2009 DODGE NITRO lock

child restraint rearward and downward into the seat,
removing slack in the straps according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt
The passenger seat belts are equipped with either cinching
latch plates or automatic locking retractors, which are de-
signed to keep the lap portion tight around the child
restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. If the
seat belt has a cinching latch plate, pulling up on the
shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten thebelt. However, any seat belt system may loosen with time, so
check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if necessary.
If the seat belt has an automatic locking retractor, it will
have a distinctive label. Pull the belt from the retractor
until there is enough to allow it to pass through the child
restraint and slide the latch plate into the buckle. Then,
pull the belt until it is completely extracted from the
retractor. Allow the belt to return to the retractor, pulling
on the excess webbing to tighten the lap portion about
the child restraint. Refer to “Automatic Locking Mode”
earlier in this section.
In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the
buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped
An illuminated vanity mirror is on each sun visor. To use
the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing the
mirror cover upward. The lights will turn on automati-
cally. Closing the mirror cover will turn off the light.
Sun Visor “Slide-Out” Feature
The sun visor “slide-on rod” feature allows for additional
flexibility in positioning the visor to block out the sun.
1. Fold down the sun visor.
2. Unclip the visor from center clip.
3. Pull the sun visor toward the inside rearview mirror to
extend.
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect)—
IF EQUIPPED
NOTE: The sales code RER and REU radios contain an
integrated Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)
system. Refer to your “Navigation User’s Manual” for
UConnectsystem operating instructions for these ra-
dios. Radio sales code can be located on the lower right
corner of the Radio faceplate.
Illuminated Vanity Mirror
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat
The front passenger seat can be folded flat to allow for
extended cargo space. Pull up on the lever to fold down
the seat back.
Head Restraints
Head restraints can reduce the risk of whiplash injury in
the event of impact from the rear. Adjustable head
restraints should be adjusted so that the upper edge is as
high as practical. The head restraints have a locking
button that must be pushed inward to lower the head
restraint. The head restraints may be raised without
pushing in the button.
Fold Flat Passenger Seat
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

•Be sure that the front seats are fully upright and
positioned forward. This will allow the rear seat to
fold down easily.
WARNING!
•It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
•Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
•Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
To Lower Rear Seat
1. Locate the release strap on the lower outboard side of
each rear seatback.2. Pull the release strap (toward the front of the vehicle).
3. Fold the rear seat completely forward.
4. If desired, push down on the seatback to lock it in the
folded position.
Rear Seat Release Strap
126 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

2. Push the safety latch lever to the right. It is located
between the grille and hood opening left of the center.To prevent possible damage:
•Do not slam the hood to close it.
•Use a firm downward push at the center front edge of
the hood to ensure that both latches engage.
•Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.
NOTE:Ensure hood prop rod is fully seated into clip
before closing hood to prevent damage to grille.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are fully latched before
driving.
Underhood Safety Latch
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever under the
multifunction lever and move the wheel up or down as
desired. Pull the lever back upwards to lock the column
firmly in place.WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
Tilt Steering Control Handle
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to “time-out” (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission – which may not be long enough for
HomeLinkto pick up the signal during programming.
Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out” in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace “Programming
HomeLink” Step 3 with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton
while you press and release - every two seconds
(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until HomeLinkhas successfully accepted the frequency signal. The
indicator light will flash slowly and then rapidly when
fully trained.
If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in
at this time.
Then proceed with Step 4 under “Programming
HomeLink” earlier in this section.
Using HomeLink
To operate, simply press and release the programmed
HomeLinkbutton. Activation will now occur for the
trained device (i.e., garage door opener, gate operator,
Security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting,
etc. The hand-held transmitter of the device may also be
used at any time.
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE