2008 DODGE NITRO cooling

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Fuel Cap Indicator
This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel cap is located.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
high temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If
the needle rises to the ªHº mark, stop the vehicle, shiftinto N (Neutral) increase engine speed for 2-3 minutes. If
the temperature reading does not return to normal, seek
authorized service immediately.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads 1/8
of a tank or less.
168 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

5. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the driver
or passengers seat belt remains unbuckled. If the seat belt
indicator remains on and/or flashes with belts buckled,
this may indicate a fault in the seat belt reminder system.
Have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
6. Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift into N
(Neutral) and increase the engine speed for 2 to 3
minutes. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, seek authorized service immediately.As temperatures rise and the gauge approaches9H9, this
indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound
after reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will
cause the temperature gauge to pass9H9, the indicator
will continuously flash, and a continuous chime will
occur until the engine is allowed to cool.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the if the light remains on, turn
the engine off immediately, and call for service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 169
4

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
7. Speedometer
Shows the vehicles speed.
8. High Beam Indicator Light
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.9. Security Alarm System Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light/Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light ± If
Equipped
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the yellow ªESP/TCS Indicator
Lightº in the instrument cluster both come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ªONº position.
They should go out with the engine running. If the
ªESP/BAS Warning Lampº comes on continuously with
the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in
either the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on
170 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction, and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and
Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
N (Neutral) and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 239
4

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

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor, and
the Fan Control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads ªH,º
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªH,º and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 335
6

NPower Steering Fluid Check..............363
NDriveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................364
NBody Lubrication.....................364
NWindshield Wiper Blades................365
NWindshield Washers...................365
NExhaust System......................366
NCooling System.......................366
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......371
NBrake System........................372
NAutomatic Transmission................374
NHydraulic Clutch Fluid Ð Manual
Transmission........................375
NManual Transmission..................375NTransfer Case........................376
NFront/Rear Axle Fluid..................377
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................377
mFuses (Integrated Power Module)...........381
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................389
mBulb Replacement......................389
NHead Light..........................389
NLeft Front Turn Signal..................390
NRight Front Turn Signal.................391
NFront Side Marker.....................391
NFront Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted).....391
NRear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Back-Up
Lights.............................392
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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