2007 DODGE NITRO four wheel drive

Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............259
▫Mp 143 Single-Speed Part-Time
Transfer Case — If Equipped.............259
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically
Shifted Transfer Case...................261
▫Mp 140 Single-Speed Full-Time
Transfer Case — If Equipped.............262

On-Road Driving Tips...................262

Parking Brake.........................263

Anti-Lock Brake System..................265

Power Steering........................268

Tire Safety Information...................269
▫Tire Markings........................269
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........272▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........274

Tires — General Information...............278
▫Tire Pressure.........................278
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................279
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation....281
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................281
▫Tire Spinning........................281
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................282
▫LifeOfTire .........................283
▫Replacement Tires.....................283
▫Alignment And Balance.................284

Tire Chains...........................285

Tire Rotation Recommendations............286
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
dealer for radial tire repairs.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the “Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.”
•Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPM system will monitor the actual tire
pressure in the tire.
Base System — If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module.NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) consists of the
following components:
•Receiver Module
•4 Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more of
the four active road tire pressures are low. The audible
chime will sound once every ignition cycle for each
condition that it detects. Should this occur, you should
stop as soon as possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each tire to the
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P (Park). With a manual transmission, shift the trans-
mission into R (Reverse). Always, block orchockthe
trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flashers.................324

If Your Engine Overheats.................325

Jacking And Tire Changing................326
▫Jack Location........................326
▫Spare Tire Stowage....................327
▫Spare Tire Removal....................328▫Preparations For Jacking................328
▫Jacking Instructions....................329

Jump Starting.........................331

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................333
▫Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............334
▫Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............334
6

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting
out the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use of safety chains is recom-
mended.Attach towing device to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle — not to bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles
under tow must be observed.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the ignition key in the
OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the
rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30
mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15
miles (25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km )
or faster than 30 mph, it must be towed on a flatbed, or
with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the
ground, or with the front end raised and the rear wheels
on a towing dolly.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, with the rear wheels on the
ground, at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than
15 miles (25 km) can cause severe transmission damage.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised
and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
334 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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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