2011 DODGE NITRO IDENTIFICATION

Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire,
however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the
date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire.Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard
side of the tire.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
— This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire
safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
—03 means the 3rd week.
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
—01 means the year 2001
— Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the
year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 323

•If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
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
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic Sys-
tem” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the month, day, and
hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

This is why you should always talk to an authorized
dealer’s service manager first. Most matters can be re-
solved with this process.
•If for some reason you are still not satisfied, talk to the
general manager or owner of the authorized dealer-
ship. They want to know if you need assistance.
•If an authorized dealership is unable to resolve the
concern, you may contact the manufacturer’s customer
center.
Any communication to the manufacturer’s customer cen-
ter should include the following information:
•Owner’s name and address
•Owner’s telephone number (home and office)
•Authorized dealership name
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Vehicle delivery date and mileage
Chrysler Group LLC Customer Center
P.O. Box 21–8004
Auburn Hills, MI 48321–8004
Phone: (800) 423–6343
Chrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center
P.O. Box 1621
Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6
Phone: (800) 465–2001 English / (800) 387–9983 French
In Mexico contact:
Av. Prolongacion Paseo de la Reforma, 1240
Sante Fe C.P. 05109
Mexico, D. F.
In Mexico City: 5081-7568
Outside Mexico City: 1-800-505-1300
466 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech
Impaired (TDD/TTY)
To assist customers who have hearing difficulties, the
manufacturer has installed special TDD (Telecommuni-
cation Devices for the Deaf) equipment at its customer
center. Any hearing or speech impaired customer, who
has access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter
(TTY) in the United States, can communicate with the
manufacturer by dialing 1–800–380–CHRY.
Canadian residents with hearing difficulties that require
assistance can use the special needs relay service offered
by Bell Canada. For TTY teletypewriter users, dial 711
and for Voice callers, dial 1 800 855-0511 to connect with
a Bell Relay Service operator.
Service Contract
You may have purchased a service contract for a vehicle
to help protect you from the high cost of unexpected
repairs after the manufacturer’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty expires. The manufacturer stands behind onlythe manufacturer’s service contracts. If you purchased a
manufacturer’s service contract, you will receive Plan
Provisions and an Owner Identification Card in the mail
within three weeks of the vehicle delivery date. If you
have any questions about the service contract, call the
manufacturer’s Service Contract National Customer
Hotline at 1-800-521-9922 (Canadian residents, call (800)
465–2001 English / (800) 387–9983 French).
The manufacturer will not stand behind any service
contract that is not the manufacturer’s service contract. It
is not responsible for any service contract other than the
manufacturer’s service contract. If you purchased a ser-
vice contract that is not a manufacturer’s service contract,
and you require service after the manufacturer’s New
Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, please refer to the
contract documents, and contact the person listed in
those documents.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 467

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 200
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 216
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 381
Jump Starting ....................... 388
Overheating ........................ 380
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 404
Engine ............................... 401
Air Cleaner ......................... 410
Block Heater ........................ 293
Break-In Recommendations .............. 86
Compartment .................... 401,402
Compartment Identification ............. 402
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 444
Exhaust Gas Caution ................88,355
Fails to Start ........................ 292
Flooded, Starting ..................... 292
Fuel Requirements ................. 351,443
Jump Starting ....................... 388 Oil .........................
407,443,444
Oil Disposal ........................ 409
Oil Filter ........................... 410
Oil Selection ........................ 443
Oil Synthetic ........................ 409
Overheating ........................ 380
Starting ........................... 291
Temperature Gauge ................... 198
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 409
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 409
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 72
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 352
Event Data Recorder ...................... 75
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 88,355
Exhaust System ....................... 88,415
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 428
Exterior Lights .......................... 91
478 INDEX

Outside............................ 99
Rearview ........................... 97
Vanity ............................ 100
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 341
Mopar Parts ......................... 405,468
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 352
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 151
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 86
Occupant Restraints ....................... 39
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 62
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............351,352
Odometer Trip .............................. 211
Oil, Engine ......................... 407,444
Capacity ........................... 443
Dipstick ........................... 407 Filter
.......................... 410,444
Identification Logo ................... 408
Materials Added to ................... 409
Recommendation .................. 408,443
Synthetic .......................... 409
Viscosity ........................ 409,443
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............403,404
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 169
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 5
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 99
Overdrive ....................... 206,298,302
Overdrive OFF Switch .................298,302
Overheating, Engine ................... 198,380
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........5,469
Paint Care ............................. 427
Paint Damage .......................... 427
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 163
484 INDEX

Storage, Vehicle......................... 283
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 392
Sun Roof .............................. 175
Sun Visor Extension ...................... 100
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 178
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 58
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 409
System, Remote Starting .................... 26
Tachometer ............................ 206
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 278
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 198
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 81
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 185
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 159
Tip Start .............................. 291
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 325
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 323
Tire Markings .......................... 320 Tire Safety Information
.................... 320
Tires ............................ 91,329,471
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 336
Air Pressure ........................ 329
Chains ............................ 338
Changing .......................... 381
Compact Spare ...................... 333
General Information .................. 329
High Speed ......................... 332
Inflation Pressures .................... 330
Jacking ............................ 381
Life of Tires ........................ 336
Load Capacity .................... 325,326
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 341
Pressure Warning Light ................ 206
Quality Grading ..................... 471
Radial ............................ 332
Replacement ........................ 337
Rotation ........................... 340
488 INDEX