spark plugs DODGE NITRO 2007 1.G Owners Manual

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment – 3.7L...............338

Engine Compartment – 4.0L...............339

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........340
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............340

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................341

Replacement Parts......................342

Dealer Service.........................343

Maintenance Procedures..................343▫Engine Oil..........................343
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition
And Tension.........................347
▫Spark Plugs.........................347
▫Catalytic Converter....................348
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........350
▫Fuel Filter..........................350
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................350
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................351
7

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
7

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil (3.7L Engine) Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395 or equiva-
lent.
Engine Oil (4.0L Engine) Use SAE 10W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395 or
equivalent.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (3.7L Engines) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (4.0L Engines) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method Acceptable, 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method Pre-
ferred
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
7

Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (30 000) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid. X
Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add as nec-
essary (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary. X
SCHEDULE “B” 391
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000) (95 000) (100 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid. X
Inspect manual transmission fluid, add as neces-
sary (3.7L Only).X
Drain and refill the automatic transmission fluid.
Replace main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped).‡X
Inspect the drive belt, and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously.X
SCHEDULE “B” 393
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Miles 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (130 000) (135 000) (140 000) (145 000) (150 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid. X
Inspect the drive belt, and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced.X
Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add as nec-
essary (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary. X
396 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000)
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
Replace the spark plugs (4.0L Only).X
Inspect the timing belt, replace if necessary (4.0L
Only).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
Inspect the drive belt, and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant/anti-freeze, if
not done at 60,000 miles (100 000 km).X
SCHEDULE “B” 397
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Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.X X XXX
Rotate the tires. X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Inspect the PCV Valve, and replace if necessary. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid. X
Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add as nec-
essary (3.7L Only).X
Drain and refill the automatic transmission fluid.
Replace main sump filter and spin-on cooler return
filter (if equipped).‡X
Inspect the drive belt, and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced.X
398 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 138,000 141,000 144,000 147,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (230 000) (235 000) (240 000) (245 000) (250 000)
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 PCV Valve, and replace if necessary. X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid. X
Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add as nec-
essary (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add if necessary. X
Inspect the drive belt, and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant/anti-freeze, if
not done at 120,000 miles (200 000 km).X
SCHEDULE “B” 401
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Schedule “A”
Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000
(Kilometers) (10 000) (20 000) (30 000) (40 000) (50 000)
[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24] [30]
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, and replace
if necessary.X
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add as nec-
essary (3.7L Only).X
Inspect the transfer case fluid, add as necessary. X
SCHEDULE “A” 403
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