2010 DODGE NITRO towing

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ................ 386
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 386
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 388
▫ Jack Location ....................... 388
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ................... 388
▫ Spare Tire Removal ................... 389
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 389 ▫
Jacking Instructions ................... 390
 Jump-Starting Procedures ................ 393
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 394
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 395
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 397
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles .............. 397
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles .............. 398
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8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive(+)jumper
cable from the positive (+)post of the booster battery.
9. Disconnect the positive (+)end of the jumper cable
from the positive (+)post of the discharged vehicle.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended. Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brack-
ets. State and local laws applying to vehicles under tow
must be observed.
NOTE: The transmission must be in NEUTRAL under
any towing configuration.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Front Wheels Raised
The speed must notexceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the
distance must notexceed 15 miles (25 km).
This vehicle may be towed with the transmission in
NEUTRAL, the ignition key in the LOCK position, the
front wheels raised, and the rear wheels on the ground.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 397

CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the
ground at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more
than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe transmission
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km)
or faster than 30 mph, it must be towed on a flatbed.
Rear Wheels Raised
The vehicle may be towed with the transmission in
NEUTRAL, the ignition key in the LOCK position, the
rear wheels raised, and the front wheels on the ground.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Four-wheel drive vehicles must be towed with all four
wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle using any other method could
result in extensive damage to the transfer case and/or
transmission. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
398 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser (if
equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

18,000 Miles (30,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid;
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
24,000 Miles (40,000 km) or 24 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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S454 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

30,000 Miles (50,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the transfer case fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
36,000 Miles (60,000 km) or 36 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid; change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 455

54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid;
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 457