service DODGE NITRO 2008 1.G Repair Manual

Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech
Impaired (TDD/TTY)
To assist customers who have hearing difficulties, the
manufacturer has installed special TDD (Telecommuni-
cation Devices for the Deaf) equipment at its Customer
Center. Any hearing or speech impaired customer who
has access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter
(TTY) in the United States can communicate with the
manufacturer by dialing 1±800±380±CHRY.
Service Contract
You may have purchased a service contract for your
vehicle to help protect you from the high cost of unex-
pected repairs after your manufacturer's new vehicle
limited warranty expires. The manufacturer stands be-
hind only the manufacturer's Service Contracts. If you
purchased a manufacturer's Service Contract, you will
receive Plan Provisions and an Owner Identification Card
in the mail within three weeks of your vehicle delivery
date. If you have any questions about your servicecontract, call the manufacturer's Service Contract Na-
tional Customer Hotline at 1-800-521-9922.
The manufacturer will not stand behind any service
contract that is not the manufacturer's Service Contract. It
is not responsible for any service contract other than the
manufacturer's Service Contract. If you purchased a
service contract that is not a manufacturer's Service
Contract, and you require service after your manufactur-
er's new vehicle limited warranty expires, please refer to
your contract documents, and contact the person listed in
those documents.
We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased your new vehicle. Your dealer has
also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
your ownership experience. You'll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns.
408 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll free at 1±888±327±4236 (TTY: 1±800±424± 9153),
or go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administra-
tor, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590. You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
In Canada:
If you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you
should contact the Customer Service Department imme-
diately. Canadian customers who wish to report a safety
defect to the Canadian government should write to
Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Defect Investigations
and Recalls, 2780 Sheffield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1B
3V9.
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS
To order the following manuals, you may use either the
website or the phone numbers listed below. Visa, Mas-
tercard, American Express, and Discover orders are ac-
cepted. If you prefer mailing your payment, please call
for an order form.
NOTE:A street address is required when ordering
manuals. (No P.O. Boxes).
²Service Manuals.
These comprehensive service manuals provide the
information that students and professional technicians
need in diagnosing/troubleshooting, problem solving,
maintaining, servicing, and repairing DaimlerChrysler
Corporation vehicles. A complete working knowledge
of the vehicle, system, and/or components is written
in straightforward language with illustrations, dia-
grams, and charts.
410 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

²Diagnostic Procedure Manuals.
Filled with diagrams, charts and detailed illustrations,
these practical manuals make it easy for students and
technicians to find and fix problems on computer-
controlled vehicle systems and features. They show
exactly how to find and correct problems the first time,
using step-by-step troubleshooting and driveability
procedures, proven diagnostic tests and a complete list
of all tools and equipment.
²Owner's Manuals.
These manuals have been prepared with the assistance
of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with specific Chrysler group vehicles. Included are
starting, operating, emergency and maintenance pro-
cedures as well as specifications, capabilities and
safety tips.Call Toll Free at:
²1±800±890±4038 (U.S.)
²1±800±387±1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
²www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
²www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 411
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

Light............................... 153
Cargo Light............................ 153
Cargo Load Floor........................ 154
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo ........................... 156
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 153
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 313
Catalytic Converter...................... 359
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 234
Cellular Phone.......................... 87
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 393
Certification Label....................... 313
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 336
Charging.............................. 341
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 280
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 351
Checks, Safety.........................77,78
Child Restraint....................66,67,71,73Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............70,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Climate Control......................... 235
Clock...........................199,215,226
Coin Holder........................... 152
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 234
Compass........................180,183,189
Compass Calibration..................183,190
Compass Variance....................182,190
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 188
Console.............................. 152
Console, Floor.......................... 152
Contract, Service........................ 408
Converter, Catalytic...................... 359
Cooling System......................... 366
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 368
Coolant Capacity...................... 394
Coolant Level......................... 370
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 369
418 INDEX

Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 367
Inspection........................... 366
Points to Remember.................... 370
Pressure Cap......................... 369
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......367,394,395
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Corrosion Protection..................... 377
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 361
Cup Holder............................ 151
Customer Assistance..................... 406
Data Recorder, Event...................... 64
Daytime Running Lights................... 125
Dealer Service.......................... 353
Defroster, Rear Window................... 159
Defroster, Windshield...................78,237
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 126
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 350
Dimmer Switch, Headlight..............124,170Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 354
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 357
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 369
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 137
Drive Belts............................ 358
Driving............................... 268
Off-Pavement......................... 268
Off-Road............................ 268
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 231
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 85
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 147
Electrical Power Outlets................... 147
Electronic Brake Control System............. 131
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 131
Brake Assist System.................... 132
INDEX 419
10

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

Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 171
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 40
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren)............................70,71
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 306
Leaks, Fluid............................ 78
Life of Tires............................ 292
Liftgate................................ 38
Lights..............................78,122
Airbag............................63,174
Alarm............................... 77
Anti-Lock Warning..................... 173
Back-Up............................. 392
Brake Assist Warning................... 137
Brake Warning........................ 171
Bulb Replacement...................... 389
Cargo .............................. 153
Center Mounted Stop................... 393
Cruise.............................. 179Daytime Running...................... 125
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 124
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator.........................135,170
Fog ..........................124,174,391
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 334
Headlight Switch...................... 123
Headlights........................... 389
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................123,168
Interior............................. 122
Lights On Reminder.................... 124
Low Fuel............................ 168
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 178
Passing............................. 124
Rear Servicing........................ 392
Rear Tail............................ 392
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 169
Service.............................. 389
424 INDEX

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
10

Shoulder Belt Anchorage.................. 44
Seats................................. 113
Adjustment.......................... 113
Cleaning............................ 379
Head Restraints....................... 116
Heated.............................. 116
Rear Folding......................... 118
Reclining............................ 114
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............18,170
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 395
Selection of Oil......................... 356
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 14
Sentry Key Programming................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement................... 15
Service Assistance....................... 406
Service Contract......................... 408
Service Manuals........................ 410
Setting the Clock..................199,215,226
Settings, Personal........................ 193Shift Lock Manual Override................ 253
Shift Speeds, Manual Transmission........... 251
Shifting
Automatic Transmission...............255,260
Manual Transmission................... 249
Shoulder Belts........................... 40
Signals, Turn................125,171,390,391,392
Sliding Cargo Floor
LoadNGo ........................... 156
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 294
Spare Tire............................. 337
Spark Plugs............................ 358
Specifications
Fuel (Gasoline)........................ 306
Oil ................................ 356
Speed Control (Cruise Control).............. 128
Speedometer........................... 170
Starting............................... 245
Automatic Transmission................. 245
INDEX 429
10