check engine DODGE NITRO 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, door hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood hinges, should be lubri-
cated periodically with a lithium based grease such as
MOPARSpray White Lube to assure quiet, easy opera-
tion and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the
application of any lubricant, the parts concerned should
be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir in the engine compartment should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent/antifreeze (not
radiator antifreeze). Operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
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Engine Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser (if
equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount ofengine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) will begin to drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE
CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush, and Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty and contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
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WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating temperature,
the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for engine
coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the engine
coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
386 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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WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE (3.7L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
Fluid Level Check — W5A580 (4.0L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
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NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Oil Change Required” in “Use FactorySettings” of the EVIC section in this manual or under
“Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “Instrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 413
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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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About Your Brakes....................... 284
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 285
Adding Fuel........................... 331
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 376
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 378
Air Conditioning.....................248,251
Air Conditioning Controls................. 251
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 252
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 378
Air Conditioning System.................. 251
Air Filter.............................. 376
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 306
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment....................... 60
Airbag Light.......................63,77,181
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Alarm Light........................... 176
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 17Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 241
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 408
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............285,288
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 180
Anti-Theft System........................ 17
Appearance Care........................ 392
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Down Power Windows................ 33
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 262
Automatic Transmission.............265,270,389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 389
Fluid Level Check..................... 389
Fluid Type........................390,410
Gear Ranges......................... 265
Special Additives...................... 390
Torque Converter...................270,274
438 INDEX

Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo Slide Out System
LoadNGo .......................... 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 160
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 334
Cellular Phone.......................... 86
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 407
Certification Label....................... 334
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 356
Charging.............................. 362
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 298
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................186,370
Checks, Safety.........................76,77
Child Restraint....................65,66,71,73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Climate Control......................... 248
Clock........................202,216,220,229Coin Holder........................... 159
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 247
Compact Spare Tire...................... 308
Compass........................187,190,195
Compass Calibration..................190,196
Compass Variance....................189,197
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 194
Console.............................. 159
Console, Floor.......................... 159
Contract, Service........................ 431
Cooling System......................... 382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 384
Coolant Capacity...................... 408
Coolant Level......................... 386
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 386
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 383
Inspection........................... 383
Points to Remember.................... 387
Pressure Cap......................... 385
440 INDEX

Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 354
Turn Signal..................176,404,405,406
Flooded Engine Starting................... 260
Floor Console.......................... 159
Fluid, Brake........................... 410
Fluid Capacities......................... 408
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks...................... 391
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Engine Oil........................... 373
Power Steering........................ 283
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 409
Fog Light Service........................ 405
Fog Lights..........................131,405
Folding Rear Seat........................ 125
Four Wheel Drive....................... 275
Operation........................... 275
Systems............................. 275Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 275
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 354
Front Axle (Differential)................... 391
Fuel................................. 326
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 331
Gasoline............................ 326
Gauge.............................. 174
Light............................... 175
Materials Added....................... 329
Octane Rating...................326,327,409
Requirements......................... 408
Tank Capacity........................ 408
Fuel System Caution..................... 330
Fuses................................ 396
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 144
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............331,333,370
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 174
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 326
INDEX 443
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