DODGE DURANGO 2005 2.G Owners Manual

Operating Tips Chart
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 211
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A rotating switch located on the climate control
panel turns the rear wiper On or Off. Pressing the
rotating switch inward activates the rear window
washer. Rotating the switch will enable one of five
intermittent delay times for the rear wiper. The delay
times range from 20 to 1 second.
212 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
off, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume operation.
Rear Window Defrosting
A push-button type switch is located in the climate
control panel. Press the switch and the rear win-
dow defroster and electric remote control heated mirrors
(if equipped) will turn On. An amber indicator on the
push-button will light when the defroster is turned On.
An symbol will be displayed when the defroster is turned
on with an ATC control. Push again to turn Off prior to
time-out. The defroster will automatically turn Off after
fifteen minutes. For ten more minutes of operation, push
the button again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use
the defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Also, keep all
objects a safe distance from the window to prevent
damaging the heating elements.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 213
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................218
▫Automatic Transmission................218
▫Normal Starting......................219
▫Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........220

Automatic Transmission..................221
▫Automatic Transmission................221

Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............226
▫NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................226▫Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 228
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............229
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................233

Parking Brake.........................234

Brake System..........................236
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 236

Power Steering........................238

Rocking The Vehicle.....................239
5

Tire Safety Information...................239
▫Tire Markings........................239
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........243
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........244

Tires—General Information................248
▫Tire Pressure.........................248
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................249
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................252
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........252
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........253
▫Tire Spinning........................254
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................254
▫Replacement Tires.....................255▫Alignment And Balance.................256

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......257

Tire Chains...........................257

Snow Tires...........................258

Tire Rotation Recommendations............259

Fuel Requirements......................260
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................261
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............261
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................262
▫Materials Added To Fuel................262
▫Adding Fuel.........................262
▫Fuel System Cautions..................265
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............266
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

Catalytic Converter.....................266

Vehicle Loading........................268
▫Certification Label.....................268
▫Curb Weight.........................269
▫Loading............................269

Trailer Towing.........................271
▫Definitions..........................271
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............274
▫Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating
(GCWR)............................275
▫Trailer Towing—Hitches................275
▫Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................275▫Trailer Towing Requirements.............276
▫Trailer Tow Wiring....................277
▫Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing.......278

Snowplow............................279
▫Dodge Durango Models................279

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 280
▫Recreational Towing 2WD Models.........280
▫Recreational Towing 4WD Models.........280

Traction.............................284

Equipment Identification Plate.............284
STARTING AND OPERATING 217
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.
If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
5

WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The 3.7L/4.7L engine block heater cord is located at the
front of the engine compartment near the radiator cap.
The 5.7L engine block heater cord is located on the left
side of the engine compartment and rearward of the
power distribution center.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING