2008 DODGE NITRO gas type

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Check antifreeze/coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze/
coolant needs to be added, contents of coolant recov-
ery bottle must also be protected against freezing.
²If frequent antifreeze/coolant additions are required,
or if the level in the recovery bottle does not drop
when the engine cools, the cooling system should be
pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain antifreeze/coolant concentration at 50%
HOAT antifreeze/coolant (minimum) and distilled
water for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

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