traction control DODGE DURANGO 2006 2.G Owners Manual

may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the US govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler Corpora-
tion to any third party except when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler Corporation product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by law
Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
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Electronic Brake Control System............146
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............146
▫BAS (Brake Assist System) – If Equipped
WithESP ...........................147
▫TCS (Traction Control System) – If Equipped
WithESP ...........................149
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........149
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........150
Overhead Console......................155
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................155
Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer....156
▫US/M Button........................156
▫Reset Button.........................156
▫Global Reset.........................157▫Step Button.........................157
▫Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)........158
▫Distance To Empty (DTE)...............158
▫Trip Odometer (ODO)..................158
▫Elapsed Time (ET).....................158
▫C/T Button.........................159
▫Compass/Temperature Display...........159
▫Automatic Compass Calibration...........159
▫Manual Compass Calibration.............160
▫To Put Into a Calibration Mode...........160
▫Outside Temperature...................161
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........162
▫Programming HomeLink................163
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push in on the washer knob on the end
of the multifunction control lever and hold while spray is
desired. If the washer knob is depressed while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for several seconds
after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer
knob is pushed, for a period greater than 1 second, while
in the OFF position, the wiper will wipe approximately
three wipes, after the wash knob is released.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) OFF
CONTROL SWITCH — IF EQUIPPED
During normal driving conditions leave the ESP switch
in the On position (indicator in cluster off). If the vehicle
is 2WD and stuck or in a low traction condition such as
ESP Off Control Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
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deep snow, sand, or gravel turn the system Off to
improve traction. If the vehicle is 4WD, use 4HI position.
When the ESP is switched off, the ESP/TCS
Indicator light in the instrument cluster comes
on. When the ESP is switched on, the Indicator
light goes out.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the button switch. The ESP
warning light will then be continuously illuminated.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is desensitized. Therefore, the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.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.
140 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System), BAS (Brake Assist System), TCS (Traction Con-
trol System), ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation) and ESP
(Electronic Stability Program). All five systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in vari-
ous driving conditions, and are commonly referred to as
ESP.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TCS (Traction Control System) – if equipped with
ESP
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability
Program)” in this Section of this manual. This brake
pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping
to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward trac-
tion.
ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149
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High Range (4WD Models) or 2WD Models
ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD high
range and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is
started or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from
4WD low range or neutral back to 4WD high range, the
ESP system will be in this mode. This mode should be
used for most all driving situations. ESP should only be
turned to “Partial Off” for specific reasons as noted
below.
This mode is entered by momentarily
depressing the “ESP OFF” Control
Switch. When in “Partial Off” mode,
the engine management portion of
ESP has been desensitized, the thresh-
olds for ESP activation are raised, and
the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will be
illuminated. This mode is intended tobe used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress the “ESP-Control OFF” Con-
trol Switch. This will restore the normal “ON” mode of
operation. ESP always operates under braking, even with
the switch in the OFF-position.
WARNING!
In the Partial Off mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore,
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP Control Switch. Once the
Partial Off
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
17. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged,
GASCAP will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn the GASCAP message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.18. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
19. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
— If Equipped
The yellow ESP indicator light in the speedom-
eter area illuminates with the key in the igni-
tion switch turned to the ON/RUN position. It
should go out with the engine running. The
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightstarts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 187
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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 wheelsto 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 “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.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 thevehicle 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
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