engine overheat DODGE DURANGO 2004 2.G User Guide

²Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
²Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
²See Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW/HAULº feature on when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next
lower position to eliminate excessive transmission shift-
ing. This action will also reduce the possibility of trans-
mission overheating and provide better engine braking.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Durango Models
NOTE:Do not use Dodge Durango Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end or your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
7

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

Daytime Running Lights................... 107
Dealer Service.......................... 291
Defroster, Rear Window................... 195
Defroster, Windshield................63,182,187
Delay Wipers........................... 110
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 289
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 147
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 316
Oil (Engine).......................... 292
Power Steering........................ 303
Disarming, Theft System................... 25
Disc Brakes............................ 313
Disposal
Used Coolant......................... 308
Door Ajar Light......................... 151
Door Locks............................. 13
Door Opener, Garage..................... 126
Drive Belts............................ 297Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 304
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 72
Electrical Power Outlets................... 135
Electronic Speed Control................... 116
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 221
Jacking............................. 275
Overheating.......................... 310
Towing............................. 282
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 340
Emission Related Components.............. 311
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 298
Block Heater......................... 202
Break-In Recommendations................ 62
Compartment......................287,288
Coolant..........................308,337
Cooling............................. 306
INDEX 373
10

Exhaust Gas Caution..................62,248
Fails to Start.......................... 201
Flooded, Starting...................... 201
Fuel Requirements..................... 335
Jump Starting......................... 280
Oil ...........................292,335,337
Oil Selection.......................... 335
Oil Synthetic......................... 296
Overheating.......................... 310
Starting............................. 200
Temperature Gauge..................... 146
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 295
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 13
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 267
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 308
Exhaust Gas Caution................62,248,306
Exhaust System.......................62,306
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 37
Exterior Lighting........................ 106Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 298
Engine Fuel.......................... 299
Engine Oil........................297,337
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 296
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 270
Turn Signal.....................108,146,329
Flat Tire Stowage.....................273,279
Flooded Engine Starting................... 201
Floor Console.......................... 137
Fluid, Brake........................... 338
Fluid Capacities......................... 335
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 316
Brake............................... 313
Cooling System....................... 306
Engine Oil........................... 292
Power Steering........................ 303
374 INDEX

Rearview............................. 70
Vanity............................... 73
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 6
Mopar Parts.........................291,365
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 108
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 62
Occupant Classification System............... 42
Occupant Restraints....................... 28
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 242
Oil, Engine.........................292,337
Capacity............................ 335
Change Interval....................... 294
Dipstick............................. 292
Disposal............................ 296
Filter............................297,337
Filter Disposal........................ 296
Identification Logo..................... 295Materials Added to..................... 296
Recommendation...................295,335
Synthetic............................ 296
Viscosity..........................295,335
Onboard Diagnostic System..............289,290
Opener, Garage Door..................... 126
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 71
Overdrive..........................149,205
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 205
Overhead Console.................... 119,120
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 120
Overheating, Engine...................148,310
Owner's Manual........................ 366
Panic Alarm............................ 21
Parking Brake.......................... 217
Parking On Hill......................... 217
Passing Light........................... 109
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 114
INDEX 379
10