towing DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owner's Guide

•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Trailer towing
•If equipped for and operating with E–85 (ethanol) fuel
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule “B” of the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule “A” of the “Main-
tenance Schedules” section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
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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
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleB. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Excessive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
386 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule “B”
Follow this schedule if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Excessive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off-road or desert driving
•If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow “Schedule B” of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant/anti-freeze every 102,000
miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first,
and follow “Schedule B” of the “Maintenance Schedules”
section of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 389
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Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
† Applies only if vehicle is used for frequent trailer
towing or fleet/commercial service.
This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but is not required to maintain
emissions warranty.‡Off-highway operation, trailer towing, taxi, limousine,
bus, snow plowing, or other types of commercial service
or prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather, require front and rear axle service indicated
witha‡inSchedule “B”. Perform these services if the
vehicle is usually operated under these conditions.
402 SCHEDULE “B”
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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......356,382,383
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Corrosion Protection..................... 366
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 350
CupHolder ............................ 147
Customer Assistance..................... 412
Data Recorder, Event...................... 61
Daytime Running Lights................... 122
Dealer Service.......................... 343
Defroster, Rear Window................... 156
Defroster, Windshield................ 76,230,231
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 122
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 340
Dimmer Switch, Headlight..............120,166
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 343
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 346Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 358
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30
Door Opener, Garage..................... 134
DriveBelts ............................ 347
Driving ............................... 262
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 225
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 83
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 144
Electrical Power Outlets................... 144
Electronic Brake Control System............. 128
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 125
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........131,166
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 179
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 324
Jacking............................. 326
Towing ............................. 334
INDEX 423
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Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
Odometer........................... 172
Speedometer......................... 166
Tachometer.......................... 170
Gear Ranges......................245,249,255
General Information.................... 19,295
Glass Cleaning.......................... 370
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 307
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 306
GVWR ............................... 303
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™).............. 84
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 324
Head Restraints......................... 113
Head Rests............................ 113
Headlights
Bulb Replacement...................... 379Dimmer Switch....................... 120
Replacing............................ 379
Switch .............................. 120
Heated Seats........................... 113
Heater, Engine Block..................... 243
High Beam Indicator..................... 166
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 310
Holder,Cup ........................... 147
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 117
Hoses.............................360,361
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 364
Ignition............................... 14
Key ................................. 14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Infant Restraint........................ 64,65
426 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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System, Navigation...................... 219
System, Remote Starting.................... 26
Table, Utility........................... 152
Tachometer............................ 170
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 164
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 68
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 150
Tilt Steering Column..................... 124
Tip Start.............................. 240
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 274
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 272
Tire Markings.......................... 269
Tire Safety Information.................... 269
Tires ............................ 76,278,417
Air Pressure.......................... 279
Alignment and Balance.................. 284
Chains.............................. 285
Changing............................ 326General Information.................... 278
High Speed.......................... 281
Inflation Pressures..................... 279
Jacking............................. 326
LifeofTires .......................... 283
Load Capacity.....................274,275
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 287
Quality Grading....................... 417
Radial.............................. 281
Replacement......................... 283
Rotation............................. 286
Safety............................ 76,269
Sizes ............................... 270
Spare Tire........................... 327
Spinning ............................ 281
Tread Wear Indicators................... 282
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 314
Torque Converter Clutch................254,258
Towing ............................... 305
434 INDEX

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
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