Q: What is the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System and PCV Valve on Dodge Nitro?
A: The crankcase ventilation system reduces hydrocarbon emissions by scavenging crankcase vapors. It circulates fresh air from the air cleaner through the crankcase, where it mixes with blow-by gases. These gases are then drawn by intake manifold vacuum into the intake manifold, mixing with the incoming air/fuel mixture and are consumed during normal combustion. These models utilize a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. The main component of this system is the PCV valve. Fresh air flows from the air intake duct through a vent tube into the crankcase. Crankcase vapors are drawn from the crankcase by the PCV valve. To maintain idle quality and driveability, the PCV valve restricts the flow when the intake manifold vacuum is high. When intake manifold vacuum is lower, maximum vapor flow is allowed through the valve. Checking and replacement of the PCV valve is covered in the provided procedures.