2011 DODGE NITRO tow

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival.If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light
• If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle aspossible. While driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road conditions. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when coldand inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER
INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
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WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake
system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., mayilluminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control OFF Warning Light
• If the ESC OFF warning light comes on continuously with the engine running, amalfunction has been detected.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the chargingsystem light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stopthe vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
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• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cyclethe ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Airbag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have thevehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system isnot functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you drive to
the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature thatmight occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a“clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHAngE OIL) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not
increase engine idle speed.
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NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If
the pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam
from your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The scissor-type jack and tire changingtools are located in the left rear trim
panel behind the second row seat.
Spare Tire Stowage
• To remove the spare tire, remove thejack-handle components from the
storage bin in the left rear trim panel
and assemble them.
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• Locate the jack:• For the front tires, place it (rearward) of the notch on the body weld seambehind the wheel to be changed.
• For the rear tires, place it under the axle by the wheel to be changed.
• Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise. Raise the vehicle only until the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install the
spare tire.
• Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and the wheel.
• Position the spare wheel/tire on the vehicle and install the lug nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel. Do NOT attempt to install a center cap or
wheel cover on the compact spare. Lightly tighten the lug nuts clockwise. To avoid
the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the nuts fully until the
vehicle has been lowered.
• Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw counterclockwise, and remove the jack and wheel blocks.
• Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate nuts until each one has been tightened twice. The
correct wheel nut tightness is 95 ft lbs (130 N•m). If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at
a service station.
• Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper locations.
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be
jacked on a firm, level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• If it is necessary to retrieve the spare tire from under the vehicle on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit.
• Carefully follow these tire changing procedures to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle: Always park on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable and could cause it to slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
• A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or hard stop, could endangerthe occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be jumpstarted using a set of jumper
cables and a battery in another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster pack.
• Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly so please follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack follow the manufacturer’s operating
instructions and precautions.
Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery in your vehicle is located in the front of the engine compartment, behind the left headlight assembly.
NOTE: The positive battery post is covered with a protective cap. Lift up on the cap to
gain access to the positive battery post.
• Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn theignition to LOCK.
• Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories.
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEModelFlat Towing (all four
wheels on the ground)Flatbed Towing (all four
wheels suspended OFF the
ground)Front Wheels Raised, Rear
Wheels on the Ground
Rear Wheels Raised, Front
Wheels on the Ground
Two-Wheel Drive NOT Permitted
Recommended Method Shift lever must be in
NEUTRAL, the speed
less then 30 mph
(48 km/h) and the
distance traveled less
than 15 mi (24 km).Shift lever must be in
NEUTRAL, the speed
less then 30 mph
(48 km/h) and the
distance traveled less
than 15 mi (24 km).
Four-Wheel Drive NOT Permitted
Recommended Method NOT Permitted NOT Permitted
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MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:
8,000 16,000 24,000 32,000 40,000 48,000 56,000 64,000 72,000 80,000 88,000 96,000 104,000
Or Months: 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78
Or Kilometers:
13,000 26,000 39,000 52,000 65,000 78,000 91,000 104,000 117,000 130,000 143,000 156,000 169,000
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before scheduled mainte-
nance. XXXXXXXXXXXXX
If using your vehicle for any of the following: dusty or
off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter; replace if necessary. XXX
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary. X X XXXX
Inspect the CV joints. XXXX
Inspect the exhaust system. X XXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X X X
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing. XXXX
Inspect the transfer case fluid. X X
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle
for the following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer
towing. X
Adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with
four wheel disc brakes. XX
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing. X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals
for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear,
improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. XXXXXX
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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