Lubrication & Maintenance: Maintenance Dodge Nitro I

FLUID TYPES

When service is required, Chrysler recommends that only Mopar® brand parts, lubricants and chemicals be used. Mopar® provides the best engineered products for servicing Chrysler vehicles.

Only lubricants bearing designations defined by the following organization should be used to service a Chrysler vehicle

1. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
2. American Petroleum Institute (API). (Scheme 2)
3. National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)
4. European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)

Scheme 2

This symbol on the front of an oil container means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to meet all the lubrication requirements specified by Chrysler.

ATF+4 POWER STEERING FLUID

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid is required in the power steering system. Substitute fluids can induce power steering system failure.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Note. Refer to FLUID - CAPACITIES & RECOMMENDED .

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid is the recommended fluid for Chrysler automatic transmissions.

Dexron II fluid IS NOT recommended. Clutch chatter can result from the use of improper fluid.

Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin to look darker in color and may eventually become brown. This is normal. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid change.

FLUID ADDITIVES

Chrysler strongly recommends against the addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than those automatic transmission fluids listed above. Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks.

Various "special" additives and supplements exist that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These additives and others also claim to improve converter clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation, varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been supported to the satisfaction of Chrysler and these additives must not be used. The use of transmission "sealers" should also be avoided, since they may adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals.

BRAKE FLUID

The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform to DOT 3 specifications and SAE J1703 standards. No other type of brake fluid is recommended or approved for usage in the vehicle brake system. Use only Mopar brake fluid or an equivalent from a tightly sealed container.

The automatic transmission fluid is selected based upon several qualities. The fluid must provide a high level of protection for the internal components by providing a lubricating film between adjacent metal components. The fluid must also be thermally stable so that it can maintain a consistent viscosity through a large temperature range. If the viscosity stays constant through the temperature range of operation, transmission operation and shift feel will remain consistent. Transmission fluid must also be a good conductor of heat. The fluid must absorb heat from the internal transmission components and transfer that heat to the transmission case.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - EXPORT - GAS

There are two maintenance schedules that show the required service for your vehicle.

First is Schedule "A" . It is for vehicles that are not operated under any of the conditions listed under Schedule "B."

Second is Schedule "B" . It is for vehicles that are operated under the conditions that are listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.

1. Day or night temperatures are below 0°C (32°F).
2. Stop and go driving.
3. Extensive engine idling.
4. Driving in dusty conditions.
5. Short trips of less than 16.2 km (10 miles).
6. More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 32°C (90°F).
7. Trailer towing.
8. Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
9. Off-road or desert driving.

Note. Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed for Schedule "B."

Use the schedule that best describes your driving conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.

At Each Stop for Fuel

1. Check the engine oil level about 5 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.
2. Check the windshield washer solvent, add as required.

Once a Month

1. Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
2. Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
3. Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
4. Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation.

At Each Oil Change

1. Change the engine oil filter.
2. Inspect the exhaust system.
3. Inspect brake hoses.
4. Inspect the CV joints (If equipped) and front suspension components.
5. Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
6. After completion of off-road operation, the underside of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Examine threaded fasteners for looseness.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - EXPORT DIESEL

There are two maintenance schedules that show the required service for your vehicle.

First is Schedule "A" . It is for vehicles that are not operated under any of the conditions listed under Schedule "B".

Second is Schedule "B" . It is for vehicles that are operated under the conditions that are listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.

1. Day or night temperatures are below 0°C (32°F).
2. Stop and go driving.
3. Extensive engine idling.
4. Driving in dusty conditions.
5. Short trips of less than 16.2 km (10 miles).
6. More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 32°C (90°F).
7. Trailer towing.
8. Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
9. Off-road or desert driving.

Note. Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed for Schedule "B".

Use the schedule that best describes your driving conditions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.

At Each Stop for Fuel

1. Check the engine oil level about 5 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.
2. Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.

Once a Month

1. Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
2. Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
3. Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering and transmission and add as needed.
4. Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation.

At Each Oil Change

1. Change the engine oil filter.
2. Inspect the exhaust system.
3. Inspect brake hoses.
4. Check the engine coolant/anti-freeze level, hoses, and clamps.
5. Inspect engine accessory drive belts. Replace as necessary.
6. Inspect for the presence of water in the fuel filter/water separator unit.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - NAFTA - KOREAN GAS

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles "Oil Change Required" will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles "Change Oil" will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.

Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate, this means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805 km).

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 illuminated. 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 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.

Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this scheduled 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 Factory Settings" of the EVIC section of the service manual or under "Odometer/Trip Odometer" in the "Instrument Cluster Descriptions section of the owner's manual.

At Each Stop for Fuel

1. 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.
2. Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required.

Once a Month

1. Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
2. Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
3. Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
4. Check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation.

At Each Oil Change

1. Change the engine oil filter.
2. Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
3. Check the Manual Transmission fluid level.

Required Maintenance Intervals