engine DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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 ªMaintenance Scheduleº 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.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the BRAKE warning light shows system failure
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid levelshould be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
WARNING!
²Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
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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 Ð 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.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check Ð 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 Ð 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 3/16º (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 375
7

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use MopartTotal Clean, a mild
soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove the
belts from the vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE)
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is located
in the engine compartment near the battery. This center
contains cartridge fuses, mini fuses and relays. A label
that identifies each component is printed on the inside of
the cover.
Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M29 10 Amp
RedOccupant Classifica-
tion Module (OCM)
M30 15 Amp
BlueRear Wiper Module
(RR WIPER MOD),
Power Folding Mirror
(PWR FOLD MIR)
M31 20 Amp
YellowBack-Up Lamps (B/U
LAMPS)
M32 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller (ORC), TT
EUROPE
M33 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Global
Powertrain Engine
Controller (GPEC)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M34 10 Amp
RedPark Assist (PRK
ASST), Heater Venti-
lation, Air Condition-
ing Module (HVAC
MOD), Headlamp
Wash (HDLP WASH),
Compass (COMPAS)
M35 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirrors
M36 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #3
(BATT)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Interior Bulb No.
Dome Light........................WL212±2
Liftgate Lamp........................... 567
Overhead Console Lights............. PLW214±2A
Reading Light.......................WL212±2
LIGHT BULBS Ð Outside Bulb No.
Headlight..........................9008 H13
Front Park/Turn......................3157AK
Front Sidemarker......................... 168
Back-Up.............................4057K
Center High Mounted Stoplight.............. 921
Fog Lamp.......................... H109145
License Plate Light....................... 168
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal................4057K
BULB REPLACEMENT
Head Light
1. Open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlamp unit in the engine com-
partment to access the headlamp bulb lock ring.
3. Firmly grasp the lock ring on the back of the headlamp
unit housing.
4. Rotate the lock ring on the back of the headlamp
housing counter-clockwise to unlock it.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life. If the
bulb comes in contact with any oily surface, clean the
bulb with rubbing alcohol.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

Right Front Turn Signal
1. Open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlamp unit in the engine com-
partment to access the turn signal bulb.
3. Twist the bulb counter clockwise to remove.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace the
bulb.
Front Side Marker
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the grille assembly, as follows:
a. Remove eight fasteners.
b. Remove two screws from each headlamp.c. Remove two scrivets from the center of the grille.
d. Remove one push pin from the top of each fender.
e. Pull the grille assembly toward you to disconnect
the grille clips to the fender and the headlamp ball-
studs to the front end module.
3. Disconnect electrical connector.
4. Turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove.
Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)
1. Reach between the front fascia and wheel liner from
under the vehicle.
2. Turn the front fog light bulb 1/4 turn counter clock-
wise to remove from housing.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace bulb.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19.5 Gallons 73.8 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified Engine Oil) 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 6 Qts 5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
3.7 Liter Engine (MopartAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)14 Qts 13 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (MopartAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)14 Qts 13 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil (3.7L Engine) Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting material standard MS-6395
or equivalent.
Engine Oil (4.0L Engine) Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 engine oil, refer to oil viscosity chart for cor-
rect SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs 3.7 Liter ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043º)
Spark Plugs 4.0 Liter ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050º)
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 395
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