2008 DODGE NITRO oil pressure

Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
78 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately. With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are
also switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights illu-
minate with the engine running. If the charging voltage
falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light
illuminates and the ABS is switched off. When the
voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indi-
cator light should go out and the ABS is operational. If
the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the system checked at your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
20. Front Fog Light Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.21. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. 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 and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained.
22. Airbag Warning Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on when the ignition is
first turned on, or the light stays on or comes
on while driving, have the airbag system checked by an
authorized dealer.
23. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(rpm x 1000).
174 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

²Right Front Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer
to ªTire Pressure Monitoring Systemº in Section 5 of
this manual.
²Right Rear Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer
to ªTire Pressure Monitoring Systemº in Section 5 of
this manual.
²Check TPM System (with a single chime). Refer to
ªTire Pressure Monitoring Systemº in Section 5 of this
manual.
²Check Gascap (refer to ªAdding Fuelº in Section 5 of
this manual for more details)
²Oil Change Required (with a single chime).
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªOil Change Requiredº message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style. Unless reset, this message
will continue to display each time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message
temporarily, press and release the Menu button. To reset
the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) refer to the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 187
4

Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Trailer towing
²If equipped for and operating with E±85 (ethanol) fuel
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule ªBº of the ªMainte-
nance Schedulesº section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule ªAº of the ªMain-
tenance Schedulesº section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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

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
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