2007 DODGE NITRO ECU

coolant needs to be added, contents of coolant recov-
ery bottle must also be protected against freezing.
•If frequent antifreeze/coolant additions are required,
or if the level in the recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain antifreeze/coolant concentration at 50%
HOAT antifreeze/coolant (minimum) and distilled
water for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, installONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate “Maintenance Schedule” in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7

Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, and Back-Up Lights
1. Open the lift gate.
2. Remove the two push pins.
3. Pull lamp straight back and disconnect electrical con-
nection.
4. Remove the two screws attaching the backplate to the
lamp assembly.
5. Pull the backplate straight back from the lamp hous-
ing.
6. Disconnect the electrical connector.
7. Remove the bulb from the backplate.
Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)
1. Remove the two screws securing the CHMSL.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector and washer hose (if
equipped) from CHMSL.
3. Replace the CHMSL.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............169,265
Adding Fuel........................... 300
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 156
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 350
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 351
Air Conditioning.....................228,232
Air Conditioning Controls................. 232
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 232
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 352
Air Conditioning System.................. 232
AirFilter .............................. 350
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 279
Airbag............................. 47,170
Airbag Deployment....................... 59
Airbag Light.......................... 61,75
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 19,166
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19Alignment and Balance................... 284
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 222
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 382
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............128,265
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 169
Anti-Theft System..................... 19,166
Appearance Care........................ 366
Auto Down Power Windows................ 32
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 30
Automatic Transaxle...................... 247
Automatic Transmission.............249,254,363
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 363
Fluid Level Check...................363,364
FluidType ........................363,384
Gear Ranges.......................... 249
Special Additives...................... 364
Torque Converter...................254,258
420 INDEX

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