🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Nitro

Year:

2010

Platform:

Chrysler KA (Compact SUV)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Nitro 2010 is a compact SUV that offered a distinctive, rugged styling and was positioned as a more lifestyle-oriented vehicle within the Dodge lineup. It competed with vehicles like the Jeep Liberty (with which it shared a platform), Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and Chevrolet Equinox.

Competitive Analysis:

While the Nitro offered bold styling and a comfortable ride, its fuel economy and interior packaging were often cited as areas where competitors held an advantage. However, its robust build and available powertrains appealed to a segment of buyers seeking a more muscular-looking SUV.

Key Features:

Distinctive exterior styling, available V6 engines, optional AWD, comfortable seating, and a capable towing capacity for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery:

Instant Download

Print Quality:

Full Printable

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul procedures for all engines, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Covers cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems, lubrication system, cooling system, and fuel system components.

Engine Electrical:

Diagnosis and repair of engine control systems (ECU), ignition system, fuel injection system, starter motor, alternator, and emissions control systems. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and connector pinouts.

Transmission Automatic:

Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for the automatic transmission, including valve body, torque converter, clutch packs, bands, planetary gear sets, and hydraulic circuits. Covers diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Transmission Manual:

Repair and overhaul procedures for manual transmission, including clutch assembly, gear sets, synchronizers, shift linkage, and bearings. Covers diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Drivetrain:

Covers front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including CV joints, driveshafts, front and rear differentials, transfer case (if applicable), and wheel bearings. Includes removal, installation, and repair procedures.

Suspension Steering:

Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars) and steering system components (steering gear, power steering pump, tie rods, steering column). Includes alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of the hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, brake booster, ABS control module, wheel speed sensors, brake lines, calipers, rotors, brake pads, and parking brake system. Includes bleeding procedures and specifications.

Body Chassis:

Covers structural components, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, and glass. Includes procedures for repair, replacement, and adjustment. Also covers chassis components like frame members and subframes.

Electrical Lighting:

Detailed diagnosis and repair of all electrical circuits, including lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, and accessory circuits. Includes comprehensive wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Covers diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, blower motor, and control modules. Includes refrigerant handling procedures and specifications.

Fuel System:

Diagnosis and repair of the fuel delivery system, including fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, and evaporative emission control system (EVAP). Covers pressure testing and component testing.

Exhaust System:

Covers exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and hangers. Includes inspection and replacement procedures.

Cooling System:

Covers radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan assembly, and coolant reservoir. Includes pressure testing, draining, filling, and bleeding procedures.

Maintenance:

Detailed service schedules and procedures for routine maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, and brake inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides and flowcharts to diagnose common and complex problems across all vehicle systems. Includes symptom-based diagnostics and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretations.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step repair and overhaul procedures for virtually every component and system on the vehicle, from minor adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

In-depth diagnostic procedures for engine management, ABS, airbags, and other electronic control modules. Includes information on scan tools, sensor data interpretation, and actuator testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including power distribution, ground points, sensor and actuator circuits, and control module connections.

Specifications:

All necessary technical specifications, including torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, electrical resistance values, and component tolerances.

Illustrations:

Abundant detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photographs to visually guide users through repair procedures, component identification, and assembly sequences.

Depth:

Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics, mirroring factory service manual content.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, fully printable pages

Binding Type:

Digital (Downloadable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2 8L Crd Diesel:

2.8L 16v DOHC CRD Turbocharged Diesel I4. Power: Approx. 177 hp @ 3800 rpm. Torque: Approx. 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 91.0 mm x 100.0 mm. Compression Ratio: 17.0:1. Fuel System: Common Rail Direct Injection.

Engine 3 7L V6 Sohc:

3.7L 12v SOHC V6. Power: Approx. 210 hp @ 5200 rpm. Torque: Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 93.0 mm x 90.9 mm. Compression Ratio: 9.1:1. Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine 4 0L V6 Sohc:

4.0L 12v SOHC V6. Power: Approx. 260 hp @ 6000 rpm. Torque: Approx. 265 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Bore x Stroke: 96.0 mm x 91.9 mm. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1. Fuel System: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Horsepower Range:

177 - 260 hp

Torque Range:

310 - 265 lb-ft

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (3.7L, 4.0L), Diesel (2.8L CRD)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 19.5 gallons (73.8 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-Speed Automatic (typically paired with 3.7L and 4.0L V6 engines)

Transmission Optional:

6-Speed Manual (available on some 2.8L CRD diesel models in select markets)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 179.0 - 180.8 inches (4547 - 4592 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.0 inches (1854 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.0 - 70.4 inches (1702 - 1788 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.5 inches (2781 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 inches (190 - 203 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.5 cu ft (864 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 62.7 cu ft (1776 L)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,078 - 4,500 lbs (1849 - 2041 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with trailer-tow package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2010 Model Year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2010 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

4 Stars (2010 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

4 Stars (2010 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

5 Stars (2010 Model Year)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Acceptable (2010 Model Year)

IIHS Head Restraints And Seats:

Good (2010 Model Year)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Control (optional)

Passive Features:

Front advanced multi-stage airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, supplemental side-curtain airbags (front and rear), active head restraints

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional navigation. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming was also available.

Driver Assistance Features:

Rear Park Assist (optional), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input jack, USB port (on some models with Uconnect), Bluetooth hands-free calling

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,656 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,140 km), replace as needed. Generally recommended every 30,000 miles (48,280 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,140 km), replace as needed. Generally recommended every 30,000 miles (48,280 km).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect fluid condition and level every 30,000 miles (48,280 km). Change fluid and filter every 60,000 miles (96,560 km) for normal service, or more frequently for severe service (towing, off-road).

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.7L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,934 km) using Iridium spark plugs. 4.0L V6: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,934 km) using Iridium spark plugs. 2.8L CRD Diesel: Refer to manual for specific interval (typically longer than gasoline).

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 60,000 miles (96,560 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,280 km) or 2 years thereafter.

Engine Oil 3 7L 4 0L:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter change.

Engine Oil 2 8L Crd:

Refer to manual for specific diesel engine oil specification (e.g., SAE 5W-40, API CJ-4 or CK-4).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent specification)

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Known Issues:

Common issues reported include premature wear of suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump leaks, HVAC blower motor failures, and occasional issues with the electronic throttle body. Some owners have also noted interior rattles and a less refined ride compared to some competitors.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long-standing history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles, often with a focus on aggressive styling and American muscle car heritage. The Nitro aimed to translate some of this spirit into the SUV segment.

Model Evolution:

The Dodge Nitro was introduced for the 2007 model year as a compact SUV. It was based on the Chrysler KA platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Jeep Liberty. The 2010 model year saw some minor updates, including revised styling, updated interior features, and improved powertrain options for certain trims. It was produced in Toledo, Ohio, USA. Production of the Nitro ceased after the 2011 model year.

Production Years:

2007-2011

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the Dodge Nitro didn't consistently win major awards, it was recognized by some publications for its bold styling and value proposition, particularly for buyers looking for a more visually aggressive SUV.