2009 DODGE NITRO instrument panel

WARNING!
Deployed airbags cannot protect you in another col-
lision. Have the airbags, and seat belt retractor as-
sembly replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Also, have the Occupant Classification Sys-
tem serviced as well.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment
with the vehicle stopped, the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lamps which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper or vehicle body struc-
ture.
(Continued)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2

Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged i.e., (bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on, and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check, when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the DEFROST mode and
place the blower control on high speed. You should be
able to feel the air directed against the windshield. See
your authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside the
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

▫Voice Training....................... 120
Seats............................... 120
▫Front Manual Seat Adjustment........... 120
▫Front Seat Adjustment — Recline......... 121
▫Six-Way Driver’s Power Seat With Manual
Recliner........................... 122
▫Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat........... 123
▫Head Restraints...................... 123
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped............. 124
▫60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat With Fold Flat
Feature............................ 125
To Open And Close The Hood............. 127
Lights.............................. 129
▫Multifunction Lever................... 129▫Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights And
Headlights......................... 130
▫Lights-On Reminder.................. 130
▫High Beam Headlights................. 130
▫Flash-To-Pass....................... 131
▫Front Fog Lights — If Equipped.......... 131
▫Turn Signals........................ 131
▫Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped.... 131
▫Interior Lights....................... 132
Windshield Wipers And Washers........... 132
▫Windshield Wiper Operation............ 132
▫Intermittent Wiper System.............. 133
▫Windshield Washers................... 133
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•You may not hear all of the tones due to cellular phone
network configurations. This is normal.
•Some paging and voice mail systems have system time
out settings that are too short and may not allow the
use of this feature.
Barge In - Overriding Prompts
The “Voice Recognition” button can be used when you
wish to skip part of a prompt and issue your voice
recognition command immediately. For example, if a
prompt is askingWould you like to pair a phone, clear
a...,you could press the VOICE RECOGNITION button
and say,Pair a Phoneto select that option without
having to listen to the rest of the voice prompt.
Turning Confirmation Prompts ON/OFF
Turning confirmation prompts off will stop the system
from confirming your choices (e.g., the UConnectsys-
tem will not repeat a phone number before you dial it).
•Press the PHONE button to begin.
•After theReadyprompt and the following beep, say
Setup Confirmations.The UConnectsystem will
play the current confirmation prompt status and you
will be given the choice to change it.
Phone and Network Status Indicators
If available on the radio and/or on a premium display
such as the instrument panel cluster, and supported by
your cellular phone, the UConnectsystem will provide
notification to inform you of your phone and network
status when you are attempting to make a phone call
using UConnect. The status is given for roaming, net-
work signal strength, phone battery strength, etc.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103
3

Heated Seats — If Equipped
This feature heats the front driver and passenger seats.
The controls for each heater are located near the bottom
center of the instrument panel.After turning ON the ignition, Press the switch
once to select High level heating. Press the
switch a second time to select Low level heat-
ing. Press the switch a third time to shut Off the
heating elements. Amber indicators in the switch indicate
the level of heat in use. Two indicators will illuminate for
High, one for Low, and none for Off.
When High is selected, the heaters provide a boosted
heat level during the first four minutes of operation after
heating is activated. The heat output then drops to the
normal High setting. If High is selected, the system will
automatically switch to Low after 30 minutes of continu-
ous operation. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the change.
Operation on Low also turns Off automatically after
30 minutes.
NOTE:Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within two to five minutes.
Heated Seat Switches
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Raise Rear Seat
If locked in the folded position, pull the release strap
(toward the front of the vehicle).
Raise the seatback and lock it into place. If interference
from the cargo area prevents the seatback from fully
locking, you will have difficulty returning the seat to its
proper position.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback in not securely locked into
position, the seat will not provide the proper stability
for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, there are two latches that must be
released.
1. Pull the hood release lever located under the left side
of the instrument panel.
Hood Release Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
3

LIGHTS
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever controls the operation of the
parking lights, headlights, headlight beam selection,
passing light, fog lights, instrument panel light dimming
and turn signals. The multifunction lever is located on
the left side of the steering column.
Multifunction Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
3

Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights and
Headlights
Turn the end of the multifunction lever to the first detent
for parking lights and instrument panel lights. Turn to
the second detent for headlight operation.To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the center portion of the multifunction lever up or
down.
NOTE:If the driver’s door is left open, and the head-
lights or parking lights are left on, a chime will sound.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound when the driver’s door
is opened.
High Beam Headlights
Push the multifunction lever away from you to switch
the headlights to high beams. Pull the lever towards you
to switch the headlights back to low beams.
Headlight Switch
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE