2008 DODGE NITRO warning

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

maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or moretires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
176 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Vehicles equipped with steering wheel mounted buttons
(described in this section) are also equipped with the
EVIC. The EVIC consists of the following:
²System Status
²Vehicle information warning message displays
²Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped)
²Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
²Compass display
²Outside temperature display
²Trip computer functions
²UConnectŸ hands-free communication system dis-
plays (If Equipped)
²Navigation system screens (If Equipped)
²Audio mode displayThe system allows the driver to select information by
pressing the following buttons mounted on the steering
wheel:
Press and release the MENU button and the
mode displayed will change between Trip
Functions, Navigation (if equipped), System
Status, Personal Settings, and Telephone (if
equipped).
Press the FUNCTION SELECT button to accept
a selection. Also, the FUNCTION SELECT but-
ton changes the current CD track being played
(if so equipped) when the EVIC is in the
Compass/Temp/Audio screen.
Press the SCROLL button to scroll through Trip
Functions, Navigation (if equipped), System
Status Messages, and Personal Settings (Cus-
tomer Programmable Features).
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 185
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Press and release the COMPASS/TEMPERATURE
button to display one of eight compass readings
and the outside temperature.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages:
²Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime)
²Left Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
²Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
²Right Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single
chime)
²Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
²RKE Battery Low (with a single chime)
²Personal Settings Not Available ± Vehicle Not in Park
²Left/Right Front Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime if speed is above 1 mph)
²Left/Right Rear Door Ajar (one or more, with a single
chime if speed is above 1 mph)
²Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
²Liftgate Ajar (with a single chime)
²Left Front Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer to
ªTire Pressure Monitoring Systemº in Section 5 of this
manual.
²Left Rear Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer to
ªTire Pressure Monitoring Systemº in Section 5 of this
manual.
186 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

NTire Spinning........................290
NTread Wear Indicators..................291
NLife Of Tire.........................292
NReplacement Tires.....................292
NAlignment And Balance.................293
mTire Chains...........................294
mTire Rotation Recommendations............295
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................296
NBase System Ð If Equipped..............299
NPremium System Ð If Equipped..........301
NGeneral Information...................305
mFuel Requirements......................306N3.7L Engine (If Equipped)...............306
N4.0L Engine (If Equipped)...............306
NReformulated Gasoline.................307
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............307
NMMT In Gasoline.....................308
NMaterials Added To Fuel................308
NFuel System Cautions..................308
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............309
mAdding Fuel..........................310
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............310
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............312
mVehicle Loading........................313
NCertification Label.....................313
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5

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
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