2009 DODGE NITRO overheating

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

Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the “Snow-
flake” button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature
control, air direction, and blower speed to maintain
comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
DEFROST mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminants (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminants increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50%
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and
Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After the transmission cools
down, the transmission will resume normal operation.The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift to 3rd gear.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating your engine by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn OFF the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 356
Overheating.......................... 355
Towing............................. 364
Emission Control System Maintenance......370,412
Engine............................... 367
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Block Heater......................... 262
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Compartment......................367,368
Compartment Identification............... 368
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 409
Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,330
Fails to Start.......................... 260
Flooded, Starting...................... 260
Fuel Requirements..................326,408
Jump Starting......................... 362
Oil ...........................373,408,409
Oil Disposal.......................... 375Oil Filter............................ 375
Oil Selection.......................... 408
Oil Synthetic......................... 375
Overheating.......................... 355
Starting............................. 259
Temperature Gauge.................... 174
Engine Oil Viscosity...................374,375
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart..............374,375
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Exhaust Gas Caution...................76,330
Exhaust System......................... 380
Exterior Finish Care...................... 393
Fabric Care.........................394,395
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 376
Engine Oil........................375,409
Finish Care............................ 393
442 INDEX

Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............326,327
Odometer
Trip ................................ 186
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 278
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 278
Oil, Engine.........................373,409
Capacity............................ 408
Dipstick............................. 373
Filter............................375,409
Identification Logo..................... 374
Materials Added to..................... 375
Recommendation...................374,408
Synthetic............................ 375
Viscosity.......................374,375,408
Onboard Diagnostic System..............369,370
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 144
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 5
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 84
Overdrive.......................181,267,273Overdrive OFF Switch.................267,273
Overheating, Engine...................174,355
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........5,433
Paint Care............................. 392
Paint Damage.......................... 392
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear................... 137
Parking Brake.......................... 284
Parking On Hill......................... 284
Passing Light........................... 131
Personal Settings........................ 198
Pets.................................. 75
Pets, Transporting........................ 75
Phone, Cellular.......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 86
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 301
Polishing and Waxing..................... 393
448 INDEX