2011 DODGE NITRO light

Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned to the ON/RUN position.
•The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving. NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The air bags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper air bag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91

▫Voice Training ...................... 135
 Seats .............................. 135
▫ Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped ....... 136
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 137
▫ Front Manual Seat Adjustment ........... 139
▫ Front Seat — Manual Recline ............ 140
▫ Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat ........... 140
▫ Head Restraints ..................... 141
▫ 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat With Fold-Flat
Feature ........................... 146
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 149
 Lights ............................. 151
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 151 ▫
Headlights And Parking Lights .......... 151
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 152
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 152
▫ High/Low Beam Switch ............... 152
▫ Flash-To-Pass ....................... 152
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped .......... 152
▫ Turn Signals ........................ 153
▫ Instrument Panel Dimmer .............. 154
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 155
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 156
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............ 156
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 158
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 158
94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Closing Sunroof — Express ............. 177
▫ Closing Sunroof — Manual Mode ........ 177
▫ Pinch Protect Feature ................. 177
▫ Pinch Protect Override ................ 177
▫ Venting Sunroof — Express ............. 177
▫ Sunshade Operation .................. 178
▫ Wind Buffeting ...................... 178
▫ Sunroof Maintenance ................. 178
▫ Ignition Off Operation ................. 178
 Electrical Power Outlet ................. 179
 Cupholders .......................... 182 
Storage ............................. 183
▫ Glove Box Storage Compartment ......... 183
▫ Front Storage Compartment ............. 183
▫ Console Storage Compartment ........... 184
 Cargo Area Features ................... 185
▫ Cargo Light ........................ 185
▫ Cargo Tie-Down Hooks ................ 185
▫ Cargo Load Floor — If Equipped ......... 187
 Rear Window Features .................. 188
▫ Rear Window Wiper/Washer ............ 188
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 189
 Roof Trim Applique — Non Functional ...... 190
96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
A two-point pivot system allows for horizontal and
vertical adjustment of the mirror. The mirror should be
adjusted to center on the view through the rear window.
Headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small
control under the mirror to the night position (toward the
rear of the vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted while
set in the day position (toward the windshield).
Adjusting Rearview Mirror
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97

Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped
This mirror automatically adjusts for headlight glare
from vehicles behind you. You can turn the feature on or
off by pressing the button at the base of the mirror. A light
to the left of the button will illuminate to indicate when
the dimming feature is activated. The sensor to the right
of the button does not illuminate.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning, never
spray any cleaning solution directly onto the mirror.
Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe the
mirror clean.
Automatic Dimming Mirror
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Outside Mirrors
To receive maximum benefit, adjust the outside mirror(s)
to center on the adjacent lane of traffic with a slight
overlap of the view obtained on the inside mirror.
WARNING!
Vehicles and other objects seen in the passenger side
convex mirror will look smaller and farther away
than they really are. Relying too much on your
passenger side mirror could cause you to collide with
another vehicle or other object. Use your inside
mirror when judging the size or distance of a vehicle
seen in the passenger side mirror.
Power Mirrors
The power mirror switch is located on the driver’s door
trim panel.
Press the switch to the L (left) or R (right) to select a
mirror. Using one of the four arrows, move the mirror to
the desired position.
Power Mirror Switch
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99