maintenance DODGE DURANGO 2007 2.G User Guide

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the
precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a
colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run the engine
in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked
vehicle with the engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to force
fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper maintenance.
Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired promptly. Until
repaired, drive with all side windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to prevent
carbon monoxide and other poisonous exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.
NOTE:To avoid contact between fuel cap and paint,
hang tether strap over hook provided on inner fuel door.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two.
For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.NOTE:When the ambient temperature is above 90°F,
you may experience hard starting and rough idle follow-
ing start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Whether operating the vehicle on an E-85 ethanol fuel or
unleaded gasoline the engine oil requirements are the
same. Refer to the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual for the proper quality and viscosity engine
oil.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F. In the range
of 0°F to 32°F, you may experience an increase in the time
it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in
drivability (sags and/or hesitations) until the engine is
fully warmed up.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your MPG and your driving
range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline
operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
If you operate the vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow Sched-
ule B in the maintenance schedule section of this manual.
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
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•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Durango or Chrysler Aspen Models
NOTE:Do not use Dodge Durango or Chrysler Aspen
Models for snowplow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end or your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment 3.7L V6..............360

Engine Compartment 4.7L V-8..............361

Engine Compartment 5.7L HEMI V-8.........362

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........363
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............363

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................364

Replacement Parts......................365

Dealer Service.........................366
Maintenance Procedures..................366
▫Engine Oil..........................367
▫Engine Oil Filter......................370
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 371
▫Spark Plugs.........................371
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................372
▫Engine Fuel Filter.....................372
▫Catalytic Converter....................373
▫Maintenance Free Battery................374
7

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............375
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............377
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............377
▫Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........378
▫Body Lubrication.....................378
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................378
▫Windshield Washers...................379
▫Exhaust System......................380
▫Cooling System.......................381
▫Emission Related Components............386
▫Brake System........................387
▫Automatic Transmission................389
▫Transfer Case........................391▫Axles ..............................392
▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........392
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................393

Fuse Block............................398
▫Fuses (Interior).......................398
▫Fuses (Power Distribution Center).........402
▫Fuses (Integrated Power Module)..........405

Vehicle Storage........................407

Replacement Light Bulbs.................407

Bulb Replacement......................408
▫Headlights/Parking/Turn Signal..........408
▫Rear Side Marker, Tail Lights, Turn Signals And
Backup Lights — Replacement............409
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system is determined not ready
for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine. If you crank or start the engine, you
will have to start this test over.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL light will blink for approximately 5 sec-
onds and then remain on until the first engine crank or
the key is turned off. This means that your vehicle’s
OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed
to the I/M station.
b. The MIL light will remain fully illuminated until the
first engine crank or the key is turned off. This means
that your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot readyyou should see your
dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you mayneed to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate
that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 365
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DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE