check engine light DODGE DURANGO 2009 2.G User Guide

NOTE:The ESP control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system which monitors
the emissions and engine control system. If the
vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the MIL will come
on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on, as
a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is
not ready for emissions testing, the MIL will come on
when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for
15 seconds, then blink for 10 seconds, and remain on until
the vehicle is started. If the MIL does not come on during
starting, see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
If the MIL comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see an authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required. See an authorized dealer for
service immediately.
24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. For transmission
fluid change intervals, refer to “Maintenance Schedule”
in Section 8.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2
on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
370 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
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 that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recentlyserviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be 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 II 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.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brakepads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifica-
tions may result in sudden brake failure during
hard prolonged braking. You could have an
accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with 16 spark plugs; one set is located on the
top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............205,309
Adding Fuel........................... 355
Adjustable Pedals....................... 154
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 403
Air Conditioner Maintenance............269,405
Air Conditioning........................ 269
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 281
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 272
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............405,406
Air Conditioning System................269,405
Air Filter.....................395,396,397,403
Air Pressure, Tires....................330,337
Airbag.............................51,214
Airbag Light..........................60,74
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,205
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 262
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........... 411,412,443Disposal............................ 414
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............309,312
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 205
Anti-Theft System.....................18,205
Appearance Care........................ 420
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 170
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............82,85
Automatic Door Locks..................29,170
Automatic Transaxle....................12,292
Interlock System....................... 14
Automatic Transmission................292,417
Adding Fluid......................... 417
Fluid Level Check..................... 417
Fluid Type........................... 445
Gear Ranges......................... 293
Special Additives...................... 419
Torque Converter...................... 297
474 INDEX

Axle Fluid............................. 445
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 420
Battery.......................395,396,397,404
Charging............................ 388
Emergency Starting..................... 388
Gas Caution.......................... 388
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 147
Belts, Seat............................40,74
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 406
B-Pillar Location........................ 325
Brake Assist System...................... 313
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 312
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake System........................... 416
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................309,312
Fluid Check.......................... 416
Master Cylinder....................... 416Parking............................. 308
Warning Light.....................205,210
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 293
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 435
Bulbs, Light..........................74,434
Calibration, Compass..................... 174
Camera, Rear........................... 163
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 355
Oil (Engine).......................... 402
Power Steering........................ 307
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 413
Car Washes............................ 421
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............73,351
Cargo Management System................. 191
Cargo Organizer....................... 191
INDEX 475
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Cargo Organizer........................ 191
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 358
Cellular Phone........................86,268
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 441
Certification Label....................... 358
Charging.............................. 388
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 322
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 399
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 72
Checks, Safety........................... 72
Child Restraint......................62,63,64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............65,70
Child Seat.............................. 67
Circuit Breakers......................... 426
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 423
Climate Control......................... 269
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............272,278Clock.....................215,216,220,235,245
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 267
Compact Spare Tire...................... 332
Compass Calibration..................... 174
Compass Variance....................... 174
Connector
UCI ................................ 255
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 255
Console, Floor.......................189,190
Console, Overhead....................165,166
Contract, Service........................ 467
Coolant Pressure Cap
(Radiator Cap).................395,396,397,413
Cooling System......................... 410
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 412
Coolant Capacity...................... 443
Coolant Level......................410,414
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 414
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 411
476 INDEX

Extender, Seat Belt........................ 50
Exterior Lights.......................... 74
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Engine Oil........................403,444
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 403
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 378
Turn Signal...................74,149,203,437
Flat Tire Stowage.....................380,387
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 355
Engine Oil........................... 354
Fuel Requirements..................352,353
Replacement Parts..................... 355
Starting............................. 354
Flooded Engine Starting................... 290
Floor Console.......................189,190Fluid, Brake.........................416,445
Fluid Capacities......................... 443
Fluid Leaks............................. 75
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 417
Brake.............................. 416
Engine Oil........................... 401
Power Steering........................ 307
Transfer Case......................... 419
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 444
Fog Lights..........................148,442
Folding Rear Seat.....................128,132
Four Wheel Drive....................... 298
Operation........................... 298
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 378
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 390
Front Axle (Differential)................... 420
Fuel................................. 347
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................355,357
INDEX 479
10

Low Fuel............................ 203
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 212
Passing............................. 150
Reading............................. 166
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 204
Service............................. 434
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 212
Traction Control....................... 316
Turn Signal......................74,149,437
Voltage............................. 205
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 203
Loading Vehicle......................... 358
Tires ............................... 325
Locks................................. 28
Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 28
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 29Steering Wheel......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubrication, Body....................... 406
Lug Nuts............................. 386
Luggage Carrier......................... 195
Lumbar Support........................ 122
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 404
Maintenance Procedures................... 401
Maintenance Schedule.................... 448
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 212,399
Manual, Service......................... 469
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 445
Map/Reading Lights..................165,166
Memory Seat........................... 136
Mirrors................................ 82
Automatic Dimming...................82,85
INDEX 483
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