traction control DODGE DURANGO 2004 2.G Owners Manual

NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights.....106
NIlluminated Entry.....................107
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only).....107
NLights-On Reminder...................107
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped...............107
mMultifunction Control Lever...............108
NTurn Signals.........................108
NPassing Light........................109
NHigh Beam / Low Beam Select Switch......109
NWindshield Wipers....................110
NWindshield Washers...................111
mTraction Control Switch Ð If Equipped.......112
mTilt Steering Column....................113mDriver Adjustable Pedals Ð If Equipped......114
NAdjustment.........................115
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......116
NTo Activate..........................116
NTo Set At A Desired Speed...............116
NTo Deactivate........................116
NTo Resume Speed.....................117
NTo Vary The Speed Setting...............117
NTo Accelerate For Passing...............118
mOverhead Console......................119
NCourtesy/Reading Lights................120
mCompass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer....120
NUS/M Button........................120
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67
3

TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH Ð IF EQUIPPED
Traction control monitors the amount of wheel spin in
each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the
pressure to the brake system of the slipping wheel(s) is
modulated to provide enhanced acceleration. The system
operates at speeds typically encountered in city traffic
driving. 4WD drive models also include unique logic in
4HI or 4LO to enhance off-road capabilities.
The traction control Indicator, located in the instrument
cluster, will light up when the Traction Control is in use.
To turn the system OFF, press the Traction Control
switch, located below the climate controls in the center
stack, until the traction control Indicator in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time until the traction control Indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:
²The traction control Indicator comes on each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur even if
you used the switch to turn the system OFF.
²The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever below the turn
signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3

each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
17. Transfer Case Position and Service (SVC)
Indicators
These lights monitor the electric shift 4WD system for
transfer case position and function. If there are no indi-
cator lights ON or flashing the transfer case is in All-
Wheel-Drive (AWD) position. The SVC 4WD lights will
come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON
position and will stay on for 2 seconds. If the light stays
on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.18. Traction Control Ð If Equipped
This display indicator illuminates momentarily
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. The indicator will blink during an
active traction event, but will remain solid
when the system is deactivated or if a system malfunc-
tion occurs.
The Traction Control indicator will turn ON if:
²The Traction Control system is in use.
²The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
²There is an Anti-Lock Brake system malfunction or
Traction Control system malfunction.
²The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
150 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator. This is to prevent overheating of the
brake system and is a normal condition. The system will
remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the Traction Control indicator.
19. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission
fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage
such as trailer towing. If this light comes on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle or faster, with the
transmission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light 5.7L
Engines Only
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while theengine is running. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light
is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service
is required and you may experience reduced perfor-
mance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when
the ignition is first turned on and remain on briefly as a
bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
21. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when the ignition is
ON and any one of the passenger doors are opened.
NOTE:A chime will sound if the vehicle is rolling and
a door has been opened.
22. BRAKE System Warning Light
This light will light when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and will remain on for a few seconds. If the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 151
4

transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The NV 144 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Control
Switch, which is located on the instrument panel.
The NV 144 transfer case provides 2 mode positions:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and 4-Wheel-Drive LOCK.
The NV 144 transfer case is designed to be driven in for
AWD for normal street and highway conditions (all road
surfaces roads).When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4LOCK position can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the 4LOCK position
- see Shifting Procedure section for specific shifting
instructions. The 4LOCK position is designed for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4LOCK posi-
tion on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire
wear and damage to the driveline components.Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster, and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. If there are no indicator lights on
or flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Delayed shifting out of 4LOCK may be experi-
enced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive vehicle loading.
NOTE:If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift.The indicator light will flash and the current
transfer case position will be maintained.To retry a
selection, turn the control knob back to the current
position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry the shift.
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
2WD/AWD if the rear wheels are spinning (no traction).
In this situation the position indicator light will continue
to flash. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions
The NV 244 Generation II is an electric shift transfer case
and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch, which is
located on the instrument panel.
The NV 244 Generation II transfer case provides 4 mode
positions - Normal all-wheel-drive high range, four-
wheel-drive LOCK, four-wheel-drive low range, and
neutral.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential that allows driving the vehicle in the normal
all-wheel-drive position (AWD) at all times on any given
road surface, including dry hard surfaced roads. The
AWD mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. This eliminates driveline binding and
component wear normally associated with driving the
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
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vehicle in the 4LOCK position on dry hard surfaced
roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4LOCK and
4LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together through the transfer case inter-axle
differential and force the front and rear wheels to rotate
at the same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the
4WD Control Switch to these positions. The 4LOCK and
4LO positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4LOCK and 4LO positions
on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4HI,4LOCK).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the car in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE
The equipment Identification Plate is located on the hood
inner surface.
The following information about your vehicle is dis-
played on this plate: Model, Wheelbase, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number, Truck Order Number, and code numbers
with descriptions of all production and special equip-
ment on the truck as shipped from the factory.
NOTE:Always refer to the Equipment Identification
Plate When Ordering Parts.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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Jacking............................. 275
Load Capacity.....................226,227
Radial.............................. 234
Replacement......................... 237
Rotation............................. 241
Safety...........................221,230
Sizes............................... 223
Snow Tires........................... 240
Spare Tire........................... 273
Spinning............................ 236
Tread Wear Indicators................... 236
Wheel Mounting....................... 275
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 278
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 256
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 207
Towing............................... 254
Disabled Vehicle....................... 282
Guide.............................. 258
Recreational.......................... 262Weight.............................. 258
Traction.............................. 267
Traction Control...................... 112,150
Traction Control Switch................... 112
Trailer Towing.......................... 254
Cooling System Tips.................... 260
Hitches............................. 257
Minimum Requirements................. 258
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 256
Wiring.............................. 259
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 258
Trailer Weight.......................... 258
Transaxle............................. 203
Automatic........................... 203
Operation........................... 203
Transfer Case........................... 319
Fluid............................... 338
Transmission........................203,315
Automatic........................203,315
384 INDEX