manual transmission DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P (Park). With a manual transmission, shift the trans-
mission into R (Reverse). Always, block or9chock9the
trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º (3.7L engine) or ª4º (4.0L engine)
range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating
conditions will improve performance and extend trans-
mission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build
up. This action will also provide better engine braking.The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule ªBº in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
Towing Tips Ð TOW/HAUL (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the ªTOW HAULº button when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to ªTransmission Shiftingº in
this section.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
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þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing ± 2WD Models
Recreational towing (all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing is allowedONLYif the driveshaft is
removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels areOFFthe
ground.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or
other power tools is not recommended and they can
damage the winch.
When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable, and pull it through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
²
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or slippery
areas.
²Set the parking brakeand place the gear selector in
PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE (manual
transmission).
²Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
²Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site of the jacking position.
For example, if changing the
right front tire, block the left
rear wheel.
²Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
338 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NPower Steering Fluid Check..............363
NDriveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................364
NBody Lubrication.....................364
NWindshield Wiper Blades................365
NWindshield Washers...................365
NExhaust System......................366
NCooling System.......................366
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......371
NBrake System........................372
NAutomatic Transmission................374
NHydraulic Clutch Fluid Ð Manual
Transmission........................375
NManual Transmission..................375NTransfer Case........................376
NFront/Rear Axle Fluid..................377
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................377
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........381
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................389
mBulb Replacement......................389
NHead Light..........................389
NLeft Front Turn Signal..................390
NRight Front Turn Signal.................391
NFront Side Marker.....................391
NFront Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted).....391
NRear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Back-Up
Lights.............................392
346 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
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission MopartManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder/Manual
Transmission Clutch SystemMopartDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Check the PCV valve, replace if necessary.30,000 50 000 30
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Only).30,000 50 000 30
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road or fre-
quent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
402 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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