🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Nitro

Year:

2007

Trim Level:

R/T

Platform Code:

WK (Shared with Jeep Liberty)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size SUV

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a rugged, stylish SUV with optional V8 power, often targeting a younger demographic or those desiring a bolder aesthetic compared to mainstream SUVs.

Key Competitors:

Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Murano.

Nitro Differentiation:

More aggressive styling, optional V8 engine (unique in its class at the time), bolder interior design cues.

Styling:

Distinctive, muscular design with prominent grille, flared fenders, and a generally more assertive presence than many competitors.

Powertrain Options:

Availability of a powerful 4.0L V6 and a more potent 5.7L HEMI V8 engine (R/T trim).

Interior Design:

Unique interior elements, often featuring contrasting stitching and a driver-focused cockpit layout.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

North America (Primary focus based on product description)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1500-2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions control, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics and repair.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., W5A580) repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and electronic control unit (TCU) information.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), driveline (4WD system, differentials), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (interior/exterior), instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), gateway module (GW), fuse and relay identification, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, liftgate, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), body seals, sound deadening, structural repairs.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation, troubleshooting flowcharts, diagnostic testing procedures for all major systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Component Repair:

Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering rack replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component testing.

Electrical System Repair:

Wiring harness repair, component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, sensors), module programming and replacement (PCM, BCM), diagnostic tool usage.

HVAC System Service:

Refrigerant charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), leak detection, diagnostic procedures.

Body And Interior Repair:

Panel replacement, glass replacement, interior trim repair, seat repair, door mechanism adjustment and repair.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full drivetrain and body repair and diagnostics).

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced (includes wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, DTC interpretation, and diagnostic tool guidance).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text (standard for professional PDF manuals).

Image Quality:

High-quality diagrams and illustrations as per description.

Scalability:

Scalable for detailed viewing of diagrams and instructions.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Stock:

N/A (Digital PDF format, printable on demand)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Rt:

EZH (5.7L HEMI V8)

Displacement Rt:

5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)

Configuration Rt:

V8 (90-degree cylinder banks)

Valve Train Rt:

Overhead Valve (OHV) with HEMI 2-Spark Plug per Cylinder Technology

Horsepower Rt:

340 hp @ 5000 rpm (approximate)

Torque Rt:

375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane recommended for optimal performance)

Available Engine:

3.7L V6 (PowerTech) - 210 hp @ 5200 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Rt:

5-Speed Automatic (Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic derivative, W5A580)

Transmission Type V6:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE) for 3.7L V6 models (may vary by region/specific configuration)

Rt Transmission Features:

Electronic control, adaptive shift logic, driver-selectable manual mode (AutoStick).

Rt Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar specification)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

109.5 inches (2781 mm)

Length:

179.0 inches (4547 mm)

Width:

73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

68.9 inches (1750 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 8.3 inches (211 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

30.5 cubic feet (864 liters)

Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:

62.7 cubic feet (1775 liters)

Curb Weight Rt AWD:

Approximately 4,400 - 4,600 lbs (2000 - 2087 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,600 lbs (2540 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (as per IIHS testing, often mirrored in NHTSA ratings)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (as per IIHS testing)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

Good (as per IIHS testing)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

Good (as per IIHS testing)

IIHS Rollover Rating:

4 stars (based on ESC standard equipment)

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard (highly recommended for SUVs)

Anti Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Standard

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional premium audio systems, often with SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation systems were also available.

Connectivity:

Available Uconnect hands-free communication system, auxiliary audio input jack.

Parking Assistance:

Available rear park assist system.

Cruise Control:

Standard

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Synthetic:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic oil, whichever comes first.

Oil Change Interval Conventional:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months with conventional oil.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plugs Hemi:

Replace every 100,000 miles (long-life platinum or iridium plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect fluid condition regularly, change every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and fluid condition (refer to manual for specific guidance).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-20 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation for 5.7L HEMI, typically 5W-20).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 7 US quarts (6.6 liters) for 5.7L HEMI with filter change.

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

Common across many vehicles of this era, particularly in the dashboard and door panels.

Rear Differential Leaks:

Reported by some owners, often related to pinion seal or axle seals.

HVAC Blower Motor Failure:

Blower motor resistors or the motor itself can fail, leading to erratic fan speeds or no fan operation.

Tire Wear:

Can be uneven, often due to suspension alignment or wear patterns, especially with aggressive styling.

Catalytic Converter Issues:

Some instances of premature catalytic converter failure, particularly with the HEMI V8.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Chrysler's performance-oriented division, known for muscle cars and trucks. The Nitro aimed to inject some of that boldness into the SUV segment.

First Generation Start:

2007

Platform Sharing:

Based on DaimlerChrysler's compact SUV platform, shared with the second-generation Jeep Liberty (KK) but with a distinct Dodge styling and tuning.

Trim Levels:

SE, SLT, SXT, R/T

End Of Production:

2012

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA (alongside Jeep Liberty)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2007 Dodge Nitro generally performed well in IIHS crash tests, earning 'Good' ratings in frontal and side impacts, though it was not a consistent 'Top Safety Pick' winner in its class due to some competitive offerings.

Automotive Press Reviews:

Often praised for its bold styling and powerful V8 option, but criticized by some for fuel economy and ride quality compared to more refined competitors.