battery DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark could
cause the battery to explode.
During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because the
battery could rupture or explode. The battery tem-
perature must be brought up above freezing point
before attempting jump start.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended.Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle Ð not to bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles
under tow must be observed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 343
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment ± 3.7L...............348
mEngine Compartment ± 4.0L...............349
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........350
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............351
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................351
mReplacement Parts......................353
mDealer Service.........................353
mMaintenance Procedures..................354NEngine Oil..........................354
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 358
NSpark Plugs.........................358
NCatalytic Converter....................359
NCrankcase Emission Control System........361
NFuel Filter..........................361
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................361
NMaintenance-Free Battery................362
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............362
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the
gas cap until a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an
indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press
the odometer reset button to turn the message off. If the
problem persists, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap.
If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351
7

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnot
proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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. Mopartengine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð 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 ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº, 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 ªVehicle Emission Control Informationº label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a ªfast chargerº is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a ªfast
chargerº to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer at the start
of each warm season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension
should also be checked at this time.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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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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
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Side Marker.......................... 392
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 296
Traction Control....................... 135
Turn Signal..................125,390,391,392
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 168
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 154
Load N Go
Sliding Cargo Floor..................... 156
Loading Vehicle......................... 313
Tires ............................... 283
Locks................................. 27
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 29
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 296
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................70,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 364Luggage Carrier......................... 160
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 362
Maintenance Procedures................... 354
Maintenance Schedule.................... 398
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 147
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 178,351
Manual, Service......................... 410
Manual Transmission..................249,375
Fluid Level Check...................... 375
Lubricant Selection..................375,396
Shift Speeds.......................... 251
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 373
Mini-Trip Computer...................180,188
Mirrors................................ 83
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 85
Outside.............................. 84
Rearview............................. 83
INDEX 425
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