2010 DODGE NITRO tire pressure

components, sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability, does not necessarily increase the ve-
hicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargoloaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367

Towing Requirements – Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for proper tirereplacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes

Do
not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 379

garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System – Drain, Flush, and Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty and contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
Selection of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini-
Fuse Description
M12 30 Amp
GreenAmplifier (AMP)
M13 20 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw –
Cabin Compartment
Node (IOD-CCN),
Wireless Control
Module (WCM), SI-
REN, Clock Module
(CLK MOD), Multi-
function Control
Switch (MULTIFCTN
SW)
M14 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow (Export
Only)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
Fuse Description
M15 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation,
Air Conditioning/
Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (HVAC/
ATC), Rearview
Mirror (RR VW MIR),
Cabin Compartment
Node (CCN), Transfer
Case Switch (T-CASE
SW), RUN/ST, Multi-
function Control
Switch (MULTIFTCN
SW), Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM), Glow
Plug Module (GLW
PLG MOD) – Export
Diesel Only
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.8
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E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 451

About Your Brakes....................... 317
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 319
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 419
Adding Fuel ........................... 364
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 410
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 412
Air Conditioning ........................ 275
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 275
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 286
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 287
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 413
Air Conditioning System ................275,279
Air Filter .............................. 410
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 339
Airbag ................................ 54
Airbag Deployment ....................... 71
Airbag Light ....................... 74,88,200
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 73
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 59Alarm Light
........................... 194
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 17
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................265,270
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 445
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............319,322
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 199
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 428
Assistance Towing ....................... 115
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 34
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 98
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 279
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 296
Automatic Transmission .............299,303,425
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 425
Fluid Level Check ..................... 425
480 INDEX

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

Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 14
Infant Restraint ........................ 76,77
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 339
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 211
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 97
Instrument Cluster .................... 191,192
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 190
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 432
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 432
Interior Appearance Care .................. 431
Interior Lights .......................... 151
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 154
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 388
Jack Operation ....................... 388,390
Jacking Instructions ...................... 390
Jump Starting .......................... 393 Key, Programming
........................ 16
Key, Replacement ........................ 15
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 14
Key-In Reminder ......................... 14
Keyless Entry System ...................... 19
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change Assist ...................... 151
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 39
LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tether for CHildren) .................... 80,81
Latches ................................ 91
Lead Free Gasoline ...................... 358
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 91
Life of Tires ............................ 344
Liftgate ................................ 37
Light Bulbs ............................. 90
10
INDEX 487