2009 DODGE NITRO engine

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because
of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of
control it may roll over when some other vehicles may
not.
Do not attempt sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
4 INTRODUCTION

Engine Break-In Recommendations.......... 75
Safety Tips............................ 76
▫Exhaust Gas......................... 76▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle............................. 76
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle............................. 77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry KeyImmobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.NOTE:A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
someone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Once the engine starts it will run for 15 minutes. To
cancel remote start, press and release the REMOTE
START button once.
To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a
remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter. Once the
vehicle is unlocked, you have 60 seconds to enter the
vehicle, insert the key in the ignition, and turn it to the
ON position. Otherwise, the system will cancel the
remote start and automatically turn off.
Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:
•If the engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500.
•Any engine warning lamps come on.
•The hood is opened.
•The hazard switch is pressed.
•The transmission is moved out of PARK.The vehicle can be started remotely a maximum of two
times consecutively. The vehicle is also allowed a maxi-
mum of one failed start, where the remote start sequence
was initiated but the engine stopped cranking without
starting. Following either of these conditions, or if the
Vehicle Security Alarm (if equipped) is sounding, or if the
PANIC button was pressed, the system must be reset
before remote starting the vehicle again. To reset the
system, insert a valid key into the ignition and turn it to
the ON position and then back to the LOCK position.
DOOR LOCKS
The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display, located in the
odometer area, displays the word DOOR as an indication
of a door ajar or door not completely closed. When the
vehicle is not moving and the door is ajar or not
completely closed, the VF display will show the word
DOOR.
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en-
abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:
NOTE:The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. The manufacturer does not recom-
mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert).
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, and
fasten the driver seat belt.
2. Start the engine, and wait for the Seat Belt Warning
Light to turn off.3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver seat belt at least three times,
ending with the seat belt buckled.
4. Turn OFF the engine. A single chime will sound to
signify that you have successfully completed the
programming.
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be reac-
tivated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE:Although the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning
Light will continue to illuminate while the driver seat
belt remains unfastened.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Deployed airbags cannot protect you in another col-
lision. Have the airbags, and seat belt retractor as-
sembly replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Also, have the Occupant Classification Sys-
tem serviced as well.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment
with the vehicle stopped, the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine.
•Flashes hazard lights.
•Turns on the interior lamps which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlocks the doors automatically.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper or vehicle body struc-
ture.
(Continued)
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Transmission gear selection
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time including babies and children. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.Children 12 years and younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children
from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an
adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s
Manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use
the restraint that is correct for your child:
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap can become
so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how
strong you are. The child and others could be badly
injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a
proper restraint for the child’s size.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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