Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 329

The torque converter should be replaced whenever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is necessary
because normal converter flushing procedures will not remove all contaminants.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

TRANSMISSION FILL

To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:

1. Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in transmission fill tube.

2. Add following initial quantity of Mopar® ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid, to transmission:



If only fluid and filter were changed, add 6 pints (3 quarts) of ATF +4 to transmission.



If transmission was completely overhauled, or torque converter was replaced or drained, add 10
pints (5 quarts) of ATF +4 to transmission.

3. Apply parking brakes.

4. Start and run engine at normal curb idle speed.

5. Apply service brakes, shift transmission through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set parking

brake, and leave engine running at curb idle speed.

6. Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid level. If level is low, add fluid to bring level to MIN

mark on dipstick. Check to see if the oil level is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is
noticably higher than the other, the dipstick has picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the oil
to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.

7. Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at normal operating temperature.

8. With the engine running at curb idle speed, the gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake

applied, check the transmission fluid level.

9. Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow mark.

When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill tube.

FLUID LEVEL CHECK

The transmission sump has a dipstick to check oil similar to most automatic transmissions. It is located on the
left side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.

The torque converter fills in both the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. Place the selector lever in PARK to be
sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one
minute, with the vehicle on level ground. At normal operating temperature (approximately 82°C or 180°F),
the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid level
should be in COLD region at 21°C (70°F) fluid temperature. Adjust fluid level as necessary. Use only Mopar®
ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foaming and shifting problems can

result.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

FILL TUBE EQUIPPED WITH INDICATOR

Fig. 148: 42RLE Fluid Temperature Chart
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Start engine and apply parking brake.

2. Connect scan tool and select transmission.

3. Select sensors.

4. Read the transmission temperature value.

5. Compare the fluid temperature value with the chart.

6. Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the dipstick according to the 42RLE Fluid Temperature Chart.

See Fig. 148. Use only Mopar® ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.

7. Check transmission for leaks.

CAPPED FILL TUBE

1. Verify that the vehicle is parked on a level surface.

2. Remove the dipstick tube cap.

NOTE:

Engine and Transmission should be at normal operating temperature before
performing this procedure.

WARNING:

There is a risk of accident from vehicle starting off by itself when
engine running. There is a risk of injury from contusions and burns
if you insert your hands into the engine when it is started or when it

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

3. Actuate the service brake. Start engine and let it run at idle speed in selector lever position "P".

4. Shift through the transmission modes several times with the vehicle stationary and the engine idling

5. Warm up the transmission, wait at least 2 minutes and check the oil level with the engine running. Push

the Oil Dipstick 9336 into transmission fill tube until the dipstick tip contacts the oil pan and pull out
again, read off oil level, repeat if necessary.

Fig. 149: NAG1 Transmission Fill Graph
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

6. Check transmission oil temperature using the appropriate scan tool.

7. The transmission Oil Dipstick 9336 has indicator marks every 10mm. Determine the height of the oil

level on the dipstick and using the height, the transmission temperature, and the Transmission Fluid
Graph, determine if the transmission oil level is correct.

8. Add or remove oil as necessary and recheck the oil level.

9. Once the oil level is correct, install the dipstick tube cap.

FLUID/FILTER SERVICE

is running. Secure vehicle to prevent it from moving off by itself.
Wear properly fastened and close-fitting work clothes. Do not touch
hot or rotating parts.

NOTE:

The dipstick will protrude from the fill tube when installed.

NOTE:

The true transmission oil temperature can only be read by a scan tool in
REVERSE or any forward gear position.

NOTE:

Only fluids of the type labeled Mopar® ATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid,
should be used in the transmission sump. A filter change should be made at the

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist. Place a drain container with a large opening, under transmission oil pan.

Fig. 150: Locating Oil Pan Bolts & Pressure Ports
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

time of the transmission oil change. The magnet (on the inside of the oil pan)
should also be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.

NOTE:

If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be
changed.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro