engine coolant DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G User Guide

CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
the specified HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze)
may result in decreased corrosion protection and
engine damage. If a non-HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system
in an emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as
possible.
•Do not use water alone or alcohol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the engine coolant
(antifreeze) and may plug the radiator.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of propylene glycol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Engine Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 102,000 miles (170 000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze).
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) and distilled water. Use higher concentra-
tions (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34°F
(-37°C) are anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/antifreeze (cool-
ant) solution. The use of lower quality water will
reduce the amount of corrosion protection in the
engine cooling system.Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent engine coolant (antifreeze)
changes.Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
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WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating temperature,
the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for engine
coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the engine
coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If enginecoolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the recovery bottle does not
drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19.5 Gallons 73.8 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.7 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula)14 Quarts 13.3 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula)14 Quarts 13.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil (3.7L Engine) Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil (4.0L Engine) Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter (P/N 04884899AB) or equivalent
Spark Plugs (3.7L Engine) ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043 in [1.09 mm])
Spark Plugs (4.0L Engine) ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection (3.7L Engine) 87 Octane
Fuel Selection (4.0L Engine) 87 Octane Acceptable, 89 Octane Preferred
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
414 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the spark plugs (4.0L Engine).
❏Replace the timing belt (4.0L Engine).
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
108,000 Miles (180,000 km) or
108 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the
following: Dusty or off-road conditions.
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter;
replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if
necessary.
❏Inspect the front and rear axle fluid;
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
114,000 Miles (190,000 km) or
114 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
422 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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About Your Brakes....................... 284
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 285
Adding Fuel........................... 331
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 376
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 378
Air Conditioning.....................248,251
Air Conditioning Controls................. 251
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 252
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 378
Air Conditioning System.................. 251
Air Filter.............................. 376
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 306
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment....................... 60
Airbag Light.......................63,77,181
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Alarm Light........................... 176
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 17Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 241
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 408
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............285,288
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 180
Anti-Theft System........................ 17
Appearance Care........................ 392
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 262
Automatic Transmission.............265,270,389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 389
Fluid Level Check..................... 389
Fluid Type........................390,410
Gear Ranges......................... 265
Special Additives...................... 390
Torque Converter...................270,274
438 INDEX

Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo .......................... 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 160
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 334
Cellular Phone.......................... 86
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 407
Certification Label....................... 334
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 356
Charging.............................. 362
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 298
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................186,370
Checks, Safety.........................76,77
Child Restraint....................65,66,71,73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Climate Control......................... 248
Clock........................202,216,220,229Coin Holder........................... 159
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 247
Compact Spare Tire...................... 308
Compass........................187,190,195
Compass Calibration..................190,196
Compass Variance....................189,197
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 194
Console.............................. 159
Console, Floor.......................... 159
Contract, Service........................ 431
Cooling System......................... 382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 384
Coolant Capacity...................... 408
Coolant Level......................... 386
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 386
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 383
Inspection........................... 383
Points to Remember.................... 387
Pressure Cap......................... 385
440 INDEX