2009 DODGE NITRO service indicator

WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your
tires. The service description and load identification will
be found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the
gas cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an
indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press
the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the
problem persists, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap.
If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
412 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo .......................... 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 160
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 334
Cellular Phone.......................... 86
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 407
Certification Label....................... 334
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 356
Charging.............................. 362
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 298
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................186,370
Checks, Safety.........................76,77
Child Restraint....................65,66,71,73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Climate Control......................... 248
Clock........................202,216,220,229Coin Holder........................... 159
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 247
Compact Spare Tire...................... 308
Compass........................187,190,195
Compass Calibration..................190,196
Compass Variance....................189,197
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 194
Console.............................. 159
Console, Floor.......................... 159
Contract, Service........................ 431
Cooling System......................... 382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 384
Coolant Capacity...................... 408
Coolant Level......................... 386
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 386
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 383
Inspection........................... 383
Points to Remember.................... 387
Pressure Cap......................... 385
440 INDEX

Brake Warning........................ 177
Bulb Replacement...................... 403
Cargo .............................. 160
Center Mounted Stop................... 407
Cruise.............................. 186
Daytime Running...................... 131
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 130
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator.........................176,292
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 175
Fog ..........................131,180,405
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 354
Headlight Switch...................... 130
Headlights........................... 403
High Beam Indicator.................... 176
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................130,174
Interior............................. 132
Lights On Reminder.................... 130Low Fuel.........................174,175
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 186
Oil Pressure.......................... 181
Passing............................. 131
Rear Servicing........................ 406
Rear Tail............................ 406
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 175
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 176
Service............................. 403
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 186
Side Marker.......................... 406
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 176
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........182,316
Traction Control....................... 292
Turn Signal..................131,404,405,406
Voltage............................. 180
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 162
446 INDEX

Load N Go
Sliding Cargo Floor.................... 163
Loading Vehicle......................... 334
Tires ............................... 301
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 316
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................69,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Luggage Carrier......................... 166
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 377
Maintenance Procedures................... 373
Maintenance Schedule.................... 412
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 153
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 186,370Manual, Service......................... 433
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 410
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 388
Mini-Trip Computer...................187,194
Mirrors................................ 83
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 85
Outside.............................. 84
Rearview............................. 83
Vanity............................... 86
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 316
Mopar Parts.........................372,432
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 129
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 75
Occupant Restraints....................... 37
INDEX 447
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Service Contract......................... 431
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................... 186
Service Manuals........................ 433
Setting the Clock................202,216,220,229
Settings, Personal........................ 198
Shift Lock Manual Override................ 264
Shifting
Automatic Transmission..............265,270
Shoulder Belts........................... 38
Signals, Turn................131,176,404,405,406
Sliding Cargo Floor
LoadNGo .......................... 163
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 314
Spare Tire.......................308,309,356
Specifications
Fuel (Gasoline)........................ 326
Oil ................................ 374
Speed Control (Cruise Control).............. 135Speedometer........................... 176
Starting............................... 259
Cold Weather......................... 259
Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 362
Engine Block Heater.................... 262
Engine Fails to Start.................... 260
Remote.............................. 25
Steering
Power...........................282,283
Tilt Column.......................... 134
Wheel, Tilt........................... 134
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 246
Storage............................... 159
Storage Bin............................ 159
Storage, Vehicle......................... 253
Sun Roof.............................. 150
Sun Visor Extension....................... 86
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 153
INDEX 451
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