2009 DODGE NITRO warning light

CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impu-
rities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting
aftermarket cap can cause the Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the MIL to turn
on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the MIL to turn on.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about one quarter turn until
you hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time the vehicle
is refueled.
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The trailer tow package may include a 4-pin and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
6. Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
7. Position the spare wheel/tire on the vehicle and install
the lug nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel.
Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the
vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the nuts fully until the
vehicle has been lowered.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left,
and remove the jack and wheel blocks.9. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 95 ft lbs (130 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service
station.
10. Lower the jack to its fully closed position.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
11. Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper
locations.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 361
6

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install only
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result
in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas mile-
age, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services or immediately if
the BRAKE warning light shows system failure.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level
should be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 354
Turn Signal..................176,404,405,406
Flooded Engine Starting................... 260
Floor Console.......................... 159
Fluid, Brake........................... 410
Fluid Capacities......................... 408
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks...................... 391
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Engine Oil........................... 373
Power Steering........................ 283
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 409
Fog Light Service........................ 405
Fog Lights..........................131,405
Folding Rear Seat........................ 125
Four Wheel Drive....................... 275
Operation........................... 275
Systems............................. 275Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 275
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 354
Front Axle (Differential)................... 391
Fuel................................. 326
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 331
Gasoline............................ 326
Gauge.............................. 174
Light............................... 175
Materials Added....................... 329
Octane Rating...................326,327,409
Requirements......................... 408
Tank Capacity........................ 408
Fuel System Caution..................... 330
Fuses................................ 396
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 144
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............331,333,370
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 174
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 326
INDEX 443
10

Gasoline, Reformulated................... 327
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 328
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 174
Fuel............................... 174
Odometer........................... 184
Speedometer......................... 176
Tachometer.......................... 181
Gear Ranges........................265,271
General Information.................17,115,326
Glass Cleaning.......................... 395
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............334,337
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............334,336
GVWR............................... 334
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect) .............. 86
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 354
Head Restraints......................... 123
Head Rests............................ 123Headlights
Bulb Replacement...................... 403
Dimmer Switch....................... 130
Replacing........................... 403
Switch.............................. 130
Heated Seats........................... 124
Heater, Engine Block..................... 262
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 341
Holder, Coin........................... 159
Holder, Cup........................... 158
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 144
Hood Release.......................... 127
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................ 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 19
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 14
444 INDEX