battery DODGE DURANGO 2004 2.G Owner's Manual

governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all
belts should be checked for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.Belts should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing, and replaced if there is indication of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, see your authorized dealer for service. Low
generator belt tension can cause battery failure. A special
tool is required to properly measure tension and to
restore belt tension to factory specifications.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission control. The plugs installed in
your vehicle should operate satisfactorily in normal
service for the mileage indicated in the Maintenance
Chart. New plugs should be installed at this mileage. The
entire set should be replaced if there is any malfunction
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
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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!
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Always wash hands
after handling the battery.
To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator (if equipped) on top of the battery. Refer to the
illustration.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a ªfast chargerº is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
ªfast chargerº to provide starting voltage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it suggests a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
NOTE:If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for
longer than 21 days you may want to take steps to protect
your battery. You may do this by disconnecting the
battery or by disconnecting the two ignition-off draw
(I.O.D.) fuses located in the Auxiliary Power Distribution
Center (PDC) located in the engine compartment. The
I.O.D. cavities include a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block. Pressing the I.O.D. fuse back into the cavity
reconnects it.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21 days, we
recommend that you take the following steps to mini-
mize the drain on your vehicle's battery:
²Disconnect the Ignition-Off Draw fuse (I.O.D.) fuse
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). The
I.O.D. cavity includes a snap-in retainer that allows the
fuse to be disconnected, without removing it from the
fuse block.
²The transfer case should be placed in the 4HI mode
and kept in this position to minimize the battery drain.
²As an alternative to the above steps you may discon-
nect the negative cable from the battery.
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
342 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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
10

Turn Signal........................108,329
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 146
Washer Fluid......................... 153
Loading Vehicle......................... 250
Tires ............................... 226
Locks................................. 13
Auto Unlock.......................... 16
Automatic Door........................ 15
Child Protection........................ 17
Door................................ 13
Ignition.............................. 12
Keys................................. 9
Power Door........................... 14
Steering Wheel......................... 12
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 54
Lubricating Oil......................... 320
Lubrication, Body....................... 304
Lug Nuts............................. 278
Luggage Carrier......................... 139Lumbar Support......................... 88
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 300
Maintenance Procedures................... 292
Maintenance Schedule.................... 341
Schedule9A9......................... 353
Schedule9B9.......................... 343
Malfunction Indicator Light..............152,290
Manual, Service......................... 366
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 338
Map/Reading Lights..................... 120
Memory Seat........................... 97
Mirrors................................ 70
Automatic Dimming...................70,74
Electric Powered....................... 72
Heated.............................. 73
Memory............................. 97
Outside.............................. 71
378 INDEX

Filter............................... 318
Fluid............................318,338
Maintenance.......................... 315
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 126
Transmitter Programming................... 22
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 236
Trip Computer.......................... 120
Trip Odometer.......................... 153
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 154
Turn Signals......................108,146,329
Universal Transmitter..................... 126
Unlock, Auto........................... 16
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.................. 311
Vanity Mirrors........................... 73
Variance, Compass....................... 125
Vehicle Identification Number................ 5Vehicle Loading......................227,250
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 326
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . 146
Warnings and Cautions..................... 5
Warranty Information..................... 363
Washers, Windshield..................... 111
Washing Vehicle......................... 321
Weight Load Carrying.................... 250
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 238
Wheel and Wheel Trim.................... 322
Wheel Changing........................ 272
Wheel Mounting........................ 275
Wheel Nut Torque....................... 278
Wind Buffeting......................... 134
Window Fogging........................ 191
Windows.............................. 27
Power............................... 27
INDEX 385
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