2009 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual containsWARNINGSagainst op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is
visible from outside of the vehicle through the wind-
shield. This number also appears on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title.NOTE:It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
INTRODUCTION 7
1

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal.................. 12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................ 13
Sentry Key........................... 14
▫Replacement Keys..................... 15
▫Customer Key Programming............. 16
▫General Information.................... 17
Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped........ 17
▫To Arm The System.................... 18▫To Disarm The System.................. 18
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 19
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate......... 20
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate........... 21
▫Express Down Window Feature —
If Equipped.......................... 22
▫Using The Panic Alarm................. 23
▫Programming Additional Transmitters....... 23
2

▫Battery Replacement................... 23
▫General Information.................... 24
Remote Starting System — If Equipped....... 25
Door Locks........................... 26
▫Manual Door Locks.................... 27
▫Power Door Locks..................... 28
▫Automatic Door Locks.................. 29
▫Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit.......... 30
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear
Doors)............................. 31
Windows............................. 32
▫Power Windows...................... 32
▫Wind Buffeting....................... 36Liftgate.............................. 36
Occupant Restraints..................... 37
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.................... 38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions.... 39
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 43
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped..... 44
▫Energy Management Feature............. 44
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert).......................... 45
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women........... 47
▫Seat Belt Extender..................... 47
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS)................. 48
▫Child Restraint....................... 65
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Break-In Recommendations.......... 75
Safety Tips............................ 76
▫Exhaust Gas......................... 76▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle............................. 76
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle............................. 77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The keys for your vehicle are double-sided. You can
insert the keys into the locks with either side up.The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic
bag with the key code number on it. If you received your
keys without the bag, ask your authorized dealer to give
you the number. The key code can also be obtained by an
authorized dealer from your vehicle invoice.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
•
Place the shift lever in PARK.
•Push the key and cylinder inward slightly and rotate
the key to the LOCK position.
•Remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — Lock 3 — On
2 — Acc 4 — StartTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.NOTE:A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE