Engine:
Complete engine service, diagnosis, and repair for all applicable engines.
Engine Cooling:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan system, coolant specifications and procedures.
Engine Exhaust:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, oxygen sensors, emissions control systems.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system (alternator, battery), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors, wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions, including fluid changes, seal replacement, and internal component overhauls.
Drive Shaft:
Front and rear driveshaft service, U-joints, CV joints, and related components.
Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of Antilock Brakes (ABS), Disk Brakes, Hydraulic Brakes, Park Brake system, bleeding procedures, and component replacement.
Front Suspension:
Diagnosis, repair, and alignment for front suspension components (struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods).
Rear Suspension:
Diagnosis, repair, and alignment for rear suspension components.
Steering:
Power Steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire rotation, balancing, wheel specifications, and bolt patterns.
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, doors, exterior trim, glass replacement, panel repair, and alignment.
Body Interior:
Interior trim components, dashboard, seats, carpeting, and headliner.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor, and climate controls.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, and related electrical circuits.
Keyless Entry:
Keyless entry system operation, programming, and troubleshooting.
Sir:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag system diagnosis, component replacement, and safety precautions.
Washer And Wiper:
Windshield washer system and wiper system operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Roof And Sunroof:
Sunroof operation, seals, and related components.
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, tire rotations.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues across all vehicle systems.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually all vehicle components.
Engine Rebuilding:
Comprehensive procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for automatic transmission overhaul, including torque converter service.
Brake System Service:
Brake fluid flush, caliper and rotor replacement, ABS component diagnostics.
Suspension And Steering Alignment:
Front and rear wheel alignment procedures and specifications.
Electrical System Repair:
Wiring harness repair, component testing, fuse and relay identification and replacement.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant charging, leak detection, component replacement.
Body Panel Replacement:
Door, fender, bumper, and hood replacement and alignment.
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory-level diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIYers.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Provides critical torque values for all fasteners.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Covers common OBD-II codes and diagnostic strategies.
Transmission Type 3.7L V6:
4-speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type 4.0L V6:
5-speed Automatic (NAG1)
Transmission Type 2.8L Crd:
5-speed Automatic (NAG1)
Manual Transmission:
Not typically offered on US market Nitro models, manual was more common on Jeep Liberty.
4X4 System:
Command-Trac NV140 or NV244 part-time 4WD system available on most models.
Transmission Fluid Spec 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Rle:
Approx. 7.6 quarts (7.2 liters) for a dry fill, less for a fluid change.
Transmission Fluid Spec Nag1:
Shell ATF 134 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Nag1:
Approx. 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters) for a dry fill, less for a fluid change.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, but consult manual for specific engine and oil type. Oil life monitoring system may also dictate intervals.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Generally every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.7L V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change 42Rle:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for normal service, or sooner for severe service.
Transmission Fluid Change Nag1:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for normal service, or sooner for severe service.
Engine Oil Type 3.7L V6 And 4.0L V6:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or newer certified.
Engine Oil Type 2.8L Crd:
SAE 5W-40, API CJ-4 or CK-4 diesel engine oil.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (Mopar MS-5901)
Common Issue Suspension:
Premature wear of front suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings, particularly in earlier models.
Common Issue Engine 3.7L V6:
Oil leaks from the valve covers or oil pan, occasional intake manifold gasket issues.
Common Issue Transmission 42Rle:
Harsh shifting or delayed engagement, sometimes related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.
Common Issue HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures leading to improper temperature control.
Common Issue Diesel 2.8L Crd:
Glow plug issues, turbocharger problems, and EGR valve clogging are reported, typical for older diesel engines.
Dodge Brand History:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and often performance-oriented vehicles, known for its 'Guts' marketing in various eras.
Nitro Introduction:
The Dodge Nitro was introduced for the 2007 model year as a compact SUV with a distinctively rugged and Americanized styling, targeting a segment dominated by more utilitarian vehicles.
Platform Sharing:
It was based on the second-generation Jeep Liberty (KJ) platform, sharing its unibody construction and much of its mechanicals, but with a significantly different exterior design.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Received a minor refresh for the 2010 model year, including updated styling cues and potentially new interior features, aiming to boost sales.
Production Plant:
Toledo North Assembly Plant, Toledo, Ohio, USA (alongside the Jeep Liberty).
Production End:
Production ceased after the 2012 model year, as part of Chrysler Group's strategic shift and the phasing out of certain models.