warning DODGE DURANGO 2004 2.G Owners Manual

freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MopartAll
Weather Windshield Washer Solution used with water as
directed on the container, aids cleaning action, reduces
freezing point to avoid line clogging, and is not harmful
to paint or trim.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
Coolant protection checks should be made at every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check face of radiator for any accumulation of
306 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean the radiator core by gently
spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core.
Check the coolant bottle tubing for condition and tight-
ness of connection at coolant bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the coolant pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant
from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing prop-
erly, the coolant will begin to drain from the coolant
bottle. Do not remove the pressure cap when the cooling
system is hot.WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. If you open
the hood and see steam or hot coolant escaping from
the radiator, don't touch anything. Get away quickly.
Never try to open a pressure cap when the radiator is
hot.
Cooling System Maintenance
At the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedules
section of this manual, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled. See your authorized dealer for
proper cooling system maintenance.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
7

WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The coolant pressure cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will
return to the radiator from the coolant coolant bottle.
The pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap when the system is hot or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle system provides a quick visual method
for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With
the engine idling, and warmed to normal operating
temperature, remove the cap from the bottle, remove the
dipstick and wipe the excess coolant from it. Reinsert the
dipstick and remove. Observe the dipstick checking the
holes along the stem for coolant. Check the coolant level
whenever the hood is raised.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
7

WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified, as to specifications
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching on fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Brake Hoses
Inspection should be performed whenever the brake
system is serviced or at intervals specified. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing or worn
spots. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
314 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check ± 3.7L Engine
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid whenever the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons.NOTE:Whenever the fluid level is checked, especially
on a vehicle used in severe service, the condition of the
fluid should be noted. If the fluid is dark and has a strong
odor, fluid should be changed.
A physical change in the fluid may be the result of
overheating, resulting in fluid degradation. This is pos-
sible in severe service or if the vehicle is equipped with a
non-factory installed air-conditioning unit.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

²If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
²If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
²Use Moparttouch up paint on scratches as soon as
possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the
color of your vehicle.
Interior Care
Use MopartFabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery
and carpeting.
Use MopartVinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery and
trim.
MopartTotal Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MopartTotal Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 323
7

Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
SCHEDULE ªAº 357
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Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 309
Adding Fuel........................245,270
Air Cleaner, Engine...................... 298
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 302
Air Conditioning........................ 184
Air Conditioning Controls................. 184
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............302,303
Air Conditioning System................179,302
Air Filter.............................. 298
Air Pressure, Tires....................231,239
Airbag.............................38,153
Airbag Light............................ 50
Alarm..............................24,149
Alarm, Panic............................ 21
Alignment and Balance................... 238
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 176
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............308,335
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 218Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 149
Anti-Theft System.....................24,149
Appearance Care........................ 321
Arming Theft System...................... 25
Auto Unlock............................ 16
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............70,74
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Headlights.................... 106
Automatic Temperature Control............. 184
Automatic Transaxle...................... 203
Automatic Transmission.............200,203,315
Adding Fluid......................316,317
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 318
Fluid Level Check...................315,316
Fluid Type........................318,338
Gear Ranges.......................... 203
Special Additives...................... 318
Torque Converter...................... 207
Axle Fluid............................. 338
370 INDEX

Axle Lubrication........................ 319
Ball Joints............................. 304
Battery............................... 300
Charging............................ 280
Emergency Starting..................... 280
Gas Caution.......................... 280
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 24
Saving Feature........................ 105
Belts, Drive............................ 297
Belts, Seat.............................. 29
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 304
B-Pillar Location........................ 226
Brake Fluid............................ 338
Brake System........................218,313
Anti-Lock........................... 218
Disc Brakes.......................... 313
Fluid Check.......................... 313
Hoses.............................. 314Master Cylinder....................... 313
Parking............................. 217
Warning Light.....................149,151
Brakes............................... 218
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 203
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 62
Bulb Replacement....................... 327
Bulbs, Light............................ 327
Calibration, Compass..................... 124
Capacities, Fluid........................ 335
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 303
Car Washes............................ 321
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 248
Cargo ................................ 250
Catalytic Converter....................249,299
CD Player..........................155,161
Cellular Phone........................74,179
INDEX 371
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