🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Nitro

Year:

2007

Vehicle Type:

Compact SUV / Crossover SUV

Generation Code:

First Generation (KA)

Platform:

Chrysler KA platform (shared with Jeep Liberty KK)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Dodge Nitro owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.

Competitors 2007:

Jeep Liberty (shared platform), Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, Chevrolet Equinox

Unique Selling Proposition:

Offered a more rugged, truck-like appearance and capability compared to many car-based crossovers, with optional V8 engines and available 4WD.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform repairs themselves, saving significant costs on labor charges. Facilitates proactive maintenance to extend vehicle lifespan.

Benefit To Technician:

Provides factory-accurate procedures and specifications for efficient and correct repairs, improving diagnostic accuracy and job completion times.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2500 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era, digital format allows for extensive detail)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Electronic)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

3.7L V6 (SOHC, 12-valve), 4.7L V8 (SOHC, 16-valve) - including diagnosis, disassembly, assembly, inspection, overhaul

Engine Performance:

Fuel system (injection, pump, injectors, lines), Ignition system (coils, plugs, sensors), Exhaust system (catalytic converter, mufflers, sensors), Emission control systems

Transmission:

45RFE (4-speed Automatic) / 545RFE (4-speed Automatic) - diagnosis, service, repair, overhaul

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive (4WD) system, Transfer case operation and repair, Front and rear axle assembly, Driveshafts, CV joints, Differential service

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent, coil spring), Rear suspension (solid axle, coil spring), Shocks, Struts, Bushings, Control arms, Ball joints, Steering linkage

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake fluid specifications, Bleeding procedures, Caliper and rotor service

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), Steering column, Wheel alignment specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system (starter motor), Fuses, Relays, Wiring diagrams, Lighting systems, Horn, Wiper system

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Interior trim, Chassis frame inspection and repair, Rust prevention

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, Refrigerant handling, Condenser, Evaporator, Blower motor

Interior Systems:

Seats, Seat belts, Airbags (SRS), Dashboard, Gauges, Interior lighting, Power windows, Power locks

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, Oil change procedures, Filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), Spark plug replacement, Fluid checks and top-offs

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, Symptom-based troubleshooting, Common fault diagnosis, Error code interpretation (OBD-II)

Repair And Overhaul:

Component removal, installation, and overhaul procedures for all major systems

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic tools, Scan tool usage, Electrical circuit testing, Component testing

Depth:

Comprehensive - Covers basic maintenance to complex component rebuilding and system diagnostics. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and adjustment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Reader Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Code:

EGD

Engine 1 Description:

3.7L SOHC V6 (226 CID)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Code:

NPG

Engine 2 Description:

4.7L SOHC V8 (285 CID)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (3.7L V6); 89 Octane recommended for 4.7L V8 for optimal performance

ECM Type:

Various Chrysler ECM/PCM modules depending on configuration

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE)

Type:

N/A (No manual transmission option for 2007 model year)

Drive Modes:

Part-time 4WD system with electronic transfer case shift (optional on most models), Full-time 4WD also available.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 10.4 quarts (dry fill), 6.5 quarts (drain and fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

178.0 - 180.6 (depending on configuration)

Width Inches:

72.5

Height Inches:

69.6 - 70.1 (depending on configuration)

Wheelbase Inches:

109.8

Curb Weight Lbs:

4,098 - 4,553 (depending on engine and drivetrain)

Towing Capacity Lbs:

Up to 3,500 lbs (standard); Up to 4,500 lbs (with optional towing package)

Cargo Volume Cubic Feet:

30.5 (behind rear seats) / 62.7 (with rear seats folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

Good

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:

Good

NHTSA Rollover Rating FWD:

4/5 stars (4x2)

NHTSA Rollover Rating AWD:

4/5 stars (4x4)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Electronic Traction Control (ETC)

Electronic Stability:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags Front:

Standard Front Driver and Passenger Airbags

Airbags Side:

Available Side Curtain Airbags (front and rear occupants)

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM/CD audio system; Optional SiriusXM satellite radio; Optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Parking Assist:

Available Rear Park Assist system.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used, refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Miles:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

3.7L V6: ~100,000 miles (use specific OE or equivalent plugs); 4.7L V8: ~100,000 miles (use specific OE or equivalent plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change Miles:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles or as per severe service schedule. Refer to manual for precise intervals and conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (recommended for both 3.7L and 4.7L engines)

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts 3.7L:

5.0 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts 4.7L:

6.0 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color (MS-9769)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent power steering fluid

Common Complaints:

Water pump leaks (especially on 3.7L V6), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), occasional power steering pump noise/failure, exhaust manifold cracks (on some engines), HVAC blower motor issues.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent issues with power windows, locks, or dashboard lights can occur due to wiring harness or module problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge SUV History:

Dodge has a history of producing robust SUVs, often with a focus on performance and distinctive styling, building on its truck heritage.

Nitro Introduction:

The Dodge Nitro was introduced for the 2007 model year as a compact SUV targeting a more performance-oriented and aggressively styled segment. It was Dodge's first entry in the compact SUV market.

Platform Sharing:

It shared its platform with the Jeep Liberty (KK), which influenced its mechanical components and overall chassis design.

Production Start Year:

2007

Production End Year:

2012

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo North Assembly, Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award 2007:

IIHS Top Safety Pick (for specific configurations/years within the generation, though not consistently across all Nitro models).