oil change DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
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Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
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Engine Oil Viscosity (3.7L Engine)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap shows the recommended engine oil viscosity
for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (4.0L Engine)
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operat-
ing temperatures. This engine oil improves low tem-
perature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine
oil filler cap shows the recommended engine oil vis-
cosity for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturerstrongly recommendsagainst the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
authorized dealer, service station, or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
NOTE:For best access to the oil filter, a drive on hoist
should be used instead of a chassis hoist (3.7L Only).
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or
hear steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser
(if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate “Maintenance Schedule” in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
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•Off-road or desert driving
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.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule “B.”
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule “B.”Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent, add as required.
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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.
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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.
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Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid. X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary. X
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