automatic transmission DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing up the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW/
HAUL button should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL button (3.7L engine) or
“4” range (4.0L engine) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat build up. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you regularly tow a trailer for more than45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule B in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
Towing Tips — TOW/HAUL (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the TOW HAUL button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface. Avoid icy or
slippery areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Place the shift lever into PARK (automatic transmis-
sion) or REVERSE (manual transmission).
4. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
5. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.6. Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite of the jack-
ing position. For example, if changing
the right front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
(Continued)
358 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.1. Remove spare tire.
2. Remove jack and tools from mounting bracket. As-
semble the tools by connecting the driver to the exten-
sion, and then to the lug wrench.
3. Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by
turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still
on the ground.
Jack Warning Label
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 359
6

JUMP-STARTING
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12-Volts.
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK, and turn the igni-
tion OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
362 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Brake System....................... 388
▫Automatic Transmission................ 389
▫Transfer Case....................... 390
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid................. 391
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 392
Fuses.............................. 396
▫Totally Integrated Power Module......... 396
Replacement Light Bulbs................. 403
Bulb Replacement..................... 403
▫Headlight.......................... 403▫Left Front Turn Signal................. 404
▫Right Front Turn Signal................ 405
▫Front Side Marker.................... 405
▫Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)..... 405
▫Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lights............................. 406
▫Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . 407
Fluid Capacities....................... 408
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts....... 409
▫Engine............................ 409
▫Chassis............................ 410
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7

WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE (3.7L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
Fluid Level Check — W5A580 (4.0L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Multi-Purpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 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
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏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
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the ignition cables (3.7L Engine).
❏Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Engine).
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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120,000 Miles (200,000 km) or 120 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the ignition cables (3.7L Engine).
❏Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Engine).
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
❏Replace accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
126,000 Miles (210,000 km) or
126 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏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
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 423
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