2007 DODGE NITRO fuel filter

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

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment – 3.7L...............338

Engine Compartment – 4.0L...............339

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........340
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............340

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................341

Replacement Parts......................342

Dealer Service.........................343

Maintenance Procedures..................343▫Engine Oil..........................343
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition
And Tension.........................347
▫Spark Plugs.........................347
▫Catalytic Converter....................348
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........350
▫Fuel Filter..........................350
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................350
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................351
7

Engine Oil Viscosity (3.7L Engine)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap shows the recommended engine oil viscosity
for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (4.0L Engine)
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operat-
ing temperatures. This engine oil improves low tem-
perature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine
oil filler cap shows the recommended engine oil vis-
cosity for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturerstrongly recommendsagainst the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
authorized dealer, service station, or governmental
agency for advice on how and where used oil can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
NOTE:For best access to the oil filter, a drive on hoist
should be used instead of a chassis hoist (3.7L Only).
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent replacement of the fuel filter which is mounted
in the fuel tank may be necessary.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on “Maintenance Schedule A.” If,
however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or
severe conditions, the filter element should be inspected
periodically and replaced if necessary at the intervals
shown on “Maintenance Schedule B.”
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide protection in the case of
engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner
unless it is necessary for repair or maintenance.
Make sure that no one is near the engine compart-
ment before starting the vehicle with the air cleaner
removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
350 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19.5 Gallons 73.8 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified Engine Oil) 5 Qts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 6 Qts 5.7 Liters
Cooling System *
3.7 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)14 Qts 13 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (MoparAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)14 Qts 13 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil (3.7L Engine) Use SAE 5W-20, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395 or equiva-
lent.
Engine Oil (4.0L Engine) Use SAE 10W-30, API Certified, meeting material standard MS-6395 or
equivalent.
Engine Oil Filter MoparEngine Oil Filter, P/N 5281090 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection (3.7L Engines) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method
Fuel Selection (4.0L Engines) 87 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method Acceptable, 89 Octane, (R+M)/2 Method Pre-
ferred
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
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

Emission Control System Maintenance......341,386
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 350
Block Heater......................... 243
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Compartment......................338,339
Compartment Identification............338,339
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 383
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 74,299
Fails to Start.......................... 240
Flooded, Starting...................... 240
Fuel Requirements..................296,382
Jump Starting......................... 332
Oil ...........................343,382,383
Oil Disposal.......................... 346
OilFilter ............................ 346
Oil Selection.......................... 382
Overheating.......................... 325
Starting............................. 239Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 346
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 346
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Event Data Recorder...................... 61
Exhaust Gas Caution................... 74,299
Exhaust System......................... 355
ExteriorFinishCare ...................... 367
Fabric Care............................ 369
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 350
Engine Fuel.......................... 350
Engine Oil........................346,383
FinishCare ............................ 367
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 324
Turn Signal.....................167,379,381
424 INDEX