🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Nitro Year: 2008 Vehicle Type: Compact SUV / Crossover Generation Generation Designation: First Generation (2007-2012) Codes Platform: Chrysler KA platform (shared with Mitsubishi Eclipse, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Aimed at owners and technicians seeking comprehensive, factory-level repair information for the 2008 Dodge Nitro, bridging the gap between basic owner's manuals and professional workshop resources. Competitive Analysis Advantage: Provides instant access to detailed repair procedures and specifications, often superior in detail and clarity to generic online forums or less comprehensive repair guides. Key Features Feature 1: Step-by-step repair procedures with illustrations/pictures. Feature 2: Critical specifications and torque values. Feature 3: Troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues. Feature 4: Maintenance schedules and fluid recommendations. Feature 5: Wiring diagrams for electrical systems. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive repair and service for all systems of the 2008 Dodge Nitro. Target Audience: Professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY mechanics. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a full factory service manual equivalent). Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Factory Service Manual equivalent. Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), driveline. Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear components, ABS), wheels and tires. Electrical: Body electrical systems, powertrain control modules (PCM), multiplex systems, lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, climate control electricals, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Body And Frame: Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, glass, doors, seats, HVAC system (components and operation), safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts). Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, inspections. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical issues. Specifications: Critical torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component dimensions. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine, transmission, and electrical diagnostics and repair. Equivalent to factory service manual level. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text within PDF due to it being a digital download. Print Quality Printability: Full Printable (allows users to print specific sections or the entire manual). Zoom Functionality: YES (allows users to zoom in on diagrams and text for clarity). Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital PDF format). Paper Type Paper: Not Applicable (Digital PDF format). Software Requirements Reader: Adobe PDF Reader Unzipping: WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software). Compatibility Operating Systems: All Versions of Windows & Mac. Delivery Method Delivery: Instant Download. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: 2.8L CRD (VM Motori VM428) Engine Type 1: Turbodiesel, 4-cylinder, Common Rail Direct Injection. Displacement 1: 2.8 Liters (2776 cc) Horsepower 1: Approx. 177 HP @ 3800 RPM Torque 1: Approx. 340 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM Fuel System 1: High-pressure common rail with electronic fuel injection. Optional Engine Engine Code 2: 3.7L Magnum (Chrysler EKG) Engine Type 2: SOHC V6, Multi-point Fuel Injection. Displacement 2: 3.7 Liters (3701 cc) Horsepower 2: Approx. 210 HP @ 5200 RPM Torque 2: Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM Fuel System 2: Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI). Engine Code 3: 4.0L V6 (Chrysler EGT) Engine Type 3: SOHC V6, Multi-point Fuel Injection. Displacement 3: 4.0 Liters (3952 cc) Horsepower 3: Approx. 260 HP @ 5500 RPM Torque 3: Approx. 272 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM Fuel System 3: Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI). 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag M66 - typically paired with 2.8L CRD diesel in some markets). Optional Optional Transmission 1: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 5-45RFE - typically paired with 3.7L V6 and 4.0L V6). Features Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on most models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 179.8 inches (4567 mm) Width: Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm) Height: Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 109.5 inches (2781 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Varies by engine and drivetrain, typically ranging from 4,150 lbs (1882 kg) to 4,500 lbs (2041 kg). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Impact: Acceptable (4/5 stars) NHTSA Front Passenger Impact: Good (5/5 stars) NHTSA Side Driver Impact: Good (5/5 stars) NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact: Good (5/5 stars) IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) standard, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) optional or standard on higher trims. Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard front advanced multi-stage airbags for driver and front passenger. Airbags Side: Optional or standard front and rear side-curtain airbags, and/or front seat-mounted side airbags. Rollover Protection: Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) available with ESC. 💡 Technology Features...
Chrysler KA platform (shared with Mitsubishi Eclipse, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Positioning:
Aimed at owners and technicians seeking comprehensive, factory-level repair information for the 2008 Dodge Nitro, bridging the gap between basic owner's manuals and professional workshop resources.
Competitive Analysis
Advantage:
Provides instant access to detailed repair procedures and specifications, often superior in detail and clarity to generic online forums or less comprehensive repair guides.
Key Features
Feature 1:
Step-by-step repair procedures with illustrations/pictures.
Feature 2:
Critical specifications and torque values.
Feature 3:
Troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Feature 4:
Maintenance schedules and fluid recommendations.
Feature 5:
Wiring diagrams for electrical systems.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive repair and service for all systems of the 2008 Dodge Nitro.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY mechanics.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a full factory service manual equivalent).
Manual Type
Type:
Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Factory Service Manual equivalent.
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear components, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, powertrain control modules (PCM), multiplex systems, lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, climate control electricals, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Frame:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, glass, doors, seats, HVAC system (components and operation), safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine, transmission, and electrical diagnostics and repair. Equivalent to factory service manual level.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF due to it being a digital download.
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable (allows users to print specific sections or the entire manual).
Zoom Functionality:
YES (allows users to zoom in on diagrams and text for clarity).
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF format).
Paper Type
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF format).
Software Requirements
Reader:
Adobe PDF Reader
Unzipping:
WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software).
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac.
Delivery Method
Delivery:
Instant Download.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
2.8L CRD (VM Motori VM428)
Engine Type 1:
Turbodiesel, 4-cylinder, Common Rail Direct Injection.
Displacement 1:
2.8 Liters (2776 cc)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 177 HP @ 3800 RPM
Torque 1:
Approx. 340 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM
Fuel System 1:
High-pressure common rail with electronic fuel injection.
Optional Engine
Engine Code 2:
3.7L Magnum (Chrysler EKG)
Engine Type 2:
SOHC V6, Multi-point Fuel Injection.
Displacement 2:
3.7 Liters (3701 cc)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 210 HP @ 5200 RPM
Torque 2:
Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System 2:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI).
Engine Code 3:
4.0L V6 (Chrysler EGT)
Engine Type 3:
SOHC V6, Multi-point Fuel Injection.
Displacement 3:
4.0 Liters (3952 cc)
Horsepower 3:
Approx. 260 HP @ 5500 RPM
Torque 3:
Approx. 272 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System 3:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag M66 - typically paired with 2.8L CRD diesel in some markets).
Optional
Optional Transmission 1:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 5-45RFE - typically paired with 3.7L V6 and 4.0L V6).
Features
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on most models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 179.8 inches (4567 mm)
Width:
Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.5 inches (2781 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and drivetrain, typically ranging from 4,150 lbs (1882 kg) to 4,500 lbs (2041 kg).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Acceptable (4/5 stars)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good (5/5 stars)
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
Good (5/5 stars)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact:
Good (5/5 stars)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) optional or standard on higher trims.
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard front advanced multi-stage airbags for driver and front passenger.
Airbags Side:
Optional or standard front and rear side-curtain airbags, and/or front seat-mounted side airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) available with ESC.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Uconnect hands-free communication system and infotainment options were available, including SiriusXM Satellite Radio and navigation systems on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) were available features to enhance vehicle stability.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input, optional USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity (with Uconnect).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific severe/normal service.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months for the CRD diesel engine, due to higher stress on oil.
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years for the Mopar OAT (Orange) coolant.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) depending on driving conditions and transmission type.
Spark Plugs Gas:
3.7L V6: ~100,000 miles; 4.0L V6: ~100,000 miles (typically platinum or iridium tipped).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil 3.7L 4.0L:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or newer specification recommended).
Worn suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings) due to vehicle weight and typical SUV usage.
Issue 2:
Problems with the power transfer case actuator, especially in AWD models.
Issue 3:
Occasional issues with the HVAC blower motor resistor or blower motor itself.
Issue 4:
Diesel models (2.8 CRD) can experience issues with glow plugs, particulate filters, or turbocharger problems if not properly maintained or driven.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and often performance-oriented vehicles, known for their bold styling and truck-based platforms.
Model Evolution
Nitro Introduction:
The Dodge Nitro was introduced for the 2007 model year as a compact SUV, designed to offer a bolder, more muscular alternative in a segment often dominated by softer styling.
Nitro Platform Sharing:
It was based on the Chrysler KA platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Outlander and its sibling vehicles from Chrysler and Jeep.
Production
Production Location:
Assembled at the Toledo Complex in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Production Period:
2007-2012 model years.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Award 1:
While the Dodge Nitro did not garner widespread industry awards for overall excellence, its bold styling was often noted in reviews as a distinguishing characteristic.
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