2011 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual containsWARNINGSagainst op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONSagainst proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is
visible from outside of the vehicle through the wind-
shield. This number also is stamped into the right front
door sill (under the molding) and appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration, and the title.
Vehicle Identification Number
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INTRODUCTION 7

NOTE:It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Stamped VIN Location
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫ Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 14
 Sentry Key .......................... 14
▫ Replacement Keys ..................... 15
▫ Customer Key Programming ............. 16
▫ General Information ................... 17
 Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 17
▫ To Arm The System ................... 18 ▫
To Disarm The System ................. 18
 Illuminated Entry ...................... 19
 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 20
▫ To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 20
▫ To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 21
▫ Remote Open Window Feature — If
Equipped ........................... 23
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 24
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▫Battery Replacement ................... 24
▫ General Information ................... 25
 Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 26
▫ How To Use Remote Start ............... 26
 Door Locks ........................... 28
▫ Manual Door Locks ................... 28
▫ Power Door Locks .................... 30
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System —
Rear Doors .......................... 33
 Windows ............................ 34
▫ Power Windows ...................... 34
▫ Wind Buffeting ....................... 38
 Liftgate ............................. 38 
Occupant Restraints ..................... 39
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 43
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .... 44
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 47
▫ Seat Belt Pretensioner .................. 48
▫ Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 48
▫ Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 49
▫ Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 50
▫ Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) . . 51
▫ Energy Management Feature ............. 55
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ......................... 55
▫ Seat Belt Lock Out .................... 57
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 57
▫ Seat Belt Extender ..................... 57
▫ Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) — Air Bags ..................... 58
▫ Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 64
▫ Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 75
▫ Child Restraints ...................... 76
 Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 86
Safety Tips ........................... 87
▫ Transporting Passengers ................ 87
▫ Exhaust Gas ......................... 88
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 89
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 91
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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

WARNING!
•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. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — Lock3 — On
2 — Acc 4 — Start
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13