2009 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

STORAGE
Front Storage Compartment
The front storage compartment (located on the left side of
the instrument panel) can hold cell phones, PDAs, and
other small items.
Console Storage Compartment
To open, press the latch and lift the cover.
Front Storage Compartment
Center Console
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The center console has a removable storage tray which
can hold cell phones, PDAs, and other small items.CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light
The cargo area light is activated by opening the liftgate,
opening any door, or by rotating the dimmer control on
the multifunction lever to the extreme top position.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on the cargo area floor should be
used to safely secure loads when the vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision a hook
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
Removable Storage Tray
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WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in per-
sonal injury, follow these guidelines for loading your
vehicle:
•Do not carry loads which exceed the load limits
described on the label attached to the left door or
left door center pillar.
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed
weight over or behind the rear axle can cause the
vehicle to sway.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or be-
come a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or
collision.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The
rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
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Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped
The panel in the load floor is reversible for added utility.
One side features a plastic lined tray which can hold a
variety of items. The maximum load capacity of the load
floor is 400 lbs (181 kg).
The cargo load floor is held by spring loaded latches. In
order to use the cargo load floor, use the following
procedure:
1. Push the side mounted release handles (toward the
center of the vehicle) to release cover.
Floor Panel
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2. Lift the cover.
3. Flip the cover over, and lock panel back into position.Rear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Go)—If
Equipped
The sliding cargo load floor (Load N Go) slides back
and forth on steel tracks for convenience. The maximum
load capacity is 400 lbs (181 kg). The floor panel can stop
every 2 in (50 mm) when the handle is released to lock
the panel in position.
1. Open the tailgate.
Load Floor
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2. Squeeze the right hand release handle.
3. Pull out the sliding panel.4. Squeeze the right hand release handle to slide the
panel back into the vehicle.
Release Handle
Sliding Panel
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer — If Equipped
A rotary ring switch on the control lever (located on the
right side of the steering column), controls operation of
the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating the center of
the switch up to the ON position will activate the wiper.
Rotating the switch ring beyond the ON or OFF position
will activate the rear washer. The wash pump will
continue to operate as long as the lever or ring is
engaged. Upon release, the wipers will cycle three times
before returning to the set position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
off, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume function at whichever position the switch is set.
Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
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Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped
The pushbutton for the rear window defroster is
located on the mode knob of the climate control
switch bank. Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the electric remote control heated mirrors
(optional). An amber light shows that the defroster is on.
The defroster will automatically turn off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of
operation, press the switch again. To prevent excessive
battery drain, use the defroster only when the engine is
operating.CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
ROOF DITCH APPLIQUE — NON FUNCTIONAL
The Roof Ditch Applique as provided on the vehicle is
non functional. Metal side rails and crossbars can be
purchased from Moparaccessories to proved a func-
tional roof rack system.
The load carried on the roof, when equipped with a
luggage rack, must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it
should be uniformly distributed over the cargo area.
Check the straps frequently to be sure that the load
remains securely attached.
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