steering DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owner's Guide

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
NOTE:Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal, and does not in
any way damage the steering system.
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
All driveline and steering components are sealed and do
not require lubrication. Driveshafts are not serviceable.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
7

are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate “Maintenance Schedule” in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M15 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation,
Air Conditioning/
Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (HVAC/
ATC), Rear View
Mirror (RR VW MIR),
Cabin Compartment
Node (CCN), Transfer
Case Switch (T-CASE
SW), RUN/ST, Multi-
Function Control
Switch (MULTIFTCN
SW), Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM), Glow
Plug Module (GLW
PLG MOD) — Export
Diesel OnlyCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M16 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller/Occupant
Classification Module
(ORC/OCM)
M17 15 Amp
BlueLeft Tail/License/
Park Lamp (LT-TAIL/
LIC/PRK LMP)
M18 15 Amp
BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp (RT-TAIL/
PRK/RUN LMP)
M19 25 Amp
NaturalAuto Shut Down
(ASD #1 and #2)
M20 15 Amp
BlueCabin Compartment
Node Interior Light
(CCN INT LIGHT),
Switch Bank (SW
BANK), Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

BULB REPLACEMENT
Head Light
1. Open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlamp unit in the engine com-
partment to access the headlamp bulb lock ring.
3. Firmly grasp the lock ring on the back of the headlamp
unit housing.
4. Rotate the lock ring on the back of the headlamp
housing counter-clockwise to unlock it.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life. If the
bulb comes in contact with any oily surface, clean
the bulb with rubbing alcohol.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace the
bulb.
Left Front Turn Signal
1. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right (full
right lock).
2. Remove the door in the left wheel liner by twisting
counter clockwise. Access to the bulb can be gained
through the wheel liner hole.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Twist the bulb counter clockwise to remove.
Right Front Turn Signal
1. Open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlamp unit in the engine com-
partment to access the turn signal bulb.
3. Twist the bulb counter clockwise to remove.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
7

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission MoparManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder/Manual
Transmission Clutch SystemMoparDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Autostick............................. 256
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 144
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 144
AxleFluid ............................. 384
Battery............................... 351
Charging............................ 332
Emergency Starting..................... 332
Gas Caution.......................... 332
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Belts,Drive ............................ 347
Belts, Seat.............................. 38
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 353
B-Pillar Location........................ 274
Brake Assist System...................... 129
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 128
Brake Fluid............................ 384
Brake System........................... 361
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................128,265Hoses.............................. 361
Master Cylinder....................... 362
Parking............................. 263
Warning Light.....................167,169
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 249
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 379
Bulbs,Light ............................ 378
Calibration, Compass..................178,184
Capacities, Fluid........................ 382
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 300
Power Steering........................ 352
Car Washes............................ 367
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 74,299
Cargo Area Features...................... 150
Cargo Compartment...................... 150
Light ............................... 150
INDEX 421
10

Flooded Engine Starting................... 240
Fluid, Brake........................... 384
Fluid Capacities......................... 382
Fluid Leaks............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks...................... 366
Automatic Transmission................. 363
Engine Oil........................... 343
Manual Transmission................... 364
Power Steering........................ 352
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 383
Fog Light Service........................ 380
Fog Lights..........................121,380
Folding Rear Seat........................ 115
Four Wheel Drive....................... 259
Operation........................... 259
Systems............................. 259
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 259
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 324
Front Axle (Differential)................... 366Fuel................................. 296
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 300
Filter ............................... 350
Gasoline............................ 296
Gauge.............................. 164
Materials Added....................... 298
Octane Rating......................296,383
Requirements......................... 382
Tank Capacity........................ 382
Fuel System Caution................298,301,302
Fuses................................ 371
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............300,302,340
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 164
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 296
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 297
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 297
INDEX 425
10

Bulb Replacement...................378,379
Cargo .............................. 150
Center Mounted Stop................... 381
Cruise .............................. 174
Daytime Running...................... 122
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 120
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Indicator.......................132,166
Fog ..........................121,170,380
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 324
Headlight Switch...................... 120
Headlights........................... 379
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................120,164
Interior............................. 119
Lights On Reminder.................... 120
Low Fuel............................ 164
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 173
Passing............................. 121Rear Servicing........................ 381
Rear Tail............................ 381
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 165
Service...........................378,379
Side Marker.......................... 381
Traction Control....................... 132
Turn Signal.....................121,379,381
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 164
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 151
Load N Go
SlidingCargoFloor ..................... 153
Loading Vehicle......................... 303
Tires ............................... 274
Locks................................. 27
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 29
Steering Wheel......................... 16
428 INDEX

Odometer
Trip ................................ 174
Oil, Engine.........................343,383
Capacity............................ 382
Dipstick............................. 343
Filter ............................346,383
Identification Logo..................... 345
Materials Added to..................... 346
Recommendation...................345,382
Viscosity..........................346,382
Onboard Diagnostic System..............340,341
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 134
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 82
Overdrive.......................171,251,257
Overdrive OFF Switch.................251,257
Overheating, Engine...................165,325
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 416
PaintCare ............................. 366Paint Damage.......................... 366
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 263
Parking On Hill......................... 263
Passing Light........................... 121
PCVValve ............................ 350
Personal Settings........................ 188
Pets.................................. 73
Pets, Transporting........................ 73
Phone, Cellular.......................... 84
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............. 84
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 274
PolishingandWaxing ..................... 367
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 371
Door Locks........................... 29
Inverter............................. 146
Mirrors .............................. 83
Steering..........................268,352
430 INDEX

Sunroof............................. 141
Windows............................. 31
Power Steering Fluid..................... 384
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 45
Preparation for Jacking.................... 328
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 44
Programmable Electronic Features......136,140,188
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)............... 24,136,140
Radial Ply Tires......................... 281
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 191
Radio, Navigation....................... 219
Radio, Satellite.......................219,221
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 366
Rear Window Defroster................... 156
Rear Window Features.................... 155
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 155Rearview Mirrors........................ 81
Reclining Front Seats..................... 111
Recorder, Event Data...................... 61
Recreational Towing...................... 321
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 297
Refrigerant............................ 352
Release, Hood.......................... 117
Reminder, Lights On..................... 120
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 44
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 226
Remote Starting System.................... 26
Replacement Parts....................... 342
Replacement Tires....................... 283
Reporting Safety Defects................... 415
Restraint, Head......................... 113
Restraints, Child......................... 64
Restraints, Occupant...................... 36
Roof Type Carrier....................... 157
INDEX 431
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