recreational towing DODGE DURANGO 2006 2.G Owners Manual

▫Fuel System Cautions..................289
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............290
Catalytic Converter.....................291
Vehicle Loading........................292
▫Certification Label.....................292
▫Curb Weight.........................294
▫Loading............................294
Trailer Towing.........................296
▫Common Towing Definitions.............296
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............298
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................299▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............299
▫Towing Requirements..................300
▫Towing Tips.........................305
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped......307
Snowplow............................307
▫Dodge Durango Models................307
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 308
▫Recreational Towing 2WD Models.........308
▫Recreational Towing 4WD Models.........308
Traction.............................312
Equipment Identification Plate.............313
STARTING AND OPERATING 241
5

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 “SVC 4WD” 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.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if theService 4WDlight is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

4LOCK
Four-Wheel-Drive LOCK - Locks the transfer case inter-
axle differential. Forces front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery
road surfaces only.
4LO
Four-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel
drive. Locks the transfer case inter-axle differential.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor-
mation.Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
AWD/ 4LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no
traction). In this situation a position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational Towing 2WD Models
Recreational towing of 2WD models is not allowable.
Towing the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral can
cause severe transmission damage. Removal of the drive-
shaft for towing is not recommended since this allows
transmission fluid to leak out.
Recreational Towing 4WD Models
CAUTION!
Vehicles equipped with an NV 144 Transfer Case
(which has no neutral position) may NOT be used
for recreational towing.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
NOTE:The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be
shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The
Neutral (N) selection button is located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and
out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with the
selector switch in any mode position.
Shifting into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

Sunroof............................. 168
Windows............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid..................... 387
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 47
Preparation for Jacking.................... 321
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
Programmable Electronic Features.........163,167
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............24,163,167
Radial Ply Tires......................... 276
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 357
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 191
Radio Operation...................193,200,222
Radio Reception........................ 191
Radio, Satellite.......................... 215
Radio (Sound Systems).................193,200
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 365Rear Liftgate............................ 29
Rear Window Defroster................... 238
Rear Window Features.................... 237
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 237
Rearview Mirrors........................ 84
Reception, Radio........................ 191
Reclining Front Seats..................... 112
Recorder, Event Data...................... 62
Recreational Towing...................... 308
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 309
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 311
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 286
Refrigerant............................ 350
Release, Hood.......................... 129
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 46
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 20
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 220
Remote Starting System.................... 28
Replacement Keys........................ 11
INDEX 431
10

Spare Tire........................... 319
Spinning............................ 278
Tread Wear Indicators................... 279
Wheel Mounting....................... 320
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 323
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 299
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 249
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 327
Towing............................... 296
Disabled Vehicle....................... 328
Guide.............................. 299
Recreational.......................... 308
Weight.............................. 299
Traction.............................. 312
Traction Control......................149,187
Trailer Towing.......................... 296
Cooling System Tips.................... 306
Hitches............................. 298
Minimum Requirements................. 300Mirrors............................. 307
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 299
Wiring.............................. 304
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 299
Trailer Weight.......................... 299
Transaxle............................. 245
Automatic........................... 245
Operation........................... 245
Transfer Case........................... 364
Fluid............................... 387
Transmission........................245,362
Automatic........................245,362
Filter............................... 363
Fluid............................363,387
Maintenance.......................... 362
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 162
INDEX 435
10