2010 DODGE NITRO service indicator

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your
tires. The service description and load identification will
be found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity than what was originally equipped on
your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have an accident.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 345

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo Load Floor........................ 182
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 180
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 366
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,275
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 444
Certification Label ....................... 366
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 388
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 330
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............205,404
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 86
Checks, Safety ........................... 86
Child Restraint .................... 76,77,81,83
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............80,81
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Climate Control ......................... 275
Clock ..................... 223,238,240,243,253
Coin Holder ........................... 179
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274Compact Spare Tire
...................... 341
Compass ........................ 207,210,216
Compass Calibration .................. 210,217
Compass Variance .................... 209,218
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 215
Console .............................. 179
Console, Floor .......................... 179
Contract, Service ........................ 473
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 419
Coolant Capacity ...................... 445
Coolant Level ......................... 421
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 421
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 418
Inspection ........................... 417
Points to Remember .................... 422
Pressure Cap ......................... 420
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......418,445,446
Corrosion Protection ..................... 428
482 INDEX

Lights.............................. 90,147
Airbag .......................... 74,88,200
Alarm .............................. 194
Anti-Lock ........................... 199
Back-Up ............................ 443
Brake Assist Warning ................... 328
Brake Warning ........................ 196
Bulb Replacement ...................... 440
Cargo .............................. 180
Center Mounted Stop ................... 444
Cruise .............................. 206
Daytime Running ...................... 151
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ............... 149
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator ......................... 194,326
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 193
Exterior .............................. 90
Fog .......................... 150,199,442
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 207 Hazard Warning Flasher
................. 386
Headlight Switch ...................... 148
Headlights ........................... 440
High Beam Indicator .................... 194
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster .................. 148,192
Interior ............................. 151
Lights On Reminder .................... 149
Low Fuel ......................... 192,193
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 205
Oil Pressure .......................... 199
Passing ............................. 149
Rear Servicing ........................ 443
Rear Tail ............................ 443
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 193
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 194
Service ............................. 440
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 205
Side Marker .......................... 443
488 INDEX

Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 194
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........200,348
Traction Control ....................... 326
Turn Signal ................ 90,150,441,442,443
Voltage ............................. 198
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 192
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 182
Loading Vehicle ......................... 366
Tires ............................... 334
Locks ................................. 28
Child Protection ........................ 31
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 348
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 80,81
Lubrication, Body ....................... 413
Luggage Carrier ......................... 185 Maintenance Free Battery
.................. 411
Maintenance Procedures ................... 406
Maintenance Schedule .................... 450
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 174
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 205,404
Manual, Service ......................... 475
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ..................... 447
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 423
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 207,215
Mirrors ................................ 97
Automatic Dimming ..................... 98
Electric Powered ....................... 99
Outside .............................. 98
Rearview ............................. 97
Vanity .............................. 100
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 348
Mopar Parts ......................... 406,474
10
INDEX 489

Sentry Key Replacement................... 15
Service Assistance ....................... 471
Service Contract ......................... 473
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 205
Service Manuals ........................ 475
Setting the Clock .............223,238,240,243,253
Settings, Personal ........................ 219
Shift Lock Manual Override ................ 298
Shifting Automatic Transmission ..............299,303
Shoulder Belts ........................... 39
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 286
Signals, Turn .............. 90,150,195,441,442,443
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 346
Spare Tire .......................... 341,388
Specifications Fuel (Gasoline) ........................ 358
Oil ................................ 408 Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.............. 156
Speedometer ........................... 194
Starting ............................... 293
Cold Weather ......................... 294
Engine Block Heater .................... 296
Engine Fails to Start .................... 294
Remote .............................. 25
Steering Power ........................... 315,316
Tilt Column .......................... 155
Wheel, Tilt ........................... 155
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 273
Storage ............................... 178
Storage Bin ............................ 178
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 285
Sun Roof .............................. 171
Sun Visor Extension ...................... 100
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 174
10
INDEX 493