check engine DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

hood latching components to ensure 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 or equivalent, 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.
NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any condition is
present please proceed to clean wiper blades with humid
cloth removing any debris that may be affecting its
function.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.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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 of
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that the engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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 disposal
rules 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 tempera-
ture, 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 atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked
once a month.
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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

•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 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. 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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 449

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 the coolant reservoir and the
brake master cylinder, 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.
•Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type and circumfer-
ence on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can
cause damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation
schedule should be followed to balance tire wear.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo Compartment...................... 185
Light ............................. 185
Cargo Light ............................ 185
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 187
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 185
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,273
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 442
Certification Label ....................... 358
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 381
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 321
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............210,404
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 87
Checks, Safety ........................... 87
Child Restraint .................... 76,77,82,84
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............81,82
Child Safety Locks ........................ 33
Climate Control ......................... 273
Clock ........................... 229,248,257Coin Holder
........................... 184
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 273
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 333
Compass ........................ 212,215,221
Compass Calibration .................. 215,222
Compass Variance .................... 214,223
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 219
Console .............................. 184
Console, Floor .......................... 184
Contract, Service ........................ 467
Cooling System ......................... 417
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 419
Coolant Capacity ..................... 443
Coolant Level ....................... 421
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 420
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 418
Inspection .......................... 417
Points to Remember .................. 421
Pressure Cap ........................ 420
476 INDEX

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

Life of Tires............................ 336
Liftgate ................................ 38
Light Bulbs ............................. 91
Lights .............................. 91,151
Airbag ...................... 66,75,89,205
Alarm ............................ 200
Anti-Lock .......................... 205
Back-Up ........................... 441
Brake Assist Warning .................. 319
Brake Warning ...................... 202
Bulb Replacement .................... 438
Cargo ............................. 185
Center Mounted Stop .................. 442
Cruise ............................ 211
Daytime Running .................... 152
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 152
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Indicator ................... 200,319
Engine Temperature Warning ............ 199Exterior
............................ 91
Fog ......................... 152,205,440
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............. 212
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 380
Headlight Switch ..................... 151
Headlights ......................... 438
High Beam Indicator .................. 200
Illuminated Entry ..................... 19
Instrument Cluster ................. 151,198
Interior ............................ 155
Lights On Reminder .................. 152
Low Fuel ....................... 198,199
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 210
Oil Pressure ........................ 205
Passing ............................ 152
Rear Servicing ....................... 441
Rear Tail ........................... 441
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 199
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 200
482 INDEX

Service............................ 438
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 210
Side Marker ........................ 441
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 200
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......206,341
Traction Control ..................... 319
Turn Signal .............. 91,153,439,440,441
Voltage ............................ 204
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 198
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 187
Loading Vehicle ......................... 358
Tires .............................. 325
Locks ................................. 28
Automatic Door ...................... 30
Child Protection ...................... 33
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 341 Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)
............................ 81,82
Lubrication, Body ....................... 413
Luggage Carrier ......................... 190
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 411
Maintenance Procedures ................... 406
Maintenance Schedule .................... 448
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 178
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 210,404
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ................... 445
Manual, Service ......................... 469
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 423
Methanol ............................. 352
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 212,219
Mirrors ................................ 97
Automatic Dimming ................... 98
Electric Powered ...................... 99
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INDEX 483