2011 DODGE NITRO snow chains

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has two available operating modes in
2WD, 4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time, and on 2WD
vehicles.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in 2WD, 4WD
Part Time, 4WD Full Time, and on 2WD vehicles. When-
ever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this
mode. This mode should be used for most all driving
situations. ESC should only be turned off for specific
reasons as noted below.
Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESC
Off” switch (located in the center stack lower switch
bank). When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion of
ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the
TCS section, has been disabled and the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” will be illuminated. Allother stability features of ESC function normally. This
mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep
snow, sand or gravel conditions and more wheel spin
than ESC would normally allow is required to gain
traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the
“ESC Off” switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On”
mode of operation.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situa-
tion requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by briefly pressing
the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on vehicles equipped with
tires other than P235/65R17 and P225/75R16 tires.
There may not be adequate clearance for the chains
and you are risking structural or body damage to
your vehicle.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off-Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
CAUTION!
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type and circumference
on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause
damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation schedule
should be followed to balance tire wear.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
NOTE: The premium Tire Pressure Monitor System will
automatically locate the pressure values displayed in the
correct vehicle position following a tire rotation.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

Check TPMS Warning
When a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault
will also sound a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still
exists. The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur due to any of the following:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.
Vehicles With Full-Size Spare
1. The matching full-size spare wheel and tire assembly
has a tire pressure monitoring sensor that can be moni-
tored by the TPMS.
2. If you install the full-size spare in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Light” will
turn on upon the next ignition key cycle.
3. Driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) will turn off the “TPMS Telltale Light,” as long
as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning
limit in any of the four active road tires.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 345

If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will no longer flash, and theCHECK TPM
SYSTEM message will no longer display, and a pressure
value will display in place of the dashes. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors. Vehicles With Full-Size Spare
1. The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly
has a tire pressure monitoring sensor that can be moni-
tored by the TPMS.
2. If you install the full size spare in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Light” will
turn on upon the next ignition key cycle. In addition, the
EVIC will display a Low Pressure message and a graphic
showing the low tire pressure value flashing.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) the “TPMS Telltale Light” will turn
OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires.
4. The EVIC will display a graphic showing the tire
pressure value in place of the flashing low tire pressure
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 349

Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 14
Sentry Key Programming ................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 15
Service Assistance ....................... 465
Service Contract ......................... 467
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 210
Service Manuals ........................ 469
Setting the Clock .................. 229,248,257
Settings, Personal ........................ 224
Shift Lever Override ...................... 393
Shifting Automatic Transmission .............295,300
Shoulder Belts ........................... 43
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 284
Signals, Turn .............. 91,153,201,439,440,441
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 338
Spare Tire ....................... 333,334,382Specifications
Fuel (Gasoline) ...................... 351
Oil ............................... 408
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 160
Speedometer ........................... 200
Starting ............................... 291
Cold Weather ....................... 291
Engine Block Heater .................. 293
Engine Fails to Start .................. 292
Remote ............................ 26
Steering Power .......................... 307,308
Tilt Column ........................ 159
Wheel, Tilt ......................... 159
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .............. 271
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 271
Storage ............................... 183
Storage Bin ............................ 183
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INDEX 487