Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 882

5. To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove either the ignition run fuse, or the fuel pump control 

fuse. To prevent a diesel engine from starting, disconnect the electrical connectors at both the camshaft 
and crankshaft position sensors. 

6. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw 

readings shown on volt-ampere tester. 



If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to STARTER MOTOR in Diagnosis and Testing. If starter 
motor is OK, refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING for 3.7L - SERVICE INFORMATION or 
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING for 4.0L - SERVICE INFORMATION for further testing of 
engine. If starter motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.  



If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer to 
FEED CIRCUIT TEST .  



If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor does not turn, refer to CONTROL 
CIRCUIT TESTING .  



If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor turns very slowly, refer to FEED CIRCUIT 
TEST .  

FEED CIRCUIT TEST 

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high-
amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to SYSTEM WIRING 
DIAGRAMS . 

When performing these tests, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance 
between two points at which voltmeter probes are attached. 

Example: When testing resistance of positive battery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery cable 
clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid. If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable connector at 
starter solenoid, you are reading combined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-terminal post 
connection and positive battery cable. 

The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests, be certain 
that following procedures are accomplished: 

Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to BATTERY .  

Fully engage parking brake.  

If equipped with manual transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block clutch 
pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector lever 

WARNING:

Attempt to start engine a few times before proceeding with following 
step.

NOTE:

A cold engine will increase starter current (amperage) draw reading, and 
reduce battery voltage reading.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro

  

in Park position.  

Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.  

To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove Automatic Shut Down (ASD) relay. To prevent a 
diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution 
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.  

Fig. 2: Testing Battery Negative Connection Resistance 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Connect positive lead of voltmeter (1) to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of 

voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. See Fig. 2. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. 
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post. 
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, 
procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery.

1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 3: Testing Battery Positive Connection Resistance 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

2. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to 

battery positive cable clamp. See Fig. 3. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe 
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post. Note: 
Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this 
procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery.

1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 4: Testing Battery Positive Cable Resistance 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

3. Connect voltmeter to measure between battery positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery terminal 

stud. See Fig. 4. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 
0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 
volt, replace faulty positive battery cable. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If 
equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed on driver side battery only.

1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro