engine overheat DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G User Guide

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor, and
the Fan Control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 325
6

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
7

Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze (coolant) solu-
tion. 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 antifreeze/coolant types will decrease
the life of the antifreeze/coolant and will require more
frequent antifreeze/coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
antifreeze/coolant, and to insure that antifreeze/coolant
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.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add antifreeze/coolant 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 pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Emission Control System Maintenance......341,386
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 350
Block Heater......................... 243
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Compartment......................338,339
Compartment Identification............338,339
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 383
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 74,299
Fails to Start.......................... 240
Flooded, Starting...................... 240
Fuel Requirements..................296,382
Jump Starting......................... 332
Oil ...........................343,382,383
Oil Disposal.......................... 346
OilFilter ............................ 346
Oil Selection.......................... 382
Overheating.......................... 325
Starting............................. 239Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 346
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 346
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Event Data Recorder...................... 61
Exhaust Gas Caution................... 74,299
Exhaust System......................... 355
ExteriorFinishCare ...................... 367
Fabric Care............................ 369
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 350
Engine Fuel.......................... 350
Engine Oil........................346,383
FinishCare ............................ 367
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 324
Turn Signal.....................167,379,381
424 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