2011 DODGE NITRO fuel

•Display Units of Measure in:
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until “ENGLISH” or “METRIC”
appears.
To Reset The Display
Reset will only occur while a resettable function is being
displayed. Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT
button once to clear the resettable function being dis-
played. To reset all resettable functions, press and release
the FUNCTION SELECT button a second time within
three seconds of resetting the currently displayed func-
tion. (Reset ALL will display during this three-second
window).
Compass Display / ECO (Fuel Saver Mode) —
If Equipped
The compass readings indicate the direction
the vehicle is facing. Press and release the
compass button to display one of eight
compass readings and the outside tempera-
ture.
NOTE: The system will display the last known outside
temperature when starting the vehicle and may need to
be driven several minutes before the updated tempera-
ture is displayed. Engine temperature can also affect the
displayed temperature; therefore, temperature readings
are not updated when the vehicle is not moving.
ECO (Fuel Saver Mode) — If Equipped
The ECO message will display below the outside tem-
perature in the EVIC display. This message will appear
whenever you are driving in a fuel efficient manner.
COMPASS
Button
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221

This feature allows you to monitor when you are driving
in a fuel efficient manner, and it can be used to modify
driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually reset the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the EVIC will
display CAL until the compass is calibrated. You may
also calibrate the compass by completing one or more
360–degree turns (in an area free from large metal or
metallic objects) until the CAL indicator displayed in the
EVIC turns off. The compass will now function normally.
NOTE:A good calibration requires a level surface and
an environment free from large metallic objects such as
buildings, bridges, underground cables, railroad tracks,
etc.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the CAL indicator
does not appear in the EVIC display, you must put the
compass into the calibration mode manually as follows:
1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Press the MENU button until Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features) menu is reached.
3. Press the SCROLL button until “Calibrate Compass” is
displayed in the EVIC.
4. Press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button to
start the calibration. The CAL indicator will be displayed
in the EVIC.
5. Complete one or more 360–degree turns (in an area
free from large metal or metallic objects) until the CAL
indicator turns off. The compass will now function
normally.
222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Delay Turning Headlights Off
When this feature is selected, the driver can choose to
have the headlights remain on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds
when exiting the vehicle. To make your selection, press
and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until “0,”
“30,” “60,” or “90” appears.
Turn Headlights On with Remote Key Unlock
When this feature is selected, the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the RKE transmitter. To make your selec-
tion, press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button
until “OFF,” “30 sec.,” “60 sec.,” or “90 sec.” appears.
Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, Uconnect Phone™ (if equipped), DVD
video system (if equipped), power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening either frontvehicle door will cancel this feature. To make your
selection, press and release the FUNCTION SELECT
button until “Off,” “45 sec,” “5 min,” or “10 min” appears.
Enable/Disable the Rear Park Assist System
The Rear Park Assist system will scan for objects behind
the vehicle when the transmission is in the REVERSE
position and the vehicle speed is less than 11 mph
(18 km/h). The system can be enabled with turned ON or
turned OFF through the EVIC, to make your selection,
press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button. Refer
to “Rear Park Assist System” in “Understanding The
Features Of Your Vehicle” for system function and oper-
ating information.
Display Fuel Saver — If Equipped
The “ECO” message is located in the Compass/
Temperature display; this message can be turned on or
off. To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until “ON” or “OFF” appears.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

FloorAir is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side
window demist outlets.
Mix Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Defrost Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting. NOTE:
•The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix,
Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning (A/C) button is not pressed. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
•For information on operating the Rear Defrost, refer to
“Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea-
tures Of Your Vehicle”.
Recirculation Control Pressing the Recirculation Control button will
put the system in recirculation mode. This can
be used when outside conditions such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are pres-
ent. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the
control button to illuminate. After ten minutes, the sys-
tem will return to normal mode function and the LED
will turn off.
276 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 333
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 334
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 334
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 335
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 336
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 336
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 337
 Tire Chains .......................... 338
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 340
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 341
▫ Base System ........................ 343
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 346
▫ General Information .................. 351 
Fuel Requirements ..................... 351
▫ 3.7L Engine ........................ 351
▫ 4.0L Engine ........................ 351
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 352
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 352
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 353
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 354
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 354
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 354
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 355
 Adding Fuel ......................... 356
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 356
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 358
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STARTING AND OPERATING 289

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.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission 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 discharged 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 dangerous if done improp-
erly. Refer to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pressed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 sec-
ond periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme
Cold Weather” procedures.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is found under the hood
clipped to the heater line on the left side of the engine.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 293

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in second gear in any forward driving range.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off and turn the key to the LOCK
position.4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear range will operate in the DRIVE
position. Have the transmission checked at your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
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