Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 526

Fig. 67: Thermostat, Thermostat Housing, Gasket, Timing Chain Cover & Thermostat 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse. 

If thermostat (3) is being replaced, be sure that replacement is specified thermostat for vehicle model and engine 
type. 

1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.  

2. Drain cooling system. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

3. Raise vehicle on hoist.  

4. Remove splash shield.  

5. Remove lower radiator hose clamp and lower radiator hose at thermostat housing.  

6. Remove thermostat housing mounting bolts, thermostat housing and thermostat.  

INSTALLATION 

INSTALLATION- 3.7L 

1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - THERMOSTAT LOCATION
3 - THERMOSTAT AND GASKET
4 - TIMING CHAIN COVER

WARNING:

Do not loosen radiator draincock with system hot and pressurized. 
Serious burns from coolant can occur.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro

  

Fig. 68: Thermostat, Thermostat Housing, Gasket, Timing Chain Cover & Thermostat 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Clean mating areas of timing chain cover and thermostat housing.  

2. Install thermostat (spring side down) into recessed machined groove on housing assembly. Make sure 

rubber seal locating tab is positioned in the corresponding notch in the housing.  

3. Position thermostat housing on timing chain cover.  

4. Install two housing-to-timing chain cover bolts. Tighten bolts to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.) torque.  

5. Install lower radiator hose on thermostat housing.  

6. Install splash shield.  

7. Lower vehicle.  

8. Fill cooling system. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

9. Connect negative battery cable to battery.  

10. Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.  

INSTALLATION 

1 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
2 - THERMOSTAT LOCATION
3 - THERMOSTAT AND GASKET
4 - TIMING CHAIN COVER

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro

  

Fig. 69: Identifying Thermostat 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Clean old gasket material from cylinder head and thermostat housing.  

2. Install thermostat housing with gasket and support bracket to cylinder head. Torque bolts to 28 N.m. (250 

in. lbs.).  

3. Connect coolant bypass hose and upper radiator hose to thermostat housing.  

4. Refill cooling system. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

5. Install engine cover. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

6. Connect negative battery cable.  

INSTALLATION-4.0L 

Fig. 70: Thermostat Assembly - 4.0L 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro

  

1. Make sure jiggle pin is at the 12 O'clock position. Position thermostat and thermostat housing lower 

intake manifold.  

2. Install thermostat housing bolts. Tighten bolts to 35 N.m (25 ft. lbs.).  

3. Install upper radiator hose onto thermostat housing  

4. Position upper radiator hose tube and install mounting nuts. Tighten nuts to 9 N.m, (85 in. lbs.).  

5. Install upper intake manifold. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

6. Install air cleaner housing. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

7. Fill cooling system. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

RADIATOR 

DESCRIPTION 

DESCRIPTION 

1 - UPPER RADIATOR HOSE
2 - HOSE CLAMP
3 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING MOUNTING BOLT
4 - THERMOSTAT HOUSING
5 - UPPER RADIATOR HOSE TUBE
6 - UPPER RADIATOR HOSE TUBE MOUNTING NUTS

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro