fuel cap DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G User Guide

CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impu-
rities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting
aftermarket cap can cause the “Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL)” to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the MIL to turn
on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is being filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the MIL to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap about one quarter turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 357

•If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic Sys-
tem” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the month, day, and
hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of eitherthe front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
heavier items down low and be sure that the weight is
distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse affect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles, and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.7L ............. 401
 Engine Compartment — 4.0L ............. 402
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 403
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 403
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 404
 Replacement Parts ..................... 405
 Dealer Service ........................ 405 
Maintenance Procedures ................. 406
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 407
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 410
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 410
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 411
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 412
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 413
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 414
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 414
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity – 3.7L Engine
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil filler
cap shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for your
vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity – 4.0L Engine
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred. SAE 5W-30 engine oil
is allowed during cold weather only to improve cold
weather starting.Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
Do not add supplemental materials, other than leak
detection dyes, to your engine oil. Engine oil is an
engineered product and it’s performance may be im-
paired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 19.5 Gallons73.8 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.7 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 14 Quarts
13.3 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent) 14 Quarts
13.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MOPARAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hy-
brid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil – 3.7L Engine Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil – 4.0L Engine Use API Certified SAE 10W-30 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of
Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for
correct SAE grade.
Engine Oil Filter MOPAREngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs – 3.7L Engine ZFR6F-11G (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm])
Spark Plugs – 4.0L Engine ZFR5LP-13G (Gap 0.050 in [1.27 mm])
Fuel Selection – 3.7L Engine 87 Octane
Fuel Selection – 4.0L Engine 87 Octane Acceptable – 89 Octane Preferred
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check.................... 425
Fluid Type ...................... 424,445
Special Additives ..................... 425
Torque Converter .................. 299,304
Autostick ............................. 301
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ...... 179
Auxiliary Power Outlet ................... 179
Axle Fluid ............................. 445
B-Pillar Location ........................ 325
Battery ............................... 411
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Belts, Seat ............................ 43,89
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 413
Brake Assist System ...................... 315
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 313
Brake Fluid ............................ 445
Brake System ........................... 422
Anti-Lock (ABS) ................... 31 1,314Master Cylinder
..................... 423
Parking ........................... 309
Warning Light ....................... 202
Brake, Parking .......................... 309
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 295
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 86
Bulb Replacement ....................... 438
Bulbs, Light .......................... 91,438
Calibration, Compass .................. 215,222
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 443
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 356
Power Steering ...................... 308
Car Washes ............................ 428
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............88,355
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 358
Cargo Area Features ...................... 185
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INDEX 475

Fabric Care............................ 430
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 410
Air Conditioning ..................... 284
Engine Oil ....................... 410,444
Finish Care ............................ 428
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 380
Turn Signal .............. 91,201,439,440,441
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 292
Floor Console .......................... 184
Fluid Capacities ......................... 443
Fluid Leaks ............................. 91
Fluid Level Checks .................... 426,427
Automatic Transmission ................ 424
Engine Oil ......................... 407
Power Steering ...................... 308
Fluid, Brake ........................... 445
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 444Fog Light Service
........................ 440
Fog Lights .......................... 152,440
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 146
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 304
Operation .......................... 304
Systems ........................... 304
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 304
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 380
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 392
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 427
Fuel ................................. 351
Ethanol ........................... 352
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................. 356
Gasoline ........................... 351
Gauge ............................ 198
Light ............................. 199
Materials Added ..................... 354
Methanol .......................... 352
Octane Rating ................. 351,352,444
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INDEX 479