2009 DODGE NITRO tire pressure

NOTE:
Vehicles with Compact Spare
1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pressure
monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor
the pressure in the compact spare tire.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, the TPMS Telltale
light will remain on and a chime will sound. In addition,
the graphic in the EVIC will still display a flashing
pressure value.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h), the TPMS Telltale light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In
addition, the EVIC will display aCHECK TPM SYS-
TEMmessage for three seconds and then display dashes
(- -) in place of the pressure value.4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound, the TPMS Telltale light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC will
display aCHECK TPM SYSTEMmessage for three
seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value.
5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPMS Telltale light will turn off and the graphic in the
EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes
(- -), as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
3.7L Engine
The 3.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide excel-
lent fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded “regular”
gasoline having an octane rating of 87. The
use of premium gasoline is not recom-
mended. Under normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over high quality
regular gasolines, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Size
The tire size on the label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires forproper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

Engine Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser (if
equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount ofengine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty and contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7

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

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
414 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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About Your Brakes....................... 284
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 285
Adding Fuel........................... 331
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 376
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 378
Air Conditioning.....................248,251
Air Conditioning Controls................. 251
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 252
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 378
Air Conditioning System.................. 251
Air Filter.............................. 376
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 306
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment....................... 60
Airbag Light.......................63,77,181
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Alarm Light........................... 176
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 17Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 241
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 408
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............285,288
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 180
Anti-Theft System........................ 17
Appearance Care........................ 392
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 262
Automatic Transmission.............265,270,389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 389
Fluid Level Check..................... 389
Fluid Type........................390,410
Gear Ranges......................... 265
Special Additives...................... 390
Torque Converter...................270,274
438 INDEX