2010 DODGE NITRO engine overheat

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning Flasher switch is located on the
lower switch bank below the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE: With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating your engine by taking the
appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
386 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not 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.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 387

CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. 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
pressure 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 disposal
rules 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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 tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

Overheating.......................... 386
Towing ............................. 397
Emission Control System Maintenance ......404,450
Engine ............................... 401
Air Cleaner .......................... 410
Block Heater ......................... 296
Break-In Recommendations ................ 86
Compartment ...................... 401,402
Compartment Identification ............... 402
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 446
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 87,363
Fails to Start .......................... 294
Flooded, Starting ...................... 294
Fuel Requirements .................. 358,445
Jump Starting ......................... 393
Oil ........................... 407,445,446
Oil Disposal .......................... 409
Oil Filter ............................ 410
Oil Selection .......................... 445 Oil Synthetic
......................... 409
Overheating .......................... 386
Starting ............................. 293
Temperature Gauge .................... 192
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 409
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 409
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 71
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Exhaust Gas Caution ................... 87,363
Exhaust System ....................... 87,415
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 429
Exterior Lights .......................... 90
Fabric Care ............................ 431
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 410
Air Conditioning ...................... 286
Engine Oil ........................ 410,446
Finish Care ............................ 429
484 INDEX

Multi-Function Control Lever............... 147
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 86
Occupant Restraints ....................... 38
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 59
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............358,359
Odometer Trip ................................ 206
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 311
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 311
Oil, Engine ......................... 407,446
Capacity ............................ 445
Dipstick ............................. 407
Filter ............................ 410,446
Identification Logo ..................... 408
Materials Added to ..................... 409
Recommendation ................... 408,445
Synthetic ............................ 409 Viscosity
......................... 409,445
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............403,404
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 165
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 5
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 98
Overdrive ....................... 200,301,306
Overdrive OFF Switch .................301,306
Overheating, Engine ................... 192,386
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........5,475
Paint Care ............................. 428
Paint Damage .......................... 428
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 159
Parking Brake .......................... 317
Parking On Hill ......................... 317
Passing Light ........................... 149
Personal Settings ........................ 219
Pets .................................. 85
490 INDEX