2008 DODGE NITRO four wheel drive

þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing ± 2WD Models
Recreational towing (all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing is allowedONLYif the driveshaft is
removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels areOFFthe
ground.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Ð 4WD or All-Wheel Drive Models
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
Recreational towing (all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing isNOTallowed. These models do
not have a N (Neutral) position in the transfer case.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or
vehicle trailer provided all four wheels areOFFthe
ground.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flashers.................334
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................335
mJacking And Tire Changing................336
NJack Location........................336
NSpare Tire Stowage....................337
NSpare Tire Removal....................337NPreparations For Jacking................338
NJacking Instructions....................339
mJump Starting.........................341
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................343
NTwo-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............344
NFour-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............344
6

NOTE:Transmission must be in ªNº (Neutral) under
any towing configuration.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Front Wheels Raised
The speed mustnotexceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the
distance mustnotexceed 15 miles (25 km).
This vehicle may be towed with the transmission in ªNº,
the ignition key in the LOCK position, the front wheels
raised, and the rear wheels on the ground.
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.
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.
Rear Wheels Raised
The speed mustnotexceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the
distance mustnotexceed 15 miles (25 km).
This vehicle may be towed with the transmission in ªNº,
the ignition key in the LOCK position, the rear wheels
raised, and the front wheels on the ground.
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.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends flatbed towing with all
wheelsOFFthe ground.
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Exhaust System......................... 366
Exterior Finish Care...................... 378
Fabric Care.........................379,380
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 361
Engine Fuel.......................... 361
Engine Oil........................357,395
Finish Care............................ 378
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 334
Turn Signal..................171,390,391,392
Flooded Engine Starting................... 246
Floor Console.......................... 152
Fluid, Brake........................... 396
Fluid Capacities......................... 394
Fluid Leaks............................. 78
Fluid Level Checks...................... 377
Automatic Transmission................. 374Engine Oil........................... 354
Manual Transmission................... 375
Power Steering........................ 363
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 395
Fog Light Service........................ 391
Fog Lights..........................124,391
Folding Rear Seat........................ 118
Four Wheel Drive....................... 265
Operation........................... 265
Systems............................. 265
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 265
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 334
Front Axle (Differential)................... 377
Fuel................................. 306
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 310
Filter............................... 361
Gasoline............................ 306
Gauge.............................. 168
Materials Added....................... 308
INDEX 421
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ROLLOVER WARNING HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD
ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderSENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel Lock
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Arm the SystemTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY To Unlock the Doors and LiftgateTo Lock the Doors and LiftgateUsing the Panic AlarmProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery
ReplacementGeneral InformationREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksAutomatic Door LocksAutomatic Unlock Doors on ExitChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors)WINDOWS Power WindowsWind
BuffetingLIFTGATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder Belt Operating InstructionsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Mode - If EquippedEnergy Management FeatureSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Use
Reminder System (BeltAlert)Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ChildRestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make
Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding FeaturePower Remote Control
MirrorsIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral Information
SEATS Front Manual Seat AdjustmentFront Seat Adjustment - Recline6-Way Drivers Power Seat with Manual ReclinerFold Flat Front Passenger SeatHead RestraintsHeated Seats - If Equipped60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Fold Flat FeatureTO OPEN AND CLOSE
THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior LightsMulti-Function Control LeverParking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, and HeadlightsLights-On ReminderHeadlight Dimmer SwitchPassing LightFront Fog Lights - If EquippedTurn SignalsDaytime Running Lights - If EquippedWINDSHIELD
WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemWindshield Wiper OperationWindshield WashersMist FeatureTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED Electronic Speed Control OperationTo ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo
DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransmissionTo Accelerate For PassingELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)TCS (Traction Control System)BAS (Brake Assist System)ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)ESP/BAS Warning LampGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral
InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Opening Sunroof - ExpressClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET Electrical
Outlet Use With Engine OffPOWER INVERTER CUP HOLDERS STORAGE Front Storage CompartmentConsole Storage CompartmentCARGO AREA FEATURES Cargo LightCargo Tie-Down HooksCargo Load Floor - If EquippedRear Cargo Slide Out System (LOAD N
GO) - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Wiper/Washer - If EquippedRear Window Defroster - If EquippedROOF LUGGAGE RACK- NON FUNCTIONAL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION COMPASS AND TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED Control ButtonsTrip ConditionsCompass/Temperature DisplayELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF EQUIPPED Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) DisplaysOil Change RequiredTrip FunctionsCompass DisplayTelephone - If EquippedPersonal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM Reception
FM ReceptionSALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA
FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3
Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE RER - AM/FM/CD/DVD RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioClock Setting Procedure
SATELLITE RADIO (RSC) - IF EQUIPPED (RER/REQ/REN RADIOS ONLY) System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating
Instructions - Hands Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE XRV) - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio Operation
CD PlayerCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Air Conditioning and Heating SystemOperating TipsSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingExtreme Cold Weather
(below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED MANUAL TRANSMISSION - IF EQUIPPED 6-Speed Manual TransmissionAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Shift Lock Manual Override - If Equipped
Brake/Transmission Interlock System4-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.7L Engine)5-Speed Automatic Transmission (4.0L Engine)Gear RangesFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION MP 143 Single-Speed Part-Time Transfer Case - If EquippedShifting Procedure -
Electronically Shifted Transfer CaseMP 140 Single-Speed Full-Time Transfer Case - If EquippedON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS When To Use 4L or 4LO (Low) RangeDriving Through WaterDriving In Snow, Mud and SandHill ClimbingTraction Downhill
After Driving Off-RoadPARKING BRAKE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM POWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation Pressures
Tire Pressures for High Speed OperationRadial-Ply TiresTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment and BalanceTIRE CHAINS TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base
System - If EquippedPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS 3.7L Engine (If Equipped)4.0L Engine (If Equipped)Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon
Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer
and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing - 2WD ModelsTowing - 4WD or All-Wheel Drive ModelsWHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowageSpare Tire RemovalPreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP STARTING TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Two-Wheel Drive VehiclesFour-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR
VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 4.0L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION ANDMAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsCatalytic ConverterCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuelFilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering Fluid Check
Driveline And Steering Component LubricationBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses andVacuum/Vapor HarnessesBrake SystemAutomatic TransmissionHydraulic Clutch Fluid - Manual TransmissionManual
TransmissionTransfer CaseFront/Rear Axle FluidAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) REPLACEMENT LIGHTBULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Head LightLeft Front Turn SignalRight Front Turn SignalFront Side Marker
Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, and Back-Up LightsCenter High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)FLUID CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With
RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES Treadwear
Traction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX