2007 DODGE NITRO brake

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

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

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
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
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
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 for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE (3.7L 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363
7

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

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J1 40 Amp
GreenPower Folding Seat
J2 30 Amp
PinkTransfer Case/Pwr
Liftgate Module
J3 40 Amp
GreenRear Door Module
(RR DOOR NODE)
J4 25 Amp
NaturalDriver Door Node
J5 25 Amp
NaturalPassenger Door Node
J6 40 Amp
GreenAnti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Pump/ESP
J7 30 Amp
PinkAnti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) Valve/ESP
J8 40 Amp
GreenPower Memory Seat
(If Equipped)
J9 40 Amp
GreenPZEV Motor/Flex
FuelCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J10 30 Amp
PinkHdlp Wash Relay/
Manual Tuning Valve
J11 30 Amp
PinkSway Bar/
THATCHAM Lock-
Unlock/Power Slid-
ing Door Module
J13 60 Amp
YellowIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) — Main
J14 40 Amp
GreenEBL (Rear Window
Defogger)
J15 30 Amp
PinkRear Blower
J17 40 Amp
GreenStarter Solenoid
J18 20 Amp
YellowPowertrain Control
Module (PCM) Trans
Range
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J19 60 Amp
YellowRadiator Fan
J20 30 Amp
PinkFront Wiper LO/HI
J21 20 Amp
YellowFront/Rear Washer
J22 25 Amp
NaturalSunroof Module
M1 20 Amp
YellowCenter High Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
M2 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Lighting
M3 20 Amp
YellowFrt/Rear Axle Lockers
M4 10 Amp
RedTrailer TowCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M5 25 Amp
NaturalInverter
M6 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #1/Rain
Sensor
M7 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SELECT)
M8 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seat
M9 20 Amp
YellowRear Heated Seat (If
Equipped)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M33 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Global
Powertrain Engine
Controller (GPEC)
M34 10 Amp
RedPark Assist (PRK
ASST), Heater Venti-
lation, Air Condition-
ing Module (HVAC
MOD), Headlamp
Wash (HDLP WASH),
Compass (COMPAS)
M35 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirrors
M36 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #3
(BATT)Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M37 10 Amp
RedAnti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Electronic
Stability Program
(ESP), Stop Lamp
Switch (STP LP SW),
Fuel Pump Rly Hi
Control
M38 25 Amp
NaturalLock/Unlock Motors
(LOCK/UNLOCK
MTRS)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7

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