transmission DODGE NITRO 2011 1.G Workshop Manual

CAUTION! (Continued)
•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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is impor-
tant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. The only
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

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-90 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445

56,000 Miles (91,000 km) or
42 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before
56,000 miles (91 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
64,000 Miles (104,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
64,000 miles (104 000 km).
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the ignition cables (3.7L Engine).
❏ Replace the spark plugs (3.7L Engine).
❏ Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏ Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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S454 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

120,000 Miles (195,000 km) or 90 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before
120,000 miles (195 000 km).
❏ Inspect the CV joints.
❏ Inspect exhaust system.
❏ Inspect the front and rear axle fluid, change if using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet,
off-road or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s).
❏ Replace the accessory drive belt(s).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 459

About Your Brakes....................... 309
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .............. 311
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 419
Adding Fuel ........................... 356
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 410
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 412
Air Conditioning ........................ 274
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 274
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 284
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 413
Air Conditioning System ................274,278
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 285
Air Filter .............................. 410
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 330
Airbag ................................ 58
Airbag Deployment ....................... 72
Airbag Light ..................... 66,75,89,205
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 74
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ............... 62Alarm (Security Alarm)
.................... 17
Alarm Light ........................... 200
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................243,268
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 311,314
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 205
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 443
Appearance Care ........................ 427
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 98
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 278
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 294
Automatic Transmission .............295,300,424
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 424
474 INDEX

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