battery DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
7

4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnot
proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of the manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Moparengine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service
At the mileage indicated in the appropriate “Mainte-
nance Schedule”, all belts and tensioner should be
checked for condition. Improper belt tension can cause
belt slippage and failure.Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing, or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Information” label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
7

Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a “fast charger” is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7

Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE)
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is located
in the engine compartment near the battery. This center
contains cartridge fuses, mini fuses and relays. A label
that identifies each component is printed on the inside of
the cover.
Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

Once a Month
•Check the 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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (If equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
388 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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

Lower Anchors and Tether
for CHildren (LATCH)................... 68,69
Lubrication, Body....................... 353
Luggage Carrier......................... 157
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 351
Maintenance Procedures................... 343
Maintenance Schedule.................... 386
Schedule “A”......................... 403
Schedule “B”......................... 389
Maintenance Schedules.................... 386
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine).......................173,341
Manual, Service......................... 416
Manual Transmission..................243,364
Fluid Level Check...................... 364
Lubricant Selection..................364,384
Shift Speeds.......................... 245
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 362Mini-Trip Computer...................175,182
Mirrors ................................ 81
Automatic Dimming..................... 82
Electric Powered....................... 83
Outside.............................. 82
Rearview............................. 81
Vanity ............................... 84
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 9
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 287
Mopar Parts.........................342,415
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 119
Navigation Radio........................ 219
Navigation System....................... 219
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 74
Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 296
INDEX 429
10

Disabled Vehicle....................... 334
Guide .............................. 310
Recreational.......................... 321
Weight .............................. 310
Traction Control......................129,169
TrailerTowing .......................... 305
Cooling System Tips.................... 321
Hitches............................. 310
Minimum Requirements................. 315
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 314
Wiring .............................. 318
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 310
TrailerWeight .......................... 310
Transaxle............................. 247
Automatic........................... 247
Operation........................... 247
Transfer Case........................... 365
Fluid ............................... 384
Maintenance.......................... 365Transmission........................249,254
Automatic........................249,254
Fluid ............................... 384
Maintenance.......................363,364
Manual............................. 243
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door
Opener (HomeLink) ..................... 134
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 282
Trip Computer.......................... 175
Trip Odometer.......................... 172
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 174
Turn Signals...................121,167,379,381
UConnect™ (Hands-Free Phone).............. 84
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 417
INDEX 435
10