service schedule DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

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

•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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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
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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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
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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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Miles 132,000 138,000 144,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (220 000) (230 000) (240 000) (250 000)
[Months] [132] [138] [144] [150]
Flush and replace the engine coolant/anti-freeze, if not
done at 120,000 miles (200 000 km).X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts. This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but is not required to maintain
emissions warranty.
410 SCHEDULE “A”
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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
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Rotation, Tires.......................... 286
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 75
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 76
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 415
Safety Information, Tire................... 269
Safety Tips............................. 74
Satellite Radio.......................219,221
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 222
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 386
Seat Belt Maintenance..................... 75
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 44
Seat Belts.............................. 38
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 42
And Pregnant Women................... 45
Child Restraint....................... 64,72
Extender............................. 46
Front Seat............................ 38
Inspection............................ 75Maintenance........................ 75,370
Pretensioners.......................... 44
Reminder............................ 165
Shoulder Belt Anchorage.................. 42
Seats................................. 110
Adjustment.......................... 110
Cleaning............................ 369
Head Restraints....................... 113
Heated.............................. 113
Rear Folding......................... 115
Reclining ............................ 111
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 19,166
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 383
Selection of Oil......................... 345
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 16
Service Assistance....................... 412
Service Contract......................... 414
Service Manuals........................ 416
Setting the Clock..................193,208,219
432 INDEX