2008 DODGE NITRO oil change

SAE 10W-30engine oil is preferred. SAE 5W-30 engine oil
is allowed during cold weather only to improve cold
weather starting.
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).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot antifreeze/
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check antifreeze/coolant protection every 12 months
(before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable).
If antifreeze/coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
antifreeze/coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser
(if equipped) or radiator for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from a
366 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 ªMaintenance Scheduleº 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.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles ªOil Change Requiredº will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles ªChange Oilº will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation condition the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
398 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than yourdealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse Factory
Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual or under
ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 399
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
400 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the front & rear axle fluid, change if using
your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent
trailer towing.18,000 30 000 18
Inspect exhaust system. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.30,000 50 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 401
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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