2008 DODGE NITRO tire pressure

²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P (Park). With a manual transmission, shift the trans-
mission into R (Reverse). Always, block or9chock9the
trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires±General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
þWhen replacing tires refer to the Tires±General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
antifreeze/coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap
is sealing properly, the antifreeze/coolant will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush, And Refill
At the intervals shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Schedule,º the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze/coolant solution.
Discard old antifreeze/coolant solution according to rec-
ommended procedure.
Selection Of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended antifreeze/
coolant, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct antifreeze/coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M15 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation,
Air Conditioning/
Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (HVAC/
ATC), Rear View
Mirror (RR VW MIR),
Cabin Compartment
Node (CCN), Transfer
Case Switch (T-CASE
SW), RUN/ST, Multi-
Function Control
Switch (MULTIFTCN
SW), Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM), Glow
Plug Module (GLW
PLG MOD) Ð Export
Diesel OnlyCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M16 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller/Occupant
Classification Module
(ORC/OCM)
M17 15 Amp
BlueLeft Tail/License/
Park Lamp (LT-TAIL/
LIC/PRK LMP)
M18 15 Amp
BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp (RT-TAIL/
PRK/RUN LMP)
M19 25 Amp
NaturalAuto Shut Down
(ASD #1 and #2)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
400 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

About Your Brakes....................... 272
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............173,274
Adding Fuel........................... 310
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 159
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 361
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning.....................235,238
Air Conditioning Controls................. 238
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 239
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 363
Air Conditioning System.................. 238
Air Filter.............................. 361
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 288
Airbag.............................49,174
Airbag Deployment....................... 61
Airbag Light..........................63,77
Airbag Maintenance....................... 63
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,170Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 293
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 228
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 394
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............131,274
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 173
Anti-Theft System.....................18,170
Appearance Care........................ 377
Auto Down Power Windows................ 34
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 252
Automatic Transmission.............255,260,374
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 374
Fluid Level Check...................374,375
Fluid Type........................374,396
Gear Ranges.......................... 255
Special Additives...................... 375
Torque Converter...................259,264
416 INDEX

Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 319
Holder, Coin........................... 152
Holder, Cup........................... 151
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 137
Hood Release.......................... 121
Hoses.............................371,372
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 375
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 14
Infant Restraint........................66,67
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 288
Information Center, Vehicle................. 184
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 83
Instrument Cluster....................167,168Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 166
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 381
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 381
Interior Appearance Care.................. 380
Interior Lights.......................... 122
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 126
Introduction............................. 4
Inverter, Power......................... 149
Jack Location........................... 336
Jack Operation.......................336,339
Jacking Instructions...................... 339
Key, Programming........................ 16
Key, Replacement........................ 15
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 14
Key-In Reminder......................... 14
Keyless Entry System...................... 20
Keys................................. 12
INDEX 423
10

Side Marker.......................... 392
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 296
Traction Control....................... 135
Turn Signal..................125,390,391,392
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 168
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 154
Load N Go
Sliding Cargo Floor..................... 156
Loading Vehicle......................... 313
Tires ............................... 283
Locks................................. 27
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 29
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 296
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................70,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 364Luggage Carrier......................... 160
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 362
Maintenance Procedures................... 354
Maintenance Schedule.................... 398
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 147
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 178,351
Manual, Service......................... 410
Manual Transmission..................249,375
Fluid Level Check...................... 375
Lubricant Selection..................375,396
Shift Speeds.......................... 251
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 373
Mini-Trip Computer...................180,188
Mirrors................................ 83
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 85
Outside.............................. 84
Rearview............................. 83
INDEX 425
10