2010 DODGE NITRO ignition

WARNING!
Avoid trapping anyone in a vehicle in a collision.
Remember that the rear doors can only be opened
from the outside when the child protection locks are
engaged.
WINDOWS
Power Windows
The power window controls are located on the driver’s
door trim panel. There is a single switch on the front
passenger/rear passenger doors which operates the front
passenger/rear passenger door windows. The window
controls will operate only when the ignition switch is in
the ON or ACC position.The power window switches remain active for up to
10 minutes after the ignition switch has been turned OFF.
For vehicles equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Power Window Switches
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle with the keys in the
ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unattended
children, can become entrapped by the windows
while operating the power window switches. Such
entrapment may result in serious injury or death.
Auto-Down Feature
The driver’s and front passenger’s (if equipped for pas-
senger side) power window switches have an “Auto-
Down” feature. Press the window switch past the first
detent, release, and the window will go down automati-
cally.To open the window part way, press the window switch
to the first detent and release it when you want the
window to stop.
To stop the window from going all the way down during
the Auto-Down operation, pull up on the switch briefly.
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches
will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition switch
is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front
door will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power window
switches will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time is
programmable. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Auto Up Feature with Anti-Pinch Protection — If
Equipped
On some models, the driver’s and front passenger’s (if
equipped for passenger side) power window switches
have an “Auto Up” feature. Pull the window switch up to
the second detent, release, and the window will go up
automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way up during the
auto-up operation, push down on the switch briefly.
To close the window part way, pull the window switch
up to the first detent and release when you want the
window to stop.
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches
will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition switch
is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front
door will cancel this feature.For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, the power window
switches will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature. The time is
programmable. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•If the window runs into any obstacle during auto-
closure, it will reverse direction and then go back
down. Remove the obstacle and use the window
switch again to close the window.
•Any impact due to rough road conditions may trigger
the auto-reverse function unexpectedly during auto-
closure. If this happens, pull the switch lightly to the
first detent and hold to close window manually.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

BeltAlertcan be enabled 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 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 Reminder
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. BeltAlert
can be reactivated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE: Although BeltAlert has been deactivated, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver seat belt remains unfastened.
Seat Belt Lock Out
The center rear seat belt system has a lock out feature that
will not allow you to extract the center webbing unless
the rear seat upper latch is engaged.
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

Advanced Front Airbags may deploy in crashes with
little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe
initial deceleration.
The SABIC will not deploy in all side collisions. SABIC
deployment will depend on the severity and type of
collision.
Because airbag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over
time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not
good indicators of whether or not an airbag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all crashes,
and also are needed to help keep you in position, away
from an inflating airbag.
The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the airbag system whenever the ignition switch is
in the START or ON positions. If the key is in the LOCKposition, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
airbag system is not on and the airbags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the “Airbag Warning
Light” for four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned ON. After the
self-check, the “Airbag Warning Light” will
turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of
the system, it turns on the “Airbag Warning Light” either
momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound
if the light comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
If a Deployment Occurs
The front airbags are designed to deflate immediately
after deployment.NOTE:
Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the airbag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbag system ready to inflate
for your protection in an impact. The airbag warning
light monitors the internal circuits and interconnecting
wiring associated with airbag system electrical compo-
nents. The airbag system is designed to be maintenance
free. If any of the following occurs, have an authorized
dealer service the system promptly:
•Does not come on during the four to eight seconds
after the ignition switch is first turned ON.
•Remains on after the four to eight second interval.
•Comes on for any period of time while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of a collision, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see list below) in an event data recorder prior to the
moment of airbag deployment, or near deployment (ifapplicable), and up to a quarter second of either high-
speed deceleration data or change in velocity during
and/or after airbag deployment or near-deployment.
EDR data is ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys, or
nearly deploys, and is otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.
2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by Chrysler Group LLC and others to learn more
about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE