2010 DODGE NITRO child lock

To Raise Rear Seat
If locked in the folded position, pull the release strap
(toward the front of the vehicle).
Raise the seatback and lock it into place. If interference
from the cargo area prevents the seatback from fully
locking, you will have difficulty returning the seat to its
proper position.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into
position. If the seatback is not securely locked into
position, the seat will not provide the proper stability
for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, there are two latches that must be
released.
1. Pull the hood release lever located under the left side
of the instrument panel.
Hood Release Lever
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Tip Start Feature
Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it
as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 293

WARNING!
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in REVERSE. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended in a vehicle is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls or move the vehicle.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the key to the LOCK position. The key
can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever
is locked in PARK.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to the ON or
START position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 297

NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-
sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured.
•Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident. (Continued)
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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