2009 DODGE NITRO heating

NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools
down, the transmission will resume normal operation.The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift to 3rd gear.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Always apply the parking brake fully when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
the PARK position. Failure to do so may allow the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type, and tires must be properly inflated, to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put the trans-
mission in NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
Refer to “Cooling System Operating” information in
the Maintenance section of this manual for more
information.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing — 2WD Models
Recreational towing (all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing is allowedONLYif the driveshaft is
removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels areOFFthe
ground.
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating your engine by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn OFF the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 356
Overheating.......................... 355
Towing............................. 364
Emission Control System Maintenance......370,412
Engine............................... 367
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Block Heater......................... 262
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Compartment......................367,368
Compartment Identification............... 368
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 409
Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,330
Fails to Start.......................... 260
Flooded, Starting...................... 260
Fuel Requirements..................326,408
Jump Starting......................... 362
Oil ...........................373,408,409
Oil Disposal.......................... 375Oil Filter............................ 375
Oil Selection.......................... 408
Oil Synthetic......................... 375
Overheating.......................... 355
Starting............................. 259
Temperature Gauge.................... 174
Engine Oil Viscosity...................374,375
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart..............374,375
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Exhaust Gas Caution...................76,330
Exhaust System......................... 380
Exterior Finish Care...................... 393
Fabric Care.........................394,395
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Engine Oil........................375,409
Finish Care............................ 393
442 INDEX

Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............326,327
Odometer
Trip ................................ 186
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 278
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 278
Oil, Engine.........................373,409
Capacity............................ 408
Dipstick............................. 373
Filter............................375,409
Identification Logo..................... 374
Materials Added to..................... 375
Recommendation...................374,408
Synthetic............................ 375
Viscosity.......................374,375,408
Onboard Diagnostic System..............369,370
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 144
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 5
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 84
Overdrive.......................181,267,273Overdrive OFF Switch.................267,273
Overheating, Engine...................174,355
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........5,433
Paint Care............................. 392
Paint Damage.......................... 392
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear................... 137
Parking Brake.......................... 284
Parking On Hill......................... 284
Passing Light........................... 131
Personal Settings........................ 198
Pets.................................. 75
Pets, Transporting........................ 75
Phone, Cellular.......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 86
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 301
Polishing and Waxing..................... 393
448 INDEX