2009 DODGE NITRO park assist

▫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

NEUTRAL
Move the shift lever into this gear only after the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. Always depress and main-
tain firm pressure on the brake pedal while in this range.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range for extended periods of time. The engine may be
started in this range.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Tow-
ing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in
Section 6 of this manual.
DRIVE
For most city and highway driving.
2 (Second)
For moderate grades and to assist braking on dry pavement
or in mud and snow. Begins at a stop in low gear with
automatic upshift to 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd gear.
1 (First)
For hard pulling at low speeds in mud, sand, snow, or on
steep grades. Begins and stays in low gear with no upshift.
Provides engine compression braking at low speeds.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled 4th speed (OVERDRIVE). The trans-
mission will automatically shift from 3rd gear to OVER-
DRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the TOW/HAUL button has not been activated
•the transmission has reached normal operating
temperature
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush, or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance
and damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition mal-
functions, can cause the catalytic converter to over-
heat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some
light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area such as a garage,
and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M24 25 Amp
NaturalRear Wiper (REAR
WIPER)
M25 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump (FUEL
PUMP), Diesel Lift
Pump (DSL LIFT
PUMP) — Export Only
M26 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror Switch
(PWR MIRR SW),
Driver Window Switch
(DRVR WIND SW)
M27 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch (IGN
SW), Window Module
(WIN MOD)
M28 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Trans-
mission Feed (TRANS
FEED), J1962
M29 10 Amp
RedOccupant Classification
Module (OCM)
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M30 15 Amp
BlueRear Wiper Module
(RR WIPER MOD),
Power Folding Mirror
(PWR FOLD MIR)
M31 20 Amp
YellowBack-Up Lamps (B/U
LAMPS)
M32 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller (ORC), TT
EUROPE
M33 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Global
Powertrain Engine
Controller (GPEC)
M34 10 Amp
RedPark Assist (PRK
ASST), Heater Ventila-
tion, Air Conditioning
Module (HVAC MOD),
Headlamp Wash
(HDLP WASH), Com-
pass (COMPAS)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
7

Autostick............................. 272
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 154
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 154
Axle Fluid............................. 410
Battery............................... 377
Charging............................ 362
Emergency Starting..................... 362
Gas Caution.......................... 362
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
Belts, Seat.............................. 38
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 379
B-Pillar Location........................ 301
Brake Assist System...................... 290
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 288
Brake Fluid............................ 410
Brake, Parking.......................... 284
Brake System........................... 388
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................285,288Master Cylinder....................... 388
Parking............................. 284
Warning Light........................ 177
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 263
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Bulb Replacement....................... 403
Bulbs, Light............................ 403
Calibration, Compass..................190,196
Capacities, Fluid........................ 408
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 331
Power Steering........................ 283
Car Washes............................ 393
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,330
Cargo Area Features...................... 160
Cargo Compartment...................... 160
Light............................... 160
Cargo Light............................ 160
INDEX 439
10