brake light DODGE DURANGO 2009 2.G User Guide

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the shift lever is in PARK position. When parking on a
hill, you should apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK; otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK.
NOTE:The instrument cluster brake warning light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
Parking Brake
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The ABS conducts a low-speed self-test at about 12 mph
(20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake
while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal
movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice
and snow. This is normal.
The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 12 mph
(20 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
WARNING!
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP on by momentarily depressing the
ESP OFF switch. This may be done with the vehicle in
motion.
4WD LOW Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD LOW.
Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD LOW or the
transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOCK or
NEUTRAL to 4WD LOW, the ESP system will be in this
mode. In 4WD LOW, ESP function is desensitized until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). At
30 mph (48 km/h) the normal ESP stability function
returns and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light turns off. Whenthe vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40 km/h) the ESP
system goes back to “Partial Off.” ESP is desensitized at
low vehicle speeds in 4WD LOW so that it will not
interfere with off road driving but ESP function returns to
provide the stability feature at speeds above 30 mph
(48 km/h). The ABS is in a special Off Road mode that
allows wheels to lock at lower speeds if gravel is detected
to shorten stopping distances.
NOTE:When the vehicle is in 4WD LOW, a feature of
the ESP system remains active whether the ESP is on or
off. This feature functions similar to a limited slip differ-
ential and controls the wheel spin across an axle. If one
wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel and
allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that
is not spinning.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
In the “Partial Off” mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are desensitized. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize a swaying
trailer and will take the appropriate actions to attempt to
stop the sway. The system will reduce engine power and
apply individual brakes that will counter act the sway of
the trailer. TSC will become active automatically once the
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Al-
ways use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. For additional infor-
mation on towing a trailer with your vehicle, refer to
Trailer Towingin Section 5.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ESP/BAS Warning Light
and the yellow ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the instru-
ment cluster both come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. They should both go out with
the engine running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either the ESP or BAS system, or
both. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and the vehicle has been driven several miles at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
NOTE:
•The ESP Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Warning
Light come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
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5

WARNING! (Continued)
Weight-Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with surge brake couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable recreational
vehicle dealer for additional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alter-
ations to the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be
factory equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing
over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep
Package. See your authorized dealer for package content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum TrailerWeight Ratings)” for the website address that contains
the necessary information for your specific drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification Standards
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry
Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
Fifth Wheel/
GooseneckGreater than 10,000 lbs
(4540 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
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5

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s
wiring harness.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.
12. Turn ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK.
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
NOTE:Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed.
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5

If any of these requirements (with the exception of Step 3
- Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL
button or are no longer met during the four second timer,
then the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continu-
ously until all requirements are met or until the NEU-
TRAL button is released.
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, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine RUNNING. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is
OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
one second.
7. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release
the NEUTRAL button.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12-Volts.
Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator, DO NOT
jump-start the battery.If the indicator is dark or shows a green dot, proceed as
follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the ignition
OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF the heater, radio and all unnecessary elec-
trical loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES