2009 Dodge Nitro Oil Type & Capacity
The 2009 Dodge Nitro oil type depends on the engine: the R/T, 4WD takes 10W-30 (5.5 quarts with filter); the R/T, RWD takes 10W-30 (5.5 quarts with filter); the SE, 4WD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SE, RWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SLT, 4WD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts with filter); the SLT, RWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- R/T, 4WD: 10W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter
- R/T, RWD: 10W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4WD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SE, RWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SLT, 4WD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SLT, RWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R/T, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 10W-30 | 5.50 QTS. | — | For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use the recommended engine oil that meets the requirements of ACEA C3, and approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 only. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. |
| R/T, RWD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 10W-30 | 5.50 QTS. | — | For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use the recommended engine oil that meets the requirements of ACEA C3, and approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 only. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. |
| SE, 4WD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
| SE, RWD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
| SLT, 4WD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
| SLT, RWD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
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More specs & repair guides for your Nitro
2009 Dodge Nitro factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
14.0 quarts (13.24 L) — MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Includes: heater and coolant recovery tank filled to "max" level.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2009 Dodge Nitro take?
It depends on the engine: R/T, 4WD uses 10W-30; R/T, RWD uses 10W-30; SE, 4WD uses 5W-20; SE, RWD uses 5W-20; SLT, 4WD uses 5W-20; SLT, RWD uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 2009 Dodge Nitro take?
Capacity depends on the engine: R/T, 4WD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; R/T, RWD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SE, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Yes. 10W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.