check transmission fluid DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48
km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightand theESP/
BAS Warning Lampcome on momentarily each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. The ESP Control System
will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is actively
operating.
11. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light — If Equipped
The TOW/HAUL button is located on the gear
shift bezel. This light will illuminate when the
TOW/HAUL button has been selected.
12. Turn Signal Indicator Light
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective turn
signal LED. A single chime is activated when the left/
right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM vehicle
speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more than one
mile.
13. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in N
(Neutral) until the light goes off.
14. Brake Warning Light
The red “BRAKE” warning light will come on when the
ignition key is first turned on, and stay on briefly as a
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 167
4

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting 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 than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
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)

Don’t 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.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 con-
taminated 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.
Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator (if equipped),
DO NOT jump-start the battery.
If the indicator (if equipped) is dark or shows a green dot,
proceed as follows:
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 ignition
OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............351
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............352
▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................353
▫Body Lubrication.....................353
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................354
▫Windshield Washers...................354
▫Exhaust System......................355
▫Cooling System.......................355
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......360
▫Brake System........................361
▫Automatic Transmission................363
▫Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual
Transmission........................364▫Manual Transmission..................364
▫Transfer Case........................365
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................366
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From
Corrosion...........................366

Fuses (Integrated Power Module)...........371

Replacement Light Bulbs.................378

Bulb Replacement......................379
▫Head Light..........................379
▫Left Front Turn Signal..................379
▫Right Front Turn Signal.................379
▫Front Side Marker.....................380
▫Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted).....380
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE (3.7L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped dipstick tube, it
is sealed and should not be tampered with. Your autho-
rized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid
level is set properly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
7

Fluid Level Check — W5A580 (4.0L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped dipstick tube, it
is sealed and should not be tampered with. Your autho-
rized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid
level is set properly.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. The only
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer to Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16” (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............169,265
Adding Fuel........................... 300
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 156
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 350
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 351
Air Conditioning.....................228,232
Air Conditioning Controls................. 232
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 232
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 352
Air Conditioning System.................. 232
AirFilter .............................. 350
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 279
Airbag............................. 47,170
Airbag Deployment....................... 59
Airbag Light.......................... 61,75
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 19,166
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19Alignment and Balance................... 284
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 222
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 382
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............128,265
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 169
Anti-Theft System..................... 19,166
Appearance Care........................ 366
Auto Down Power Windows................ 32
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Transaxle...................... 247
Automatic Transmission.............249,254,363
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 363
Fluid Level Check...................363,364
FluidType ........................363,384
Gear Ranges.......................... 249
Special Additives...................... 364
Torque Converter...................254,258
420 INDEX

Flooded Engine Starting................... 240
Fluid, Brake........................... 384
Fluid Capacities......................... 382
Fluid Leaks............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks...................... 366
Automatic Transmission................. 363
Engine Oil........................... 343
Manual Transmission................... 364
Power Steering........................ 352
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 383
Fog Light Service........................ 380
Fog Lights..........................121,380
Folding Rear Seat........................ 115
Four Wheel Drive....................... 259
Operation........................... 259
Systems............................. 259
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 259
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 324
Front Axle (Differential)................... 366Fuel................................. 296
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 300
Filter ............................... 350
Gasoline............................ 296
Gauge.............................. 164
Materials Added....................... 298
Octane Rating......................296,383
Requirements......................... 382
Tank Capacity........................ 382
Fuel System Caution................298,301,302
Fuses................................ 371
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............300,302,340
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 164
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 296
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 297
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 297
INDEX 425
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