2009 DODGE NITRO check oil

Adding Fluid
Fluid should be added only at filler hole until fluid
begins to run out of the hole.
Drain
First remove fill plug (B), then drain plug (C). Recom-
mended tightening torque for drain and fill plugs is
15–25 ft lbs (20–34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
7

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Oil Change Required” in “Use FactorySettings” of the EVIC section in this manual or under
“Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “Instrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 413
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Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
414 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 354
Turn Signal..................176,404,405,406
Flooded Engine Starting................... 260
Floor Console.......................... 159
Fluid, Brake........................... 410
Fluid Capacities......................... 408
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks...................... 391
Automatic Transmission................. 389
Engine Oil........................... 373
Power Steering........................ 283
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 409
Fog Light Service........................ 405
Fog Lights..........................131,405
Folding Rear Seat........................ 125
Four Wheel Drive....................... 275
Operation........................... 275
Systems............................. 275Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 275
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 354
Front Axle (Differential)................... 391
Fuel................................. 326
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 331
Gasoline............................ 326
Gauge.............................. 174
Light............................... 175
Materials Added....................... 329
Octane Rating...................326,327,409
Requirements......................... 408
Tank Capacity........................ 408
Fuel System Caution..................... 330
Fuses................................ 396
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 144
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............331,333,370
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 174
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 326
INDEX 443
10

Brake Warning........................ 177
Bulb Replacement...................... 403
Cargo .............................. 160
Center Mounted Stop................... 407
Cruise.............................. 186
Daytime Running...................... 131
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 130
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator.........................176,292
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 175
Fog ..........................131,180,405
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 354
Headlight Switch...................... 130
Headlights........................... 403
High Beam Indicator.................... 176
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................130,174
Interior............................. 132
Lights On Reminder.................... 130Low Fuel.........................174,175
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 186
Oil Pressure.......................... 181
Passing............................. 131
Rear Servicing........................ 406
Rear Tail............................ 406
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 175
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 176
Service............................. 403
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 186
Side Marker.......................... 406
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 176
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........182,316
Traction Control....................... 292
Turn Signal..................131,404,405,406
Voltage............................. 180
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 162
446 INDEX

Restraints, Occupant...................... 37
Roll Over Warning........................ 4
Roof Type Carrier....................... 166
Rotation, Tires.......................... 315
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 76
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 77
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 432
Safety Information, Tire................... 296
Safety Tips............................. 76
Satellite Radio.......................... 240
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 241
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 412
Seat Belt Maintenance..................... 76
Seat Belt Reminder....................... 45
Seat Belts.............................. 38
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage........ 43
And Pregnant Women................... 47
Child Restraint.......................65,73Extender............................. 47
Front Seat............................ 38
Inspection............................ 76
Maintenance.......................76,396
Shoulder Belt Anchorage................. 43
Seats................................. 120
Adjustment.......................... 120
Cleaning............................ 394
Head Restraints....................... 123
Heated............................. 124
Rear Folding......................... 125
Reclining............................ 121
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)................ 17
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 409
Selection of Oil......................... 374
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 14
Sentry Key Programming................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement................... 15
Service Assistance....................... 429
450 INDEX