Dodge Nitro: Jump-starting procedures

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.

CAUTION: Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any other booster source with a system voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor, alternator or electrical system may occur.

WARNING: Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause personal injury.

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.

Positive Battery Post

WARNING:
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or sparks away from the battery.

1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK. 2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electrical accessories. 3. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.

WARNING: Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and personal injury could result.

Jump-Starting Procedure

WARNING: Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion.

CAUTION: Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the charging system of the booster vehicle or the discharged vehicle.

1. Connect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle. 2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the booster battery. 3. Connect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable to the negative (-) post of the booster battery. 4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable to a good engine ground (exposed metal part of the discharged vehicle’s engine) away from the battery and the fuel injection system.

WARNING: Do not connect the cable to the negative post (-) of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode and could result in personal injury.

5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery. Once the engine is started, remove the jumper cables in the reverse sequence: 6. Disconnect the negative (-) jumper cable from the engine ground of the vehicle with the discharged battery. 7. Disconnect the negative end (-) of the jumper cable from the negative (-) post of the booster battery.

8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the booster battery. 9. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper cable from the positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle. If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle you should have the battery and charging system inspected at your authorized dealer.

CAUTION: Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting.

Towing a disabled vehicle

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recommended. Attach towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.

NOTE: The transmission must be in NEUTRAL under any towing configuration.

Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Front Wheels Raised

The speed must not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km). This vehicle may be towed with the transmission in NEUTRAL, the ignition key in the LOCK position, the front wheels raised, and the rear wheels on the ground.

CAUTION: Towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe transmission damage. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km) or faster than 30 mph, it must be towed on a flatbed.

Rear Wheels Raised

The vehicle may be towed with the transmission in NEUTRAL, the ignition key in the LOCK position, the rear wheels raised, and the front wheels on the ground.

Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Four-wheel drive vehicles must be towed with all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.

CAUTION: Towing this vehicle using any other method could result in extensive damage to the transfer case and/or transmission. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Jacking and tire changing

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L