
ous gas. Do not run your vehicle in the garage while
training the transceiver. Exhaust gas can cause seri-
ous injury or death.
Programming HomeLinkT
Before You Begin
If you have not trained any of the HomeLinktbuttons,
erase all channels before you begin training.
To do this, press and hold the two outside buttons for 20
seconds until the red indicator flashes.
It is recommended that a new battery be placed in the
hand-held transmitter of the device being programmed
to HomeLinktfor more efficient training and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency signal.Your vehicle should be parked outside of the garage
when programming.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Hold the battery side of the hand-held transmitter
away from the HomeLinktbutton you wish to program.
Place the hand-held transmitter 1±3 inches (3±8 cm) away
from the HomeLinktbutton you wish to program while
keeping the indicator light in view.
3. Simultaneously press and hold both the chosen
HomeLinktbutton and the hand-held transmitter button
until the HomeLinktindicator changes from a slow to a
rapidly blinking light, then release both the HomeLinkt
and hand-held transmitter buttons.
Watch for the HomeLinktindicator to change flash rates.
When it changes, it is programmed. It may take up to 30
seconds, or longer in rare cases. The garage door may
open & close while you train.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
3

The rear power outlet (if equipped) is located in the left
rear cargo area.Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
WARNING!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle's battery, even when not in use (i.e.
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery
even more quickly. Only use these intermittently and
with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with accesso-
ries still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a
sufficient length of time to allow the alternator to
recharge the vehicle's battery.
²Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do
not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug.
Rear Power Outlet
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The center console has a removable storage tray, which
can hold cell phones, PDA's, and other small items.CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light
The cargo area light is activated by opening the liftgate,
opening any door, or by rotating the dimmer control on
the multi-function control lever to the extreme top posi-
tion.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on cargo area floor should be used
to safely secure loads when vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision a hook
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
Removable Storage Tray
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
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