2008 DODGE NITRO tire type

CAUTION!
²The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire
sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
²After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.NOTE:
²The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
²The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
²Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
²The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver 's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Telltale light.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information section in this manual.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
²The weight of the driver and all passengers.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
Jack Location
The scissor-type jack and tire changing tools are located
in the left rear trim panel behind the second row seat.
Jack Storage Location
336 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Engine Oil Filter Selection
All of the manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopartengine oil filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service
At the mileage indicated in the appropriate ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº, all belts and tensioner should be
checked for condition. Improper belt tension can cause
belt slippage and failure.Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks,
glazing, or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication
of damage which could result in belt failure. Low gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Refer to the ªVehicle Emission Control Informationº label
in the engine compartment for spark plug information.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

garden hose vertically down the face of the A/C con-
denser (if equipped) or the back of the radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection at
the coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the
entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
antifreeze/coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap
is sealing properly, the antifreeze/coolant will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush, And Refill
At the intervals shown in the appropriate ªMaintenance
Schedule,º the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze/coolant solution.
Discard old antifreeze/coolant solution according to rec-
ommended procedure.
Selection Of Engine Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended antifreeze/
coolant, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct antifreeze/coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

About Your Brakes....................... 272
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............173,274
Adding Fuel........................... 310
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 159
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 361
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 362
Air Conditioning.....................235,238
Air Conditioning Controls................. 238
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 239
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 363
Air Conditioning System.................. 238
Air Filter.............................. 361
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 288
Airbag.............................49,174
Airbag Deployment....................... 61
Airbag Light..........................63,77
Airbag Maintenance....................... 63
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,170Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 293
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 228
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 394
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............131,274
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 173
Anti-Theft System.....................18,170
Appearance Care........................ 377
Auto Down Power Windows................ 34
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Transaxle...................... 252
Automatic Transmission.............255,260,374
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 374
Fluid Level Check...................374,375
Fluid Type........................374,396
Gear Ranges.......................... 255
Special Additives...................... 375
Torque Converter...................259,264
416 INDEX

Refrigerant............................ 363
Release, Hood.......................... 121
Reminder, Lights On..................... 124
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 233
Remote Starting System.................... 25
Replacement Keys........................ 15
Replacement Parts....................... 353
Replacement Tires....................... 292
Reporting Safety Defects................... 409
Restraint, Head......................... 116
Restraints, Child......................... 66
Restraints, Occupant...................... 39
Roll Over Warning........................ 4
Roof Type Carrier....................... 160
Rotation, Tires.......................... 295
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 77Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 78
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 409
Safety Information, Tire................... 279
Safety Tips............................. 76
Satellite Radio.......................226,227
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 228
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 398
Seat Belt Maintenance..................... 77
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 46
Seat Belts.............................. 40
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 44
And Pregnant Women................... 48
Child Restraint.......................66,73
Extender............................. 48
Front Seat............................ 40
Inspection............................ 77
Maintenance........................77,381
Pretensioners.......................... 46
Reminder............................ 169
428 INDEX

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