2009 Dodge Nitro Owner's Manual

2009 Dodge Nitro owners manual
Year:
2009
Make:
Dodge
Model:
Nitro
Rating:
(9)

Online manual

Size:
6.82 MB

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
5
INTRODUCTION
6
ROLLOVER WARNING
6
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
7
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
9
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
9
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
10
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
11
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
14
Ignition Key Removal
14
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
15
SENTRY KEY
16
Replacement Keys
17
Customer Key Programming
18
General Information
19
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM - IF EQUIPPED
19
To Arm the System
20
To Disarm the System
20
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
21
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
21
To Unlock the Doors and Liftgate
22
To Lock the Doors and Liftgate
23
Express Down Window Feature - If Equipped
24
Using the Panic Alarm
25
Programming Additional Transmitters
25
Battery Replacement
25
General Information
26
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
27
DOOR LOCKS
28
Manual Door Locks
29
Power Door Locks
30
Automatic Door Locks
31
Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit
32
Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)
33
WINDOWS
34
Power Windows
34
Wind Buffeting
38
LIFTGATE
38
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
39
Lap/Shoulder Belts
40
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
41
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
45
Automatic Locking Mode - If Equipped
46
Energy Management Feature
46
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)
47
Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
49
Seat Belt Extender
49
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
50
Child Restraint
67
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
77
SAFETY TIPS
78
Exhaust Gas
78
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the Vehicle
78
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside the Vehicle
79
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
81
MIRRORS
85
Inside Day/Night Mirror
85
Automatic Dimming Mirror - If Equipped
86
Outside Mirrors
86
Power Mirrors
87
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors - If Equipped
88
HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED
88
Operation
90
Phone Call Features
99
UConnect System Features
102
Advanced Phone Connectivity
107
Things You Should Know About Your UConnect System
108
General Information
117
VOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEM (VR) - IF EQUIPPED
117
Voice Recognition System (VR) Operation
117
Commands
119
Voice Training
122
SEATS
122
Front Manual Seat Adjustment
122
Front Seat Adjustment - Recline
123
Six-Way Drivers Power Seat with Manual Recliner
124
Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat
125
Head Restraints
125
Heated Seats - If Equipped
126
60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Fold Flat Feature
127
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
129
LIGHTS
130
Multifunction Lever
131
Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights and Headlights
132
Lights-On Reminder
132
High Beam Headlights
132
Flash-to-Pass
133
Front Fog Lights - If Equipped
133
Turn Signals
133
Daytime Running Lights - If Equipped
133
Interior Lights
134
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
134
Windshield Wiper Operation
134
Intermittent Wiper System
135
Windshield Washers
135
Mist Feature
135
TILT STEERING COLUMN
136
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED
137
To Activate
137
To Set At A Desired Speed
137
To Deactivate
138
To Resume Speed
138
To Vary The Speed Setting
138
Manual Transmission
139
To Accelerate For Passing
139
REAR PARK ASSIST SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED
139
System Usage Precautions
140
Enabling and Disabling the System
142
System Operation
143
GARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED
146
Programming HomeLink
147
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
150
Using HomeLink
150
Reprogramming A Single HomeLink Button
151
Security
151
Troubleshooting Tips
151
General Information
152
POWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED
152
Opening Sunroof - Express
153
Opening Sunroof - Manual Mode
153
Closing Sunroof - Express
153
Closing Sunroof - Manual Mode
154
Pinch Protect Feature
154
Pinch Protect Override
154
Venting Sunroof - Express
154
Sunshade Operation
155
Wind Buffeting
155
Sunroof Maintenance
155
Ignition Off Operation
155
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
156
POWER INVERTER - IF EQUIPPED
158
CUPHOLDERS
160
STORAGE
161
Front Storage Compartment
161
Console Storage Compartment
161
CARGO AREA FEATURES
162
Cargo Light
162
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
162
Cargo Load Floor - If Equipped
164
Rear Cargo Slide Out System (Load N Go) - If Equipped
165
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
167
Rear Window Wiper/Washer - If Equipped
167
Rear Window Defroster - If Equipped
168
ROOF DITCH APPLIQUE - NON FUNCTIONAL
168
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
171
INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
174
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
175
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
176
COMPASS AND TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED
189
Control Buttons
190
Trip Conditions
190
Compass/Temperature Display
191
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF EQUIPPED
193
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Displays
194
Oil Change Required
195
Trip Functions
196
Compass Display
197
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Features)
200
SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK)
202
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
203
Operation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)
211
Notes On Playing MP3/WMA Files
213
LIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)
215
INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)
215
AM/FM/CD/DVD MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM RADIO (RER/REN) - IF EQUIPPED
218
Operating Instructions - Voice Recognition System (VR) - If Equipped
218
Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) - If Equipped
218
Clock Setting Procedure
218
SALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK)
221
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
221
Operation Instructions - CD MODE For CD And MP3 Audio Play
224
Notes on Playing MP3 Files
226
Operation Instructions - Auxiliary Mode
229
SALES CODE RES/RSC - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) AND SIRIUS RADIO
229
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
230
Operation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio Play
235
Notes On Playing MP3 Files
237
LIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)
240
INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)
240
SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED (REN/REQ/RER/RES/REU RADIOS ONLY)
242
System Activation
242
Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)
242
Selecting Satellite Mode
243
Satellite Antenna
243
Reception Quality
244
Operating Instructions - Satellite Mode
244
Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone (If Equipped)
247
Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)
247
VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV) - IF EQUIPPED
247
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED
248
Radio Operation
249
CD Player
249
CD/DVD MAINTENANCE
249
CLIMATE CONTROLS
250
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating System
250
Operating Tips
254
STARTING AND OPERATING
257
STARTING PROCEDURES
261
Normal Starting
261
Extreme Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)
261
If Engine Fails to Start
262
After Starting
264
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED
264
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
264
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
265
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override
266
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L Engine)
267
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L Engine)
272
Gear Ranges
273
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED
277
MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case
277
Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
278
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
279
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
280
When To Use 4L or 4LO (Low) Range
280
Driving Through Water
280
Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
281
Hill Climbing
282
Traction Downhill
283
After Driving Off-Road
283
POWER STEERING
284
Power Steering Fluid Check
285
PARKING BRAKE
286
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
287
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
290
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
290
Traction Control System (TCS)
291
Brake Assist System (BAS)
292
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
293
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
294
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
297
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
298
Tire Markings
298
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
302
Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
303
TIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION
307
Tire Pressure
307
Tire Inflation Pressures
308
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
310
Radial-Ply Tires
310
Compact Spare Tire - If Equipped
310
Limited-Use Spare - If Equipped
311
Tire Spinning
312
Tread Wear Indicators
313
Life Of Tire
313
Replacement Tires
314
TIRE CHAINS
316
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
317
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)
318
Base System
321
Premium System - If Equipped
323
General Information
328
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
328
3.7L Engine
328
4.0L Engine
329
Reformulated Gasoline
329
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
330
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
330
MMT In Gasoline
331
Materials Added To Fuel
331
Fuel System Cautions
332
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
332
ADDING FUEL
333
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
333
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
335
VEHICLE LOADING
336
Certification Label
336
TRAILER TOWING
338
Common Towing Definitions
338
Trailer Hitch Classification
343
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
344
Trailer and Tongue Weight
346
Towing Requirements
347
Towing Tips
352
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
353
Towing - 2WD Models
353
Towing - 4WD or All-Wheel Drive Models
354
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
355
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
356
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
357
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
358
Jack Location
358
Spare Tire Stowage
358
Spare Tire Removal
359
Preparations For Jacking
360
Jacking Instructions
360
JUMP-STARTING
363
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
366
2-Wheel Drive Vehicles
366
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
366
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
367
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.7L
369
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 4.0L
370
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II
371
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
372
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
372
REPLACEMENT PARTS
374
DEALER SERVICE
374
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
375
Engine Oil
375
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
378
Maintenance-Free Battery
379
Air Conditioner Maintenance
380
Body Lubrication
381
Windshield Wiper Blades
381
Adding Washer Fluid
381
Exhaust System
382
Cooling System
384
Brake System
390
Automatic Transmission
391
Transfer Case
392
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
393
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
394
FUSES
398
Totally Integrated Power Module
398
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
405
BULB REPLACEMENT
405
Headlight
405
Left Front Turn Signal
406
Right Front Turn Signal
407
Front Side Marker
407
Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)
407
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, and Backup Lights
408
Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)
409
FLUID CAPACITIES
410
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
411
Engine
411
Chassis
412
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
413
EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
414
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
414
Required Maintenance Intervals
416
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
429
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE
431
Prepare For The Appointment
431
Prepare A List
431
Be Reasonable With Requests
431
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
431
Chrysler LLC Customer Center
432
Chrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center
432
In Mexico contact
432
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)
433
Service Contract
433
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
434
MOPAR PARTS
434
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
434
In The 50 United States And Washington, D.C
434
In Canada
435
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
435
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
437
Treadwear
437
Traction Grades
437
Temperature Grades
438
INDEX
439

2009 Dodge Nitro Overview

Introduction

The 2009 Dodge Nitro stands as a bold and dynamic contender in the mid-size SUV market. With a design that boasts a rugged aesthetic combined with practical functionalities, the Nitro appeals to drivers seeking adventure without compromising on comfort. It harmonizes robust styling with versatility, making it an ideal vehicle for both urban commutes and off-road excursions.

Powertrains

The 2009 Nitro is equipped with two potent powertrains that offer a blend of performance and efficiency. The base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 that generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking an extra punch, an available 4.0-liter V6 engine provides a thrilling 260 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. This capability ensures that the Nitro can tackle a variety of terrains while delivering a dynamic driving experience.

Trims

The 2009 Nitro is offered in three distinct trims: the SXT, the SLT, and the top-tier R/T model. The base SXT comes well-equipped with essential features like air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD/MP3 audio system. The SLT adds conveniences such as premium cloth upholstery, a larger touchscreen display, and an upgraded sound system. Finally, the R/T trim elevates the experience further through performance enhancements, sport-tuned suspension, and stylish alloy wheels, catering to those who desire a more spirited driving touch.

Features

Inside, the 2009 Dodge Nitro boasts a spacious cabin designed for comfort and practicality. Its seating arrangement allows for flexible cargo configurations, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats for enhanced utility. Options such as a navigation system and premium audio highlight the Nitro’s tech-savvy nature, while safety features like antilock brakes and multiple airbags provide peace of mind on the road.

Owners Manual

The owner’s manual for the 2009 Dodge Nitro is an invaluable resource that covers everything from basic maintenance schedules to troubleshooting common issues. It offers guidance on vehicle operation, safety tips, and detailed specifications, helping owners maximize their driving experience while ensuring the vehicle's longevity. This comprehensive guide ensures that every Nitro owner is well-informed about their vehicle's features and care.

User manual download

The Dodge Nitro owner manual for the 2009 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2009 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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