Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 953

Available with both manual and automatic transmissions, the MP143 single-speed, part-time transfer case is 
used in Nitro's new Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive System. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes are 
electronically controlled via a switch in the center console. Either mode can be selected at any time. The MP143 
transfer case works with standard-equipment Traction Control and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) features 
to provide enhanced traction and stability on low-traction surfaces. 

Two operating positions: 2WD and 4Lock controlled via a switch in the center console.  

For temporary conditions that require extra traction such as snow or mud, the part-time 4Lock mode locks 
the main shaft and drive sprocket hub, making the front and rear wheels rotate in unison and offering 
maximum traction.  

Enhanced traction and stability provided by Traction Control and ESP working in tandem with part-time 
four-wheel-drive. Traction Control and ESP provide resistance to any wheel that is slipping to allow 
additional torque transfer to wheels with traction.  

Robust design and sealing for reliability.  

Maintenance free.  

OPERATION 

OPERATION-TRANSFER CASE MP143 

Fig. 2: Transfer Case MP143 Component Locations 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

12 - DAMPENER

27 - DOWEL PIN

13 - OUTPUT FLANGE

28 - CHAIN GUIDE RAILS

14 - OUTPUT FLANGE NUT

29 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL

15 - ID TAG

30 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT FLANGE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro

  

In 2WD mode, the front axle and driveshaft turn freely while power is sent to the rear axle and wheels. In 
4Lock mode, the front and rear wheels rotate in unison, resulting in remarkable traction. Because this is a part-
time system, it locks the front and rear drive shafts together. Therefore, it can only be used on slippery or loose 
surfaces like ice, gravel, or rugged terrain. The standard-equipment ESP, which combines ABS, Traction 
Control, and Electronic Roll Mitigation, enhances traction by modulating torque among all wheels as necessary 
- providing resistance to any wheel that is slipping while allowing torque to flow to the wheels with traction. 

The MP143 transfer case also has an analog shift actuator mounted on the rear of the transfer case that 
communicates with the switch through the CAN-bus network. 

REMOVAL 

REMOVAL-TRANSFER CASE MP143 

Fig. 3: Identifying Transfer Case, Nuts, Transmission & Transfer Case Vent Tube 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Raise vehicle. 

2. Remove the front and rear propeller shafts. Refer to REMOVAL .  

3. Support transmission with jack stand. 

1 - FILL PLUG

4 - SHIFT MOTOR

2 - DRAIN PLUG

5 - DAMPENER

3 - ID TAG

6 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT FLANGE

1 - TRANSFER CASE
2 - NUTS
3 - TRANSMISSION
4 - TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE

CAUTION: Do not allow propshafts to hang at attached end. Damage to joint can 

result.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro

  

4. Remove rear crossmember and skid plate, if equipped.  

5. Disconnect transfer case vent hose (4).  

6. Disconnect the transfer case shift motor electrical connector and position the harness aside.  

7. Disconnect the wiring connector from the shift motor, if necessary.  

8. Support transfer case with transmission jack and secure with chains.  

9. Remove nuts (2) attaching transfer case (1) to transmission (3).  

10. Pull transfer case and jack rearward to disengage transfer case form the transmission case.  

11. Remove transfer case from under vehicle.  

DISASSEMBLY 

DISASSEMBLY-TRANSFER CASE -MP143 

Fig. 4: Exploded View Of MP143 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - INPUT SHAFT SEAL

16 - SHIFT MOTOR

2 - FRONT CASE

17 - DRAIN/FILL PLUGS

3 - MAINSHAFT

18- DRIVE CHAIN

4 - MODE SLEEVE

19 - SHIFT LEVER PAD

5 - MODE HUB

20 - MODE FORK ASSEMBLY

6 - DRIVE SPROCKET

21- RETAINING CLIP

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 5: Transfer Case MP143 Component Locations 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Position transfer case on shallow drain pan. Remove drain plug (2) and drain lubricant. 

7 - RETAINING RING

22 - RETAINING RING

8 - THRUST WASHER

23 - DRIVE GEAR

9 - RETAINING RING

24 - SHIFT LEVER RETURN SPRING

10 - REAR CASE

25 - RETAINING RING

11 - OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL

26 - POCKET MAGNET

12 - DAMPENER

27 - DOWEL PIN

13 - OUTPUT FLANGE

28 - CHAIN GUIDE RAILS

14 - OUTPUT FLANGE NUT

29 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL

15 - ID TAG

30 - FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT FLANGE

1 - FILL PLUG

4 - SHIFT MOTOR

2 - DRAIN PLUG

5 - DAMPENER

3 - ID TAG

6 - REAR OUTPUT SHAFT FLANGE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 TRANSFER CASE MP143 - Service Information - Nitro