engine coolant DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G User Guide

garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
antifreeze/coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap
is sealing properly, the antifreeze/coolant will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush, And Refill
At the intervals shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Schedule,º the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze/coolant solution.
Discard old antifreeze/coolant solution according to rec-
ommended procedure.
Selection Of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended antifreeze/
coolant, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct antifreeze/coolant type.
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CAUTION!
²Mixing of antifreeze/coolant other than the speci-
fied HOAT antifreeze/coolant may result in de-
creased corrosion protection and engine damage.
If a non-HOAT antifreeze/coolant is introduced
into the cooling system in an emergency, it should
be replaced with the specified antifreeze/coolant
as soon as possible.
²Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
antifreeze/coolant products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may
not be compatible with the antifreeze/coolant and
may plug the radiator.
²This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Use of
Propylene Glycol base antifreeze/coolant is not
recommended.
Adding Engine Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved antifreeze/
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
antifreeze/coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000
miles before replacement. To prevent reducing this ex-
tended maintenance period, it is important that you use
the same antifreeze/coolant throughout the life of your
vehicle. Please review these recommendations for using
Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT)
antifreeze/coolant.
When adding antifreeze/coolant, a minimum solution of
50% recommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use
higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures
below -34ÉF (-37ÉC) are anticipated.
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Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze (coolant) solu-
tion. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing antifreeze/coolant types will decrease
the life of the antifreeze/coolant and will require more
frequent antifreeze/coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
antifreeze/coolant, and to insure that antifreeze/coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add antifreeze/coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
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children, do not store ethylene glycol based antifreeze/
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a
physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills im-
mediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the antifreeze/coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
not need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
antifreeze/coolant freeze point or replacing antifreeze/
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the
coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.When additional antifreeze/coolant is needed to main-
tain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot antifreeze/coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
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²Check antifreeze/coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze/
coolant needs to be added, contents of coolant recov-
ery bottle must also be protected against freezing.
²If frequent antifreeze/coolant additions are required,
or if the level in the recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain antifreeze/coolant concentration at 50%
HOAT antifreeze/coolant (minimum) and distilled
water for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
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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
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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.
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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.
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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