overheating DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

5. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to “buckle
up.” This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the airbag system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
6. Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift into N
(Neutral) and increase the engine speed for 2 to 3
minutes. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, seek authorized service immediately.As temperatures rise and the gauge approachesH, this
indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound
after reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will
cause the temperature gauge to passH, the indicator
will continuously flash, and a continuous chime will
occur until the engine is allowed to cool.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the if the light remains on, turn
the engine off immediately, and call for service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 165
4

smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and
Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
N (Neutral) and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 233
4

•the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” button has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cooldown, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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

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