warning DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

²For tough stains, apply MopartTotal Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
²For grease stains, apply MopartMulti-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove stain. Use
a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
²Do not use any solvents or protectants on Yes Essen-
tialstproducts.
Interior Care
Use MopartTotal Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with MopartTotal Clean, then
MopartSpot & Stain Remover if absolutely necessary. Do
not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use MopartTotal
Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MopartGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning inside rear windows
equipped with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs (4.0L Only).102,000 170 000 102
Replace the timing belt (4.0L Only).102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace accessory drive belt(s) (3.7L and 4.0L). 120,000 200 000 120
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 403
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WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
See the Warranty Information Booklet for the terms and
provisions of DaimlerChrysler's warranties applicable to
this vehicle.
MOPARTPARTS
Mopartfluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from your dealer. They will help you keep your
vehicle operating at its best.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
In the 50 United States and Washington D.C.: If you
believe that your vehicle has a defect, which could cause
a crash or cause injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-
tion (NHTSA) in addition to notifying the manufacturer.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, and the
manufacturer.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 409
9

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
412 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 413
9

About Your Brakes....................... 272
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............173,274
Adding Fuel........................... 310
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 159
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 361
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning.....................235,238
Air Conditioning Controls................. 238
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 239
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 363
Air Conditioning System.................. 238
Air Filter.............................. 361
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 288
Airbag.............................49,174
Airbag Deployment....................... 61
Airbag Light..........................63,77
Airbag Maintenance....................... 63
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,170Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 293
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 228
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 394
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............131,274
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 173
Anti-Theft System.....................18,170
Appearance Care........................ 377
Auto Down Power Windows................ 34
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 252
Automatic Transmission.............255,260,374
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 374
Fluid Level Check...................374,375
Fluid Type........................374,396
Gear Ranges.......................... 255
Special Additives...................... 375
Torque Converter...................259,264
416 INDEX

Autostick............................. 262
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 147
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 147
Axle Fluid............................. 396
Battery............................... 362
Charging............................ 341
Emergency Starting..................... 341
Gas Caution.......................... 341
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Belts, Drive............................ 358
Belts, Seat.............................. 40
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 364
B-Pillar Location........................ 283
Brake Assist System...................... 132
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 131
Brake Fluid............................ 396
Brake, Parking.......................... 272
Brake System........................... 372Anti-Lock (ABS)....................131,274
Hoses.............................. 372
Master Cylinder....................... 373
Parking............................. 272
Warning Light.....................171,173
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 254
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 76
Bulb Replacement....................... 389
Bulbs, Light............................ 389
Calibration, Compass..................183,190
Capacities, Fluid........................ 394
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 310
Power Steering........................ 363
Car Washes............................ 378
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,309
Cargo Area Features...................... 153
Cargo Compartment...................... 153
INDEX 417
10

Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 133
Electronic Stability Program............... 134
Traction Control System................. 132
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 133
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 128
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........134,170
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 184
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 334
Jacking............................. 336
Overheating.......................... 335
Towing............................. 343
Emission Control System Maintenance......351,398
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 361
Block Heater......................... 248
Break-In Recommendations................ 76
Compartment......................348,349
Compartment Identification............348,349Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 395
Exhaust Gas Caution..................76,309
Fails to Start.......................... 246
Flooded, Starting...................... 246
Fuel Requirements..................306,394
Jump Starting......................... 341
Oil ...........................354,394,395
Oil Disposal.......................... 357
Oil Filter............................ 357
Oil Selection.......................... 394
Overheating.......................... 335
Starting............................. 245
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 356
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 356
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Event Data Recorder...................... 64
Exhaust Gas Caution...................76,309
420 INDEX

Exhaust System......................... 366
Exterior Finish Care...................... 378
Fabric Care.........................379,380
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 361
Engine Fuel.......................... 361
Engine Oil........................357,395
Finish Care............................ 378
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 334
Turn Signal..................171,390,391,392
Flooded Engine Starting................... 246
Floor Console.......................... 152
Fluid, Brake........................... 396
Fluid Capacities......................... 394
Fluid Leaks............................. 78
Fluid Level Checks...................... 377
Automatic Transmission................. 374Engine Oil........................... 354
Manual Transmission................... 375
Power Steering........................ 363
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 395
Fog Light Service........................ 391
Fog Lights..........................124,391
Folding Rear Seat........................ 118
Four Wheel Drive....................... 265
Operation........................... 265
Systems............................. 265
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 265
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 334
Front Axle (Differential)................... 377
Fuel................................. 306
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 310
Filter............................... 361
Gasoline............................ 306
Gauge.............................. 168
Materials Added....................... 308
INDEX 421
10

Octane Rating......................306,395
Requirements......................... 394
Tank Capacity........................ 394
Fuel System Caution................308,311,312
Fuses................................ 381
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 137
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............310,312,351
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 168
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 306
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 307
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 307
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 168
Fuel................................ 168
Odometer........................... 177
Speedometer......................... 170
Tachometer.......................... 174
Gear Ranges......................251,255,260General Information.................17,113,305
Glass Cleaning.......................... 380
Gross Axle Weight Rating...............313,316
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............313,315
GVWR............................... 313
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 87
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 334
Head Restraints......................... 116
Head Rests............................ 116
Headlights
Bulb Replacement...................... 389
Dimmer Switch....................... 124
Replacing............................ 389
Switch.............................. 123
Heated Seats........................... 116
Heater, Engine Block..................... 248
High Beam Indicator..................... 170
422 INDEX