2011 DODGE NITRO User Guide

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine/Transmission ModelFrontal AreaMax GTW (Gross Trailer Wt) Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L/Automatic 4x2 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/Automatic 4x4 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/Automatic 4x2 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/Automatic 4x4 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the
weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
When Towing Trailers With Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) Between 3,500 Lbs (1 588 kg) And 5,000 Lbs (2 268 kg)The following chart provides maximum trailer weight ratings towable for the following engine/transmission combinations, ONLY if using a
weight distributing hitch.
Engine/Transmission Model Frontal AreaMax GTW (Gross Trailer Wt) Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L/Automatic
w/Trailer Tow Package 4x2 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/Automatic
w/Trailer Tow Package 4x4 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/Automatic
w/Trailer Tow Package 4x2 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
4.0L/Automatic
w/Trailer Tow Package 4x4 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the
weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
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RECREATIONAL
TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models
• Recreational towing is allowed if therear wheels are OFFthe ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow
dolly, follow this procedure:
• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
• Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly, firmly set the parking brake
and place the transmission in PARK.
• Turn the ignition switch to the unlocked OFF position.
• Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the
front wheels in the straight position.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from the
battery post.
• Flat towing (with all four wheels on the
ground) is allowed ONLY if the
driveshaft is removed. Towing with the
rear wheels on the ground while the
driveshaft is connected will result in
severe transmission damage.
• The parking brake mustbe firmly
engaged and the wheels chocked
during driveshaft removal and
installation. The parking brake must
remain engaged unless the vehicle is
securely and properly connected to
the tow vehicle, or the driveshaft is
completely reinstalled. See your
authorized dealer for proper
driveshaft removal and reinstallation
procedures, including flange
orientation/alignment, use of
thread-locking compound, proper
bolt torque specifications, etc.
Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Or All-Wheel
Drive Models
Recreational Towing (All Four Wheels On
The Ground)
• Recreational towing is NOT allowed. These models do not have a
NEUTRAL position in the transfer
case.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a
flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four
wheels are OFF the ground.
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on theDVD for further details.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not
be used. Internal damage to the
transmission or transfer case will
occur if a front or rear wheel lift is
used when recreational towing.
WARNING!
If the driveshaft is removed, the
vehicle can roll even if the
transmission is in PARK, which
could cause serious injury or death.
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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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• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicatewhen the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is
restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant
from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over andstop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. 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.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned
by steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized service center
for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction orthe parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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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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• Lower the spare tire by turning the winch drive nut, located in the rear cargo areainside the vehicle, counterclockwise with the jack-handle assembly until the spare
tire is on the ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull the spare tire out
from underneath the vehicle.
• When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
• Park on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Set the parking brake and shift the automatic transmission into PARK.
• Turn the ignition to LOCK and turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block both the front and rear of thewheel diagonally opposite of the
jacking position. For example, if
changing the right front tire, block the
left rear wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions
• Remove the spare tire, jack and tools from the stored location.
• Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise one turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Assemble the jack and jacking tools. Connect the jack handle driver to the extension, then to the lug wrench.
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