2009 DODGE NITRO warning

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 more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement 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
warning 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 tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

26. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
The TRIP ODOMETER shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the ODOMETER/TRIP ODOMETER button. To
reset the TRIP ODOMETER, press and hold the button
while in trip mode, until the TRIP ODOMETER resets.
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
door.............................Door Ajar
gATE...........................Liftgate Ajar
LoWASH.................... LowWasher Fluid
ESPOFF...................... ESPDeactivated
gASCAP.......................Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE..........................Fuse Fault
LoW tirE..................... LowTirePressureNOTE:Some of the above warnings will be displayed in
the Compass Mini-Trip Computer / Electronic Vehicle
Information Center Display Area located in the instru-
ment cluster.
Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display — If Equipped” in this section, for more infor-
mation.
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn the GASCAP message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster.This system conveniently allows the driver to select a
variety of useful information by pressing the switches
mounted on the steering wheel. The EVIC consists of the
following:
•System Status
•Vehicle information warning message displays
•Tire Pressure Monitor System (if equipped)
•Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
•Compass display
•Outside temperature display
•Trip computer functions
•Navigation system screens (if equipped)
•Audio mode displayElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4

The 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.
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).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:
•Turn signal on (with a continuous warning chime)
•Left front turn signal light out (with a single chime)
•Left ear turn signal light out (with a single chime)
•Right front turn signal light out (with a single chime)
•Right rear turn signal light out (with a single chime)
•RKE Battery Low (with a single chime)
•Personal settings not available – vehicle not in PARK
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case....................... 276
On-Road Driving Tips.................. 277
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 278
▫When To Use 4L Or 4LO (Low) Range...... 278
▫Driving Through Water................ 278
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 279
▫Hill Climbing....................... 280
▫Traction Downhill.................... 281
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 281
Power Steering........................ 282
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 283
Parking Brake........................ 284Anti-Lock Brake System................. 285
Electronic Brake Control System........... 288
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 288
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 289
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 290
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 291
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 292
▫ESP/BAS Warning Lamp............... 295
Tire Safety Information.................. 296
▫Tire Markings....................... 296
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 300
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 301
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............. 330
Adding Fuel......................... 331
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 331
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 333
Vehicle Loading....................... 334
▫Certification Label.................... 334
Trailer Towing........................ 336
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 336
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 341▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...................... 342
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight.............. 344
▫Towing Requirements................. 345
▫Towing Tips........................ 350
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................. 351
▫Towing — 2WD Models................ 351
▫Towing — 4WD Or All-Wheel
Drive Models....................... 352
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Normal Starting
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
Tip Start Feature
Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it
as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING