battery DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

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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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.7L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Integrated Power Module 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — BatteryMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3677

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.0L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter 6 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
4 — Integrated Power Module 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Battery 368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 aclickingsound 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 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 that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 II 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 the 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 or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II 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 II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
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Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery acid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in your face or on your skin, flush the
area immediately with large amounts of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your
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 “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
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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 cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use MOPARTotal Clean,
a mild soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove
the seat belts from the vehicle to wash them.Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Totally 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.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
414 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Autostick............................. 272
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 154
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 154
Axle Fluid............................. 410
Battery............................... 377
Charging............................ 362
Emergency Starting..................... 362
Gas Caution.......................... 362
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
Belts, Seat.............................. 38
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 379
B-Pillar Location........................ 301
Brake Assist System...................... 290
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 288
Brake Fluid............................ 410
Brake, Parking.......................... 284
Brake System........................... 388
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................285,288Master Cylinder....................... 388
Parking............................. 284
Warning Light........................ 177
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 263
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Bulb Replacement....................... 403
Bulbs, Light............................ 403
Calibration, Compass..................190,196
Capacities, Fluid........................ 408
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 331
Power Steering........................ 283
Car Washes............................ 393
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,330
Cargo Area Features...................... 160
Cargo Compartment...................... 160
Light............................... 160
Cargo Light............................ 160
INDEX 439
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Load N Go
Sliding Cargo Floor.................... 163
Loading Vehicle......................... 334
Tires ............................... 301
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 316
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................69,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Luggage Carrier......................... 166
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 377
Maintenance Procedures................... 373
Maintenance Schedule.................... 412
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 153
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 186,370Manual, Service......................... 433
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 410
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 388
Mini-Trip Computer...................187,194
Mirrors................................ 83
Automatic Dimming..................... 84
Electric Powered....................... 85
Outside.............................. 84
Rearview............................. 83
Vanity............................... 86
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 316
Mopar Parts.........................372,432
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 129
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 75
Occupant Restraints....................... 37
INDEX 447
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