2009 DODGE NITRO engine

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating temperature,
the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for engine
coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the engine
coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If enginecoolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7

WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE (3.7L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
Fluid Level Check — W5A580 (4.0L Engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use MOPARTotal Clean,
a mild soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove
the seat belts from the vehicle to wash them.Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Totally Integrated Power Module
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is located
in the engine compartment near the battery. This center
contains cartridge fuses, mini fuses and relays. A label
that identifies each component is printed on the inside of
the cover.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M24 25 Amp
NaturalRear Wiper (REAR
WIPER)
M25 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump (FUEL
PUMP), Diesel Lift
Pump (DSL LIFT
PUMP) — Export Only
M26 10 Amp
RedPower Mirror Switch
(PWR MIRR SW),
Driver Window Switch
(DRVR WIND SW)
M27 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch (IGN
SW), Window Module
(WIN MOD)
M28 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Trans-
mission Feed (TRANS
FEED), J1962
M29 10 Amp
RedOccupant Classification
Module (OCM)
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
M30 15 Amp
BlueRear Wiper Module
(RR WIPER MOD),
Power Folding Mirror
(PWR FOLD MIR)
M31 20 Amp
YellowBack-Up Lamps (B/U
LAMPS)
M32 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint
Controller (ORC), TT
EUROPE
M33 10 Amp
RedNext Generation Con-
troller (NGC), Global
Powertrain Engine
Controller (GPEC)
M34 10 Amp
RedPark Assist (PRK
ASST), Heater Ventila-
tion, Air Conditioning
Module (HVAC MOD),
Headlamp Wash
(HDLP WASH), Com-
pass (COMPAS)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
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REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb No.
Dome Light.........................TL212–2
Liftgate Lamp........................... 567
Overhead Console Lights............. PLW214–2A
Reading Light.......................WL212–2
LIGHT BULBS — Exterior Bulb No.
Headlight..........................9008 H13
Front Park/Turn......................3157AK
Front Sidemarker......................... 168
Back-Up.............................3057K
Center High Mounted Stoplight.............. 921
Fog Lamp.......................... H109145
License Plate Light....................... 168
Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal................3057K
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlight
1. Open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlight unit in the engine com-
partment to access the headlight bulb lock ring.
3. Firmly grasp the lock ring on the back of the headlight
unit housing.
4. Rotate the lock ring on the back of the headlight
housing counterclockwise to unlock it.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life. If the
bulb comes in contact with any oily surface, clean the
bulb with rubbing alcohol.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

Right Front Turn Signal
1. Open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlight unit in the engine com-
partment to access the turn signal bulb.
3. Twist the bulb counterclockwise to remove.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace the
bulb.
Front Side Marker
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the grille assembly as follows:
a. Remove eight fasteners.
b. Remove two screws from each headlight.
c. Remove two rivets from the center of the grille.
d. Remove one push pin from the top of each fender.e. Pull the grille assembly toward you to disconnect
the grille clips to the fender and the headlight ballstuds
to the front end module.
3. Disconnect electrical connector.
4. Turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove.
Front Fog Light (Front Fascia Mounted)
1. Reach between the front fascia and wheel liner from
under the vehicle.
2. Turn the front fog light bulb one quarter turn counter-
clockwise to remove from housing.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector and replace bulb.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)19.5 Gallons 73.8 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
3.7 Liter Engine (SAE 5W-20, API Certified) 5 Quarts 4.7 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (SAE 10W-30, API Certified) 5.5 Quarts 5.2 Liters
Cooling System *
3.7 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula)14 Quarts 13.3 Liters
4.0 Liter Engine (MOPARAntifreeze/Engine Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula)14 Quarts 13.3 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE