check oil DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G User Guide

amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade
rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the engine compartment should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent/antifreeze (not
radiator antifreeze). Operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
WARNING!
Commercial windshield washer solvents are flam-
mable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must be
exercised when filling or working around the washer
solution.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
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Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser
(if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
366 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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Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer's recommended fluid, refer to Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
²Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
²Stone and gravel impact.
²Insects, tree sap and tar.
²Salt in the air near sea-coast localities.
²Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
²Bird droppings.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7

NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than yourdealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse Factory
Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual or under
ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 399
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Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
400 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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
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INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ROLLOVER WARNING HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD
ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderSENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel Lock
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Arm the SystemTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To Unlock the Doors and LiftgateTo Lock the Doors and LiftgateUsing the Panic AlarmProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery
ReplacementGeneral InformationREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksAutomatic Door LocksAutomatic Unlock Doors on ExitChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)WINDOWS Power WindowsWind
BuffetingLIFTGATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder Belt Operating InstructionsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Mode - If EquippedEnergy Management FeatureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Use
Reminder System (BeltAlert)Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ChildRestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make
Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding FeaturePower Remote Control
MirrorsIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral Information
SEATS Front Manual Seat AdjustmentFront Seat Adjustment - Recline6-Way Drivers Power Seat with Manual ReclinerFold Flat Front Passenger SeatHead RestraintsHeated Seats - If Equipped60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Fold Flat FeatureTO OPEN AND CLOSE
THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior LightsMulti-Function Control LeverParking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, and HeadlightsLights-On ReminderHeadlight Dimmer SwitchPassing LightFront Fog Lights - If EquippedTurn SignalsDaytime Running Lights - If EquippedWINDSHIELD
WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemWindshield Wiper OperationWindshield WashersMist FeatureTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED Electronic Speed Control OperationTo ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo
DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransmissionTo Accelerate For PassingELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)TCS (Traction Control System)BAS (Brake Assist System)ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)ESP/BAS Warning LampGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral
InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Opening Sunroof - ExpressClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET Electrical
Outlet Use With Engine OffPOWER INVERTER CUP HOLDERS STORAGE Front Storage CompartmentConsole Storage CompartmentCARGO AREA FEATURES Cargo LightCargo Tie-Down HooksCargo Load Floor - If EquippedRear Cargo Slide Out System (LOAD N
GO) - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Wiper/Washer - If EquippedRear Window Defroster - If EquippedROOF LUGGAGE RACK- NON FUNCTIONAL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION COMPASS AND TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED Control ButtonsTrip ConditionsCompass/Temperature DisplayELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF EQUIPPED Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) DisplaysOil Change RequiredTrip FunctionsCompass DisplayTelephone - If EquippedPersonal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM Reception
FM ReceptionSALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA
FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3
Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE RER - AM/FM/CD/DVD RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioClock Setting Procedure
SATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (RER/REQ/REN RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating
Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV) - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio Operation
CD PlayerCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Air Conditioning and Heating SystemOperating TipsSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingExtreme Cold Weather
(below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED MANUAL TRANSMISSION - IF EQUIPPED 6-Speed Manual TransmissionAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Shift Lock Manual Override - If Equipped
Brake/Transmission Interlock System4-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L Engine)5-Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L Engine)Gear RangesFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case - If EquippedShifting Procedure -
Electronically Shifted Transfer CaseMP 140 Single-Speed Full-Time Transfer Case - If EquippedON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS When To Use 4L or 4LO (Low) RangeDriving Through WaterDriving In Snow, Mud and SandHill ClimbingTraction Downhill
After Driving Off-RoadPARKING BRAKE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM POWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation Pressures
Tire Pressures for High Speed OperationRadial-Ply TiresTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment and BalanceTIRE CHAINS TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base
System - If EquippedPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS 3.7L Engine (If Equipped)4.0L Engine (If Equipped)Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon
Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer
and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing - 2WD ModelsTowing - 4WD or All-Wheel Drive ModelsWHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowageSpare Tire RemovalPreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP STARTING TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Two-Wheel Drive VehiclesFour-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR
VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 4.0L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION ANDMAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsCatalytic ConverterCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuelFilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering Fluid Check
Driveline And Steering Component LubricationBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses andVacuum/Vapor HarnessesBrake SystemAutomatic TransmissionHydraulic Clutch Fluid - Manual TransmissionManual
TransmissionTransfer CaseFront/Rear Axle FluidAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) REPLACEMENT LIGHTBULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Head LightLeft Front Turn SignalRight Front Turn SignalFront Side Marker
Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, and Back-Up LightsCenter High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)FLUID CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With
RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES Treadwear
Traction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX