air condition DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating your engine by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.7L............. 367
Engine Compartment — 4.0L............. 368
Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II....... 369
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 370
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 370
Replacement Parts..................... 372
Dealer Service........................ 372
Maintenance Procedures................. 373▫Engine Oil......................... 373
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 376
▫Maintenance-Free Battery............... 377
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 378
▫Body Lubrication..................... 379
▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 379
▫Adding Washer Fluid.................. 379
▫Exhaust System...................... 380
▫Cooling System...................... 382
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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.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information Book for
additional warranty information.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a air conditioning refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain 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/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If enginecoolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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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” in this section
for the 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, extremehot 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:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap and tar.
•Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
•Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M15 20 Amp
YellowCOL MOD, IR SNS,
Heater Ventilation, Air
Conditioning/
Automatic Tempera-
ture Control (HVAC/
ATC), Rearview Mirror
(RR VW MIR), Cabin
Compartment Node
(CCN), Transfer Case
Switch (T-CASE SW),
RUN/ST, Multifunc-
tion Control Switch
(MULTIFTCN SW),
Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM), Glow Plug
Module (GLW PLG
MOD) — Export Diesel
Only
M16 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller/Occupant
Classification Module
(ORC/OCM)
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M17 15 Amp
BlueLeft Tail/License/Park
Lamp (LT-TAIL/LIC/
PRK LMP)
M18 15 Amp
BlueRight Tail/Park/Run
Lamp (RT-TAIL/PRK/
RUN LMP)
M19 25 Amp
NaturalAuto Shut Down (ASD
#1 and #2)
M20 15 Amp
BlueCabin Compartment
Node Interior Light
(CCN INT LIGHT),
Switch Bank (SW
BANK), Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
M21 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shut Down (ASD
#3)
M22 10 Amp
RedRight Horn (RT HORN
(HI/LOW)
M23 10 Amp
RedLeft Horn (LT HORN
(HI/LOW)
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M24 25 Amp
NaturalRear Wiper (REAR
WIPER)
M25 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump (FUEL
PUMP), Diesel Lift
Pump (DSL LIFT
PUMP) — Export Only
M26 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror Switch
(PWR MIRR SW),
Driver Window Switch
(DRVR WIND SW)
M27 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch (IGN
SW), Window Module
(WIN MOD)
M28 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Trans-
mission Feed (TRANS
FEED), J1962
M29 10 Amp
RedOccupant Classification
Module (OCM)
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M30 15 Amp
BlueRear Wiper Module
(RR WIPER MOD),
Power Folding Mirror
(PWR FOLD MIR)
M31 20 Amp
YellowBack-Up Lamps (B/U
LAMPS)
M32 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller (ORC), TT
EUROPE
M33 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Global
Powertrain Engine
Controller (GPEC)
M34 10 Amp
RedPark Assist (PRK
ASST), Heater Ventila-
tion, Air Conditioning
Module (HVAC MOD),
Headlamp Wash
(HDLP WASH), Com-
pass (COMPAS)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
7

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
412 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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6,000 Miles (10,000 km) or
6 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
12,000 Miles (20,000 km) or 12 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at 12,000 miles (20 000 km) or
12 months.
❏Inspect exhaust system. Perform the first inspection at 12,000 miles (20 000 km) or
12 months.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 415
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18,000 Miles (30,000 km) or
18 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Inspect the front and rear axle fluid;
change if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer
towing.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
24,000 Miles (40,000 km) or
24 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the
following: Dusty or off-road conditions.
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter;
replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if
necessary.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends
and boot seals; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
30,000 Miles (50,000 km) or
30 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Engine).
❏Adjust parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Inspect the transfer case fluid.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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