2010 DODGE NITRO automatic transmission

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The keys for your vehicle are double-sided. You can
insert the keys into the locks with either side up.The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic
bag with the key code number on it. If you received your
keys without the bag, ask your authorized dealer to give
you the number. The key code can also be obtained by an
authorized dealer from your vehicle invoice.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
•
Place the shift lever in PARK.
•Push the key and cylinder inward slightly and rotate
the key to the LOCK position.
•Remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Door Locks
A door lock switch is located on each of the front door
panels. Press this switch to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate.If you press the power door LOCK switch while the key
is in the ignition and either of the front doors is open, the
power locks will not operate. This prevents you from
accidentally locking your keys in the vehicle. Removing
the key or closing the door will allow the locks to operate.
A chime will sound if the key is in the ignition switch and
a door is open as a reminder to remove the key.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The automatic door locks feature is enabled.
2. The transmission is in gear.
3. All doors are closed.
4. The throttle is pressed.
5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h).
Power Door Lock Switch
1 - Unlock
2 - Lock
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

6. The doors were not previously locked using the power
door lock switch or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
Automatic Door Locks Programming
The automatic door locks feature can be enabled or
disabled as follows:
For vehicles equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, perform the
following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and
then back to LOCK four times, ending up in the LOCK
position.3. Press the power door LOCK switch to lock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE:
Use the automatic door locks feature in accor-
dance with local laws.
Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit
The doors will unlock automatically on vehicles with
power door locks if:
1. The automatic unlock doors on exit feature is enabled.
2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
3. The transmission is in NEUTRAL or PARK.
4. The driver door is opened.
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
22. Airbag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
then have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in
“Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
23. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(RPM x 1000). Before the pointer reaches the red area,
ease up on the accelerator to prevent engine damage. 24. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

27. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position, before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205

3. Press the SCROLL button until the “Compass Vari-
ance” message and the last variance zone number dis-
plays in the EVIC.
4. Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button
until the proper variance zone is selected according to the
map.
5. Press and release the COMPASS button to exit.
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK.
Press and release the MENU button until Personal Set-
tings displays in the EVIC.
Use the SCROLL button to display one of the following
choices:
Language
When in this display you may select one of five lan-
guages for all display nomenclature, including the trip
functions and the navigation system (if equipped). Press
the FUNCTION SELECT button while in this display to
select English, Espanol, or Francais. As you continue, the
information will display in the selected language.
Lock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 km/h)
When ON is selected, all doors will lock automatically
when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until ON or OFF appears.
Unlock Doors Automatically on Exit
When ON is selected, all doors will unlock when the
vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position and the driver’s door is opened. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
SELECT button until ON or OFF appears.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 293
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 293
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) ................ 294
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 294
▫ After Starting ....................... 295
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 296
 Automatic Transmission ................. 296
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 297▫
Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 297
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 298
▫ Four–Speed Automatic Transmission –
3.7L Engine ........................ 299
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 299
▫ Five–Speed Automatic Transmission –
4.0L Engine ........................ 303
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 304
5

Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, the use
of an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING