2007 DODGE NITRO clutch

A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at a calibrated speed at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. The
feature is operational in Overdrive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Manually shifting between 3 (third gear) and 4 (fourth
gear) positions (using the ERS shift control) will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case —
If Equipped
Operating Information/Precautions
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the center console.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — TOW/HAUL (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “TOW HAUL” button when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............351
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............352
▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................353
▫Body Lubrication.....................353
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................354
▫Windshield Washers...................354
▫Exhaust System......................355
▫Cooling System.......................355
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......360
▫Brake System........................361
▫Automatic Transmission................363
▫Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual
Transmission........................364▫Manual Transmission..................364
▫Transfer Case........................365
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................366
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From
Corrosion...........................366

Fuses (Integrated Power Module)...........371

Replacement Light Bulbs.................378

Bulb Replacement......................379
▫Head Light..........................379
▫Left Front Turn Signal..................379
▫Right Front Turn Signal.................379
▫Front Side Marker.....................380
▫Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted).....380
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check — W5A580 (4.0L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped dipstick tube, it
is sealed and should not be tampered with. Your autho-
rized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid
level is set properly.
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.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer to Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16” (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission MoparManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the re-
quirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder/Manual
Transmission Clutch SystemMoparDOT 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 MoparATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
Odometer........................... 172
Speedometer......................... 166
Tachometer.......................... 170
Gear Ranges......................245,249,255
General Information.................... 19,295
Glass Cleaning.......................... 370
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 307
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 306
GVWR ............................... 303
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect™).............. 84
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 324
Head Restraints......................... 113
Head Rests............................ 113
Headlights
Bulb Replacement...................... 379Dimmer Switch....................... 120
Replacing............................ 379
Switch .............................. 120
Heated Seats........................... 113
Heater, Engine Block..................... 243
High Beam Indicator..................... 166
Hitches
TrailerTowing ........................ 310
Holder,Cup ........................... 147
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 117
Hoses.............................360,361
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 364
Ignition............................... 14
Key ................................. 14
Ignition Key Removal..................... 14
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Infant Restraint........................ 64,65
426 INDEX

System, Navigation...................... 219
System, Remote Starting.................... 26
Table, Utility........................... 152
Tachometer............................ 170
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 164
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 68
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 150
Tilt Steering Column..................... 124
Tip Start.............................. 240
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 274
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 272
Tire Markings.......................... 269
Tire Safety Information.................... 269
Tires ............................ 76,278,417
Air Pressure.......................... 279
Alignment and Balance.................. 284
Chains.............................. 285
Changing............................ 326General Information.................... 278
High Speed.......................... 281
Inflation Pressures..................... 279
Jacking............................. 326
LifeofTires .......................... 283
Load Capacity.....................274,275
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 287
Quality Grading....................... 417
Radial.............................. 281
Replacement......................... 283
Rotation............................. 286
Safety............................ 76,269
Sizes ............................... 270
Spare Tire........................... 327
Spinning ............................ 281
Tread Wear Indicators................... 282
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 314
Torque Converter Clutch................254,258
Towing ............................... 305
434 INDEX