power steering fluid DODGE NITRO 2010 1.G Owners Manual

Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91

Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 308
▫ MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time
Transfer Case ....................... 308
▫ Shifting Procedure – Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ....................... 310
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 310
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 311
▫ When To Use 4L Or 4LO (Low) Range ..... 311
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 311
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 312
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 313
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 314
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 314 
Power Steering ....................... 315
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 316
 Parking Brake ........................ 317
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 319
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 321
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 322
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 323
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 323
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 324
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 325
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Lamp ............... 328
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 315

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Multi-Purpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 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 MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447

Fluid Type........................ 425,447
Special Additives ...................... 426
Torque Converter ................... 303,307
Autostick ............................. 305
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ...... 175
Auxiliary Power Outlet ................... 175
Axle Fluid ............................. 447
Battery ............................... 411
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 24
Belts, Seat ............................ 39,88
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 413
B-Pillar Location ........................ 334
Brake Assist System ...................... 323
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 321
Brake Fluid ............................ 447
Brake, Parking .......................... 317
Brake System ........................... 423
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 319,322Master Cylinder
....................... 423
Parking ............................. 317
Warning Light ........................ 196
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 297
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 86
Bulb Replacement ....................... 440
Bulbs, Light .......................... 90,440
Calibration, Compass .................. 210,217
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 445
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 364
Power Steering ........................ 316
Car Washes ............................ 429
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............87,363
Cargo Area Features ...................... 180
Cargo Compartment ...................... 180
Light ............................... 180
Cargo Light ............................ 180
10
INDEX 481

FlashersHazard Warning ....................... 386
Turn Signal ................ 90,195,441,442,443
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 294
Floor Console .......................... 179
Fluid, Brake ........................... 447
Fluid Capacities ......................... 445
Fluid Leaks ............................. 91
Fluid Level Checks .................... 426,427
Automatic Transmission ................. 425
Engine Oil ........................... 407
Power Steering ........................ 316
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 446
Fog Light Service ........................ 442
Fog Lights .......................... 150,442
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 142
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 308
Operation ........................... 308
Systems ............................. 308 Four Wheel Drive Operation
................ 308
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 386
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 427
Fuel ................................. 358
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 364
Gasoline ............................ 358
Gauge .............................. 192
Light ............................... 193
Materials Added ....................... 361
Octane Rating ................... 358,359,446
Requirements ......................... 445
Tank Capacity ........................ 445
Fuel System Caution ..................... 362
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 165
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............364,365,403
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 192
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 358
10
INDEX 485

Pets, Transporting........................ 85
Phone, Cellular ......................... 100
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 100
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 334
Polishing and Waxing ..................... 429
Power Door Locks ........................... 29
Mirrors .............................. 99
Steering .......................... 315,316
Sunroof ............................. 171
Windows ............................. 33
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 447
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 53
Preparation for Jacking .................... 389
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 219
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 341
Radio Operation ........................ 275
Radio, Satellite (Uconnect studios)........... 268 Rear Axle (Differential)
.................... 427
Rear Park Sense System ................... 159
Rear Window Defroster ................... 184
Rear Window Features .................... 183
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 183
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 97
Reclining Front Seats ..................... 136
Recreational Towing ...................... 383
Reformulated Gasoline .................... 359
Refrigerant ............................ 413
Release, Hood .......................... 145
Reminder, Lights On ..................... 149
Reminder, Seat Belt ....................... 52
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................. 19
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ........ 273
Remote Starting System .................... 25
Replacement Keys ........................ 15
Replacement Parts ....................... 406
Replacement Tires ....................... 345
10
INDEX 491