2009 DODGE NITRO steering

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires.
NOTE:The use of class “S” chains is permitted with
P235/65R17 and P225/75R16 tires.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on vehicles equipped with
tires other than P235/65R17 and P225/75R16 tires.
There may not be adequate clearance for the chains
and you are risking structural or body damage to
your vehicle.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates and develop irregular wear patterns.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height and maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control, thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) requirements.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in PARK.
Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M15 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation, Air
Conditioning/
Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (HVAC/
ATC), Rearview Mirror
(RR VW MIR), Cabin
Compartment Node
(CCN), Transfer Case
Switch (T-CASE SW),
RUN/ST, Multifunc-
tion Control Switch
(MULTIFTCN SW),
Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM), Glow Plug
Module (GLW PLG
MOD) — Export Diesel
Only
M16 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller/Occupant
Classification Module
(ORC/OCM)
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M17 15 Amp
BlueLeft Tail/License/Park
Lamp (LT-TAIL/LIC/
PRK LMP)
M18 15 Amp
BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp (RT-TAIL/PRK/
RUN LMP)
M19 25 Amp
NaturalAuto Shut Down (ASD
#1 and #2)
M20 15 Amp
BlueCabin Compartment
Node Interior Light
(CCN INT LIGHT),
Switch Bank (SW
BANK), Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
M21 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shut Down (ASD
#3)
M22 10 Amp
RedRight Horn (RT HORN
(HI/LOW)
M23 10 Amp
RedLeft Horn (LT HORN
(HI/LOW)
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

5. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace the
bulb.
Left Front Turn Signal
1. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right (full
right lock).
2. Remove the door in the left wheel liner by twisting
counter clockwise. Access to the bulb can be gained
through the wheel liner hole.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Twist the bulb counter clockwise to remove.
Access Door
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Multi-Purpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......383,408,409
Corrosion Protection..................... 392
Cupholders............................ 158
Customer Assistance..................... 429
Daytime Running Lights................... 131
Dealer Service.......................... 372
Defroster, Rear Window................... 166
Defroster, Windshield...................77,250
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 133
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 369
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 130
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 373
Power Steering........................ 283
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 375
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 386
Door Locks............................. 26Door Opener, Garage..................... 144
Driving............................... 277
Off-Pavement......................... 278
Off-Road............................ 278
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 245
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 85
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 154
Electrical Power Outlets................... 154
Electronic Brake Control System............. 288
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 288
Brake Assist System.................... 290
Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 291
Electronic Stability Program............... 292
Traction Control System................. 289
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 291
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 135
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........176,292
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 191
INDEX 441
10