2010 DODGE NITRO check oil

should be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
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.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and GenuineParts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

Draining Fluid
First remove the fill plug (1), then the drain plug (2).
Recommended tightening torque for the drain and fill
plugs is 15–25 ft lbs (20–34 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not over-tighten the plugs. You could damage
them and cause a leak.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life ofthe vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
fluid becomes contaminated with water. Change the fluid
immediately if contaminated with water.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Fluid Level Check
•
Front axle lubricant should be at the bottom edge of
the oil fill hole when the vehicle is in a level position.
•Rear axle lubricant should be 0.5 in (11 mm) below the
bottom edge of the oil fill hole when the vehicle is in a
level position.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 427

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six 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 authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.8
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•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and the
brake master cylinder, 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.
•Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type and circumfer-
ence on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can
cause damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation
schedule should be followed to balance tire wear.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
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S452 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

FlashersHazard Warning ....................... 386
Turn Signal ................ 90,195,441,442,443
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 294
Floor Console .......................... 179
Fluid, Brake ........................... 447
Fluid Capacities ......................... 445
Fluid Leaks ............................. 91
Fluid Level Checks .................... 426,427
Automatic Transmission ................. 425
Engine Oil ........................... 407
Power Steering ........................ 316
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 446
Fog Light Service ........................ 442
Fog Lights .......................... 150,442
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 142
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 308
Operation ........................... 308
Systems ............................. 308 Four Wheel Drive Operation
................ 308
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 386
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 427
Fuel ................................. 358
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 364
Gasoline ............................ 358
Gauge .............................. 192
Light ............................... 193
Materials Added ....................... 361
Octane Rating ................... 358,359,446
Requirements ......................... 445
Tank Capacity ........................ 445
Fuel System Caution ..................... 362
Fuses ................................ 432
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 165
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............364,365,403
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 192
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 358
10
INDEX 485

Lights.............................. 90,147
Airbag .......................... 74,88,200
Alarm .............................. 194
Anti-Lock ........................... 199
Back-Up ............................ 443
Brake Assist Warning ................... 328
Brake Warning ........................ 196
Bulb Replacement ...................... 440
Cargo .............................. 180
Center Mounted Stop ................... 444
Cruise .............................. 206
Daytime Running ...................... 151
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ............... 149
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator ......................... 194,326
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 193
Exterior .............................. 90
Fog .......................... 150,199,442
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ............... 207 Hazard Warning Flasher
................. 386
Headlight Switch ...................... 148
Headlights ........................... 440
High Beam Indicator .................... 194
Illuminated Entry ....................... 19
Instrument Cluster .................. 148,192
Interior ............................. 151
Lights On Reminder .................... 149
Low Fuel ......................... 192,193
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 205
Oil Pressure .......................... 199
Passing ............................. 149
Rear Servicing ........................ 443
Rear Tail ............................ 443
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 193
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 194
Service ............................. 440
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 205
Side Marker .......................... 443
488 INDEX

Reporting Safety Defects................... 474
Restraint, Head ......................... 138
Restraints, Child ......................... 76
Restraints, Occupant ...................... 38
Roll Over Warning ........................ 4
Roof Type Carrier ....................... 185
Rotation, Tires .......................... 347
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ................. 88
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ............... 90
Safety Defects, Reporting .................. 474
Safety, Exhaust Gas ....................... 87
Safety Information, Tire ................... 329
Safety Tips ............................. 86
Satellite Radio Antenna .................265,270
Satellite Radio (Uconnect studios)........... 268
Schedule, Maintenance .................... 450
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 52
Seat Belts ............................ 39,88Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage
........ 45
And Pregnant Women ................... 53
Child Restraint ....................... 76,83
Extender ............................. 54
Front Seat ............................ 39
Inspection ............................ 88
Maintenance ......................... 432
Shoulder Belt Anchorage ................. 45
Seats ................................. 134
Adjustment .......................... 135
Head Restraints ....................... 138
Heated ............................. 141
Rear Folding ......................... 142
Reclining ............................ 136
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 17
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 446
Selection of Oil ......................... 408
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 14
Sentry Key Programming ................... 16
492 INDEX