2008 Dodge Nitro Owner's Manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Dodge
Model:
Nitro
Rating:
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
3
INTRODUCTION
4
ROLLOVER WARNING
4
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
5
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
7
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
7
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
8
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
9
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
12
Ignition Key Removal
12
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
14
SENTRY KEY
14
Replacement Keys
15
Customer Key Programming
16
General Information
17
STEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED
17
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
17
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
18
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
18
To Arm the System
18
To Disarm the System
19
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
19
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
20
To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate
20
To Lock the Doors and Liftgate
21
Using the Panic Alarm
23
Programming Additional Transmitters
24
Battery Replacement
24
General Information
25
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
25
DOOR LOCKS
27
Manual Door Locks
28
Power Door Locks
29
Automatic Door Locks
29
Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit
30
Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)
32
WINDOWS
33
Power Windows
33
Wind Buffeting
37
LIFTGATE
38
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
39
Lap/Shoulder Belts
40
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
41
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
44
Automatic Locking Mode - If Equipped
45
Energy Management Feature
45
Seat Belt Pretensioners
46
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)
46
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
48
Seat Belt Extender
48
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
49
Child Restraint
66
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
76
SAFETY TIPS
76
Exhaust Gas
76
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
77
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle
78
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
79
MIRRORS
83
Inside Day/Night Mirror
83
Automatic Dimming Mirror - If Equipped
84
Outside Mirrors
84
Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature
85
Power Remote Control Mirrors
85
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors - If Equipped
86
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED
87
Operation
89
Phone Call Features
96
UConnect System Features
99
Advanced Phone Connectivity
103
Things You Should Know About Your UConnect System
105
General Information
113
SEATS
113
Front Manual Seat Adjustment
113
Front Seat Adjustment - Recline
114
6-Way Drivers Power Seat with Manual Recliner
115
Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat
116
Head Restraints
116
Heated Seats - If Equipped
116
60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Fold Flat Feature
118
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
120
LIGHTS
122
Interior Lights
122
Multi-Function Control Lever
123
Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, and Headlights
123
Lights-On Reminder
124
Headlight Dimmer Switch
124
Passing Light
124
Front Fog Lights - If Equipped
124
Turn Signals
125
Daytime Running Lights - If Equipped
125
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
125
Intermittent Wiper System
126
Windshield Wiper Operation
126
Windshield Washers
126
Mist Feature
127
TILT STEERING COLUMN
127
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED
128
Electronic Speed Control Operation
128
To Activate
128
To Set At A Desired Speed
129
To Deactivate
129
To Resume Speed
129
To Vary The Speed Setting
129
Manual Transmission
130
To Accelerate For Passing
130
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
131
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
131
TCS (Traction Control System)
132
BAS (Brake Assist System)
132
ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
133
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
134
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
137
GARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED
137
Programming HomeLink
139
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
141
Using HomeLink
142
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button
142
Security
143
Troubleshooting Tips
143
General Information
143
POWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED
144
Opening Sunroof - Express
145
Closing Sunroof - Express
145
Pinch Protect Feature
145
Pinch Protect Override
146
Venting Sunroof - Express
146
Sunshade Operation
146
Wind Buffeting
146
Sunroof Maintenance
147
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
147
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
148
POWER INVERTER
149
CUP HOLDERS
150
STORAGE
152
Front Storage Compartment
152
Console Storage Compartment
152
CARGO AREA FEATURES
153
Cargo Light
153
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
153
Cargo Load Floor - If Equipped
154
Rear Cargo Slide Out System (LOAD N GO) - If Equipped
156
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
157
Rear Window Wiper/Washer - If Equipped
157
Rear Window Defroster - If Equipped
159
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK- NON FUNCTIONAL
160
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
163
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
166
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
167
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
168
COMPASS AND TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED
180
Control Buttons
181
Trip Conditions
182
Compass/Temperature Display
182
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF EQUIPPED
184
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Displays
186
Oil Change Required
187
Trip Functions
188
Compass Display
189
Telephone - If Equipped
191
Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
193
RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
196
Radio Broadcast Signals
196
Two Types of Signals
196
Electrical Disturbances
196
AM Reception
197
FM Reception
197
SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK)
197
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
198
Operation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)
206
Notes On Playing MP3/WMA Files
208
LIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)
210
INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)
210
SALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK)
213
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
213
Operation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio Play
219
Notes On Playing MP3 Files
221
LIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)
224
INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)
224
SALES CODE RER - AM/FM/CD/DVD RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
225
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio
226
Clock Setting Procedure
226
SATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (RER/REQ/REN RADIOS ONLY)
227
System Activation
227
Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)
228
Selecting Satellite Mode
228
Satellite Antenna
228
Reception Quality
228
Operating Instructions - Satellite Mode
229
Operating Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)
231
Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)
231
VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV) - IF EQUIPPED
231
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED
233
Radio Operation
233
CD Player
234
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
234
CLIMATE CONTROLS
235
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating System
235
Operating Tips
239
STARTING AND OPERATING
241
STARTING PROCEDURES
245
Manual Transmission
245
Automatic Transmission
245
Normal Starting
245
Extreme Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)
246
If Engine Fails to Start
246
After Starting
248
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED
248
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - IF EQUIPPED
249
6-Speed Manual Transmission
249
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
252
Shift Lock Manual Override - If Equipped
253
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
254
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L Engine)
255
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L Engine)
260
Gear Ranges
260
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
265
MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case - If Equipped
265
Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
266
MP 140 Single-Speed Full-Time Transfer Case - If Equipped
267
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
268
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
268
When To Use 4L or 4LO (Low) Range
268
Driving Through Water
268
Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
270
Hill Climbing
270
Traction Downhill
271
After Driving Off-Road
271
PARKING BRAKE
272
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
274
POWER STEERING
277
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
279
Tire Markings
279
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
282
Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
283
TIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION
287
Tire Pressure
287
Tire Inflation Pressures
288
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
290
Radial-Ply Tires
290
Tire Spinning
290
Tread Wear Indicators
291
Life of Tire
292
Replacement Tires
292
Alignment and Balance
293
TIRE CHAINS
294
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
295
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED
296
Base System - If Equipped
299
Premium System - If Equipped
301
General Information
305
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
306
3.7L Engine (If Equipped)
306
4.0L Engine (If Equipped)
306
Reformulated Gasoline
307
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
307
MMT In Gasoline
308
Materials Added To Fuel
308
Fuel System Cautions
308
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
309
ADDING FUEL
310
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
310
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
312
VEHICLE LOADING
313
Certification Label
313
TRAILER TOWING
315
Common Towing Definitions
315
Trailer Hitch Classification
319
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
320
Trailer and Tongue Weight
323
Towing Requirements
324
Towing Tips
329
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
330
Towing - 2WD Models
330
Towing - 4WD or All-Wheel Drive Models
331
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
333
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
334
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
335
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
336
Jack Location
336
Spare Tire Stowage
337
Spare Tire Removal
337
Preparations For Jacking
338
Jacking Instructions
339
JUMP STARTING
341
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
343
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
344
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
344
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
345
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.7L
348
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 4.0L
349
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II
350
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
351
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
351
REPLACEMENT PARTS
353
DEALER SERVICE
353
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
353
Engine Oil
354
Drive Belts - Check Condition and Tension
358
Spark Plugs
358
Catalytic Converter
359
Crankcase Emission Control System
361
Fuel Filter
361
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
361
Maintenance-Free Battery
362
Air Conditioner Maintenance
362
Power Steering Fluid Check
363
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
364
Body Lubrication
364
Windshield Wiper Blades
365
Windshield Washers
365
Exhaust System
366
Cooling System
366
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
371
Brake System
372
Automatic Transmission
374
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid - Manual Transmission
375
Manual Transmission
375
Transfer Case
376
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
377
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
377
FUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE)
381
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
388
BULB REPLACEMENT
389
Head Light
389
Left Front Turn Signal
390
Right Front Turn Signal
391
Front Side Marker
391
Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)
391
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, and Back-Up Lights
392
Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)
393
FLUID CAPACITIES
394
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
395
Engine
395
Chassis
396
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
397
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
398
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
398
Required Maintenance Intervals
401
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
405
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE
406
Prepare For The Appointment
406
Prepare A List
406
Be Reasonable With Requests
406
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
406
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
409
MOPAR PARTS
409
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
409
In Canada
410
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
410
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
412
Treadwear
412
Traction Grades
412
Temperature Grades
413
INDEX
415
2008 Dodge Nitro Overview
Introduction
The 2008 Dodge Nitro is a bold and distinctive midsize SUV that combines rugged styling with a roomy interior and versatile performance. Designed for those who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort, the Nitro stands out with its unique boxy shape and muscular stance. This vehicle is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, providing ample space and capability to handle a variety of lifestyles.
Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2008 Nitro offers two powerful engine options. The base model is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a commendable performance for daily commutes and weekend getaways. For those looking for more power, there’s an optional 4.0-liter V6 that ramps up the output to 260 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, ideal for towing and off-road pursuits. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and responsive handling.
Trims
The 2008 Dodge Nitro is available in three trims: the SXT, the SLT, and the R/T. The SXT is the base model, equipped with practical features like 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, and a CD player. The SLT adds enhancements such as chrome accents, fog lights, and upgraded audio systems. The top-tier R/T trim boasts features like 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and leather upholstery, making it a great choice for those who prioritize style and comfort.
Features
In terms of features, the Dodge Nitro is packed with technology and comfort options. Standard offerings include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a decent sound system. Optional features include a navigation system, satellite radio, and a rear entertainment system, making every journey enjoyable for passengers. Safety features such as stability control, multiple airbags, and advanced braking systems are also included, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
Owner's Manual
The 2008 Dodge Nitro owners manual serves as an essential guide, detailing care and maintenance tips, recommended service intervals, and a complete overview of the vehicle’s features. It emphasizes the importance of regular inspections and fluid checks, along with troubleshooting common issues. This comprehensive manual is a valuable resource for all Nitro owners, helping them to maximize the performance and longevity of their vehicle.
User manual download
The Dodge Nitro owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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