2011 DODGE NITRO Owners Manual

CUPHOLDERS
There are two cupholders for the front seat passengers,
located in the center console.The rear passengers have cupholders at the rear of the
center console.
Front Cupholders
Rear Cupholders
182 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

STORAGE
Glove Box Storage Compartment
The glove box storage compartment is located on the
right side of the instrument panel. Pull outward on the
latch to open the storage compartment.
Front Storage Compartment
The front storage compartment (located on the left side of
the instrument panel) can hold cell phones, PDAs, and
other small items.
Glove Box Storage Compartment
Front Storage Compartment
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 183

Console Storage Compartment
To open, press the latch and lift the cover.The center console has a removable storage tray which
can hold cell phones, PDAs, and other small items.
Center ConsoleRemovable Storage Tray
184 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Do not operate this vehicle with a console compart-
ment lid in the open position. Cellular phones, music
players, and other handheld electronic devices
should be stowed while driving. Use of these devices
while driving can cause an accident due to distrac-
tion, resulting in death or injury.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light
The cargo area light is activated by opening the liftgate,
opening any door, or by rotating the dimmer control on
the multifunction lever to the extreme top position.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on the cargo area floor should be
used to safely secure loads when the vehicle is moving.
Cargo Tie-Downs
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185

WARNING!
Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or accident a hook
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in per-
sonal injury, follow these guidelines for loading your
vehicle:
•Do not carry loads which exceed the load limits
described on the label attached to the left door or
left door center pillar.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed
weight over or behind the rear axle can cause the
vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or be-
come a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or
accident.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The
rear cargo space is intended for load carrying
purposes only, not for passengers, who should sit
in seats and use seat belts.
186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped
The panel in the load floor is reversible for added utility.
One side features a plastic lined tray which can hold a
variety of items. The maximum load capacity of the load
floor is 400 lbs (181 kg).
The cargo load floor is held by spring loaded latches. In
order to use the cargo load floor, use the following
procedure:
1. Push both side mounted release handles (toward the
center of the vehicle) at the same time to release cover.2. Lift the cover.
Floor Panel
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 187

3. Flip the cover over, and lock panel back into position.REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper/washer is controlled by a rotary switch
located on the control lever. The control lever is located
on the right side of the steering column.
Load Floor
Rear Wiper/Washer Control
188 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rotate the switch upward to the first detent posi-
tion for rear wiper operation.
NOTE: The rear wiper operates in an intermittent mode
only.
Rotate the switch upward past the first detent to
activate the rear washer. The washer pump will
continue to operate as long as the switch is held
(for a maximum of 10 seconds). Upon release, the wiper
will cycle two times before returning to the set position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the “park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume function at whichever position the switch is set.
NOTE: The rear wiper and the rear washer will not
operate If the liftgate flipper glass is open.Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is located on the
climate control (Mode) knob. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated outside
mirrors. An indicator in the button will illuminate when
the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes. For an additional five minutes of operation,
press the button a second time.
NOTE: To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear
window defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
(Continued)
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 189