2007 DODGE NITRO check oil

Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or
hear steam coming from under the hood, don’t 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 antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the BRAKE warning light shows system failure
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid levelshould be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.WARNING!
•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.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Off-road or desert driving
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow “Schedule B” of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant/anti-freeze every 102,000
miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first,
and follow “Schedule B” of the “Maintenance Schedules”
section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule “B.”
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule “B.”Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy 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, add as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 387
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Once a Month
•Check the 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, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (If equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
388 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Flooded Engine Starting................... 240
Fluid, Brake........................... 384
Fluid Capacities......................... 382
Fluid Leaks............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks...................... 366
Automatic Transmission................. 363
Engine Oil........................... 343
Manual Transmission................... 364
Power Steering........................ 352
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 383
Fog Light Service........................ 380
Fog Lights..........................121,380
Folding Rear Seat........................ 115
Four Wheel Drive....................... 259
Operation........................... 259
Systems............................. 259
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 259
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 324
Front Axle (Differential)................... 366Fuel................................. 296
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 300
Filter ............................... 350
Gasoline............................ 296
Gauge.............................. 164
Materials Added....................... 298
Octane Rating......................296,383
Requirements......................... 382
Tank Capacity........................ 382
Fuel System Caution................298,301,302
Fuses................................ 371
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............300,302,340
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 164
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 296
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 297
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 297
INDEX 425
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Rotation, Tires.......................... 286
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 75
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 76
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 415
Safety Information, Tire................... 269
Safety Tips............................. 74
Satellite Radio.......................219,221
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 222
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 386
Seat Belt Maintenance..................... 75
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 44
Seat Belts.............................. 38
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 42
And Pregnant Women................... 45
Child Restraint....................... 64,72
Extender............................. 46
Front Seat............................ 38
Inspection............................ 75Maintenance........................ 75,370
Pretensioners.......................... 44
Reminder............................ 165
Shoulder Belt Anchorage.................. 42
Seats................................. 110
Adjustment.......................... 110
Cleaning............................ 369
Head Restraints....................... 113
Heated.............................. 113
Rear Folding......................... 115
Reclining ............................ 111
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 19,166
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 383
Selection of Oil......................... 345
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 16
Service Assistance....................... 412
Service Contract......................... 414
Service Manuals........................ 416
Setting the Clock..................193,208,219
432 INDEX