🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Nitro

Year:

2007

Market Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Chassis Code:

KA

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Nitro was positioned as a compact SUV with a bolder, more aggressive styling than many competitors, aiming for a younger demographic and those seeking a more utilitarian or truck-like feel in a smaller package.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Jeep Liberty (its platform sibling), Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Xterra. The Nitro differentiated itself with its styling and shared powertrain options with Jeep.

Styling:

Distinctive, muscular exterior design, a signature Dodge grille, and a more upright stance.

Platform Sharing:

Built on the Chrysler KA platform, shared with the second-generation Jeep Liberty.

Powertrain Options:

Offered with a range of V6 engines, providing competitive power for its class.

Interior Design:

Functional interior with available premium features, emphasizing practicality and ruggedness.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, and Maintenance

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline engines offered for the 2007 model year

Transmission Coverage:

Automatic and Manual transmissions

Drivetrain Coverage:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for a comprehensive service manual)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, evaporative emissions control

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, coils, ignition control module

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, parking brake

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, springs, control arms, steering knuckles

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, body controls, power distribution

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, safety restraints

Diagnostics:

OBD-II codes, diagnostic procedures, testing methods

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, brake inspection

Repair:

Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension upgrades, electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon faults with diagnostic flowcharts

Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of major components

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, alignment data

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Tools:

References for specialized diagnostic tools and equipment

Troubleshooting Charts:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes (allows keyword searching within the document)

Printable:

Yes (printable pages for workshop use)

Graphic Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variant 1:

3.7L V6 (PowerTech)

Displacement 1:

3.7 liters (226 cubic inches)

Configuration 1:

SOHC V6

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Variant 2:

4.0L V6 (High Output)

Displacement 2:

4.0 liters (242 cubic inches)

Configuration 2:

SOHC V6

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 260 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

Approx. 265 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Requirement:

87 Octane Minimum (check owner's manual for specific recommendations)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RLE)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-speed manual transmission (NSG370) - typically paired with the 3.7L engine

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil

Drivetrain Options:

Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD System

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 176.1 inches

Width:

Approx. 73.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 69.1 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.5 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.1 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.3 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 62.7 cubic feet

Curb Weight Rwd 3.7L:

Approx. 4168 lbs

Curb Weight AWD 4.0L:

Approx. 4447 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,000 lbs (standard), 3,500 lbs (with optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2007:

4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - sometimes referred to as ESP

Airbags Standard:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger

Airbags Optional:

Available front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for all occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Available with AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 compatibility, and optional premium sound systems (e.g., Boston Acoustics).

Navigation System:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Display Type:

Center console-mounted display for audio, climate, and navigation information (size varies by trim and option).

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors available.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Auxiliary Input:

Available auxiliary audio input jack for portable music devices.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect hands-free Bluetooth communication system available on select models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Synthetic:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (with synthetic oil, refer to manual for specific type)

Oil Change Interval Conventional:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (with conventional oil)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (or as needed based on conditions)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles

Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L:

Approx. 100,000 miles (if using iridium spark plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:

Approx. 100,000 miles (if using iridium spark plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and fluid type)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (5W-20 or 5W-30)

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (5W-20 or 5W-30)

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent (color may vary)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific model requirements)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (e.g., ATF+4 in some applications)

Cv Joint Wear:

Front CV joints can wear prematurely, especially on AWD models or those driven in harsh conditions.

Throttle Body Issues:

Idle air control (IAC) valve or electronic throttle body issues can cause rough idling or stalling.

Rear Suspension Clunks:

Some owners report clunking noises from the rear suspension, often related to worn bushings or shocks.

Climate Control Actuator Failure:

Blend door actuators in the HVAC system can fail, leading to poor temperature control.

Power Window Motors:

Power window regulators and motors can be a point of failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust, truck-based vehicles and muscle cars, known for performance and a distinctive American style. The Nitro aimed to bring some of that attitude to the SUV segment.

Nitro Introduction:

The Dodge Nitro was introduced for the 2007 model year, marking Dodge's entry into the compact SUV segment with a distinctive styling approach.

Platform Sharing:

It shared its platform and many mechanical components with the second-generation Jeep Liberty, which gave it robust underpinnings but also some shared characteristics.

Generation Span:

First Generation (2007-2011)

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA (shared with Jeep Liberty)

Sales Performance:

The Nitro experienced moderate sales success but struggled to gain significant market share against more established rivals. Its polarizing styling and some perceived quality issues also impacted its long-term appeal.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards IIHS:

While not a recurring award winner, the Nitro received 'Good' ratings in IIHS frontal offset crash tests when equipped with appropriate safety features, indicating decent structural integrity.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports historically gave the Nitro average to below-average ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, often citing issues with the powertrain and interior components.