automatic transmission DODGE DURANGO 2020 User Guide

188STARTING AND OPERATING
COLD WEATHER OPERATION (BELOW
–22°F O
R −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally powered
electric engine block heater (available from an
authorized dealer) is recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and
it will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect
the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have an adequate warming
effect on the engine. The engine block heater cord is located:
3.6L Engine — Coiled and strapped to the
engine oil dipstick tube.
5.7L Engine — Bundled and fastened to the
injector harness.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS –
NON-SRT
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can
be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type
lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with
anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing And
Maintenance”.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera
-
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
the break-in and not interpreted as a problem.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil
indicator often during the break-in period. Add
oil as required.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than
25 seconds at a time. Wait 60 seconds
before trying again.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING191
(Continued)
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK (P) position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING! (Continued)
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL (N) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and turn the igni -
tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF
mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING193
When the Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode is enabled,
the vehicle control systems will change the
following:
The transmission will upshift sooner and
downshift later.
In SRT models, the transmission will launch
(from a stop) in SECOND gear.
The overall driving performance will be more
conservative.
Some ECO mode functions may be tempo -
rarily inhibited based on temperature and
other factors.
EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
T
RANSMISSION
The transmission gear range is displayed both
on the gear selector and in the instrument
cluster. To select a gear range, press the lock
button on the gear selector and move the
selector rearward or forward. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
You must also press the brake pedal to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
Select the DRIVE range for normal driving. NOTE:
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink continu
-
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be
completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission
adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs,
along with environmental and road conditions.
The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on
a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is
a normal condition, and precision shifts will
develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL
(AutoStick) shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick
shift control. Toggling the gear selector forward
(-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL
(AutoStick) position (beside the DRIVE position),
or tapping the shift paddles (+/-), if equipped,
will manually select the transmission gear, and
will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster. Refer to “AutoStick” in this section for
further information.

Transmission Gear Selector

1 — Lock Button
2 — Gear Selector
5

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 193

196STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when
pushed forward) it is probably in the MANUAL
(AutoStick, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE posi -
tion). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the trans -
mission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Move the gear selector
to the right (into the DRIVE position) for access
to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK (P) if you must exit the
vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating
conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to AutoStick in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission
operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of
the torque converter clutch is inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm. Normal operation
will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” and “Towing A Disabled
Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 196

198STARTING AND OPERATING
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear
selector into the MANUAL (M) position (beside
the DRIVE (D) position), or tap one of the shift
paddles on the steering wheel (if equipped).
Tapping the (-) shift paddle (if equipped) to
enter AutoStick mode will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear, while
tapping (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain
the current gear. The current transmission gear
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector
(in the MANUAL position), or the shift paddles (if
equipped), to manually shift the transmission.
Tapping the gear selector forward (-) while in the
MANUAL (M) position, or tapping the (-) shift
paddle (if equipped), will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear. Tapping the
selector rearward (+) or tapping the (+) shift
paddle (if equipped) will command an upshift.
NOTE:
The shift paddles (if equipped) may be disabled
(or re-enabled, as desired) using the Uconnect
Personal Settings. In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up
or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the
driver, unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift
is chosen, except as described below.
The transmission will automatically down
-
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine
lugging) and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically down -
shift to FIRST gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle is
accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or
SECOND gear. Tapping (+) at a stop will allow
starting in SECOND gear. Starting out in
SECOND gear can be helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at
too low of a vehicle speed.
Holding the (-) paddle depressed (if
equipped), or holding the gear selector in the
(-) position, will downshift the transmission to
the lowest gear possible at the current
speed.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
The system may revert to automatic shift
mode if a fault or overheat condition is
detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE (D) position, or press and
hold the (+) shift paddle (if equipped, and if the
gear selector is already in DRIVE) until "D" is
once again indicated in the instrument cluster.
You can shift in or out of AutoStick mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle
could skid, causing a collision or personal
injury.

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 198

STARTING AND OPERATING199
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle is equipped with a Sport Mode
feature. This mode is a configuration set up for
typical enthusiast driving. The engine,
transmission, and steering systems are all set
to their SPORT settings. Sport Mode will provide
improved throttle response and modified
transmission shift points for an enhanced
driving experience, as well as greater amount of
steering feel. This mode may be activated and
deactivated by pushing the Sport button on the
instrument panel switch bank.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
SINGLE-SPEED OPERATING
I
NSTRUCTIONS/PRECAUTIONS— IF
E
QUIPPED
This system contains a single-speed (HI range
only) transfer case, which provides convenient
full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD). No driver
interaction is required. The Brake Traction
Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance
to any wheel that is slipping to allow additional
torque transfer to wheels with traction. NOTE:
This system is not appropriate for conditions
where LOW range is recommended. Refer to
“Driving Tips” in this chapter for further informa-
tion.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE (THREE-POSITION SWITCH) — IF
E
QUIPPED
This is an electronically shifted transfer case
and it is operated by the AWD Control Switch,
which is located on the center console.

AWD Control Switch (Three-Position)
This electronically shifted transfer case
provides three mode positions:
All-wheel drive automatic range (AWD AUTO)
All-wheel drive low range (LOW RANGE)
Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is
designed to be driven in the AWD AUTO position
for normal street and highway conditions on dry
hard surfaced roads.
For variable driving conditions, the AWD AUTO
mode can be used. In this mode, the front axle
is engaged, but the vehicle's power is sent to
the rear wheels. All-wheel drive will be
automatically engaged when the vehicle senses
a loss of traction.
When additional traction is required, the
transfer case LOW RANGE position can be used
to lock the front and rear driveshafts together
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by rotating
the AWD Control Switch to the desired position.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for specific
shifting instructions.
5

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 199

STARTING AND OPERATING201
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
AWD Auto
All-Wheel Drive Auto Range – This range sends
power to the rear wheels. The all-wheel drive
system will be automatically engaged when the
vehicle senses a loss of traction. Additional
traction for varying road conditions.
LOW Range
All-Wheel Drive Low Range – This range
provides low speed all-wheel drive. Locks the
front and rear driveshafts together forcing 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).
NEUTRAL (N)
This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for
flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to
“Recreational Towing” in this chapter for further
information.
SHIFTING PROCEDURE
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the
transfer case will not shift. The position indi -
cator light for the previous position will
remain on and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all
the requirements for the selected position
have been met. To retry a shift: return the control switch back
to the original position, make certain all shift
requirements have been met, wait five
seconds and try the shift again.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, the
current position indicator light will turn off,
the selected position indicator light will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift.
When the shift is complete, the position indi
-
cator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on.
AWD Auto To Low Range
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of LOW RANGE some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal
and is not detrimental to the vehicle or occu -
pants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle
rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely
stopped. Use either of the following procedures:
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case NEUTRAL position disengages both the
front and rear drive shafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
5

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202STARTING AND OPERATING
Preferred Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle
to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the AWD control switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission
back into gear.
Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.

2. With the ignition in ON/RUN position and engine running, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the AWD control switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission
back into gear. NOTE:
If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alter
-
nate Procedure are not satisfied prior to
attempting the shift or if they no longer are
being met while the shift attempt is in
process, the desired position indicator light
will flash continuously while the original posi -
tion indicator light is on, until all require -
ments have been met.
The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN
position for a shift to take place and for the
position indicator lights to be operable. If the
ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position,
then the shift will not take place and no posi -
tion indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
For information regarding the transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) shift procedure, refer to “Shifting
Into NEUTRAL (N)” in “Recreational Towing” in
this chapter.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ONLY
— IF EQUIPPED
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine's eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The
system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you
good vehicle response and increased ease of
maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will
vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that
prevents it from providing assist, you will still
have the ability to steer the vehicle manually.

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 202

204STARTING AND OPERATING
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position and the Stop/Start
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in
Autostop. Customer settings will be maintained
upon return to an engine running condition.
Refer to the “Stop/Start System” in the
“Starting And Operating” section for further
information.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check
many safety and comfort conditions to see if
they are fulfilled. Detailed information about the
operation of the Stop/Start system may be
viewed in the instrument cluster display Stop/
Start Screen. In the following situations, the
engine will not stop:
Driver’s seat belt is not buckled.
Driver’s door is not closed.
Battery temperature is too warm or cold.
Battery charge is low.
The vehicle is on a steep grade.
Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an
acceptable cabin temperature has not been
achieved.
HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed.
HVAC set to MAX A/C.
Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature.
The transmission is not in a forward gear.
Hood is open.
Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient
pressure.
Other Factors Which Can Inhibit Autostop
Include:
Accelerator pedal input.
Engine temp too high.
5 mph (8 km/h) threshold not achieved from
previous Autostop.
Steering angle beyond threshold.
ACC is on and speed is set. It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven
several times without the Stop/Start system
going into a STOP/START READY state under
more extreme conditions of the items listed
above.
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in a forward gear, the engine will start
when the brake pedal is released or the throttle
pedal is depressed. The transmission will
automatically re-engage upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode:
The transmission selector is moved out of
DRIVE.
To maintain cabin temperature comfort.
HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
HVAC system temperature or fan speed is
manually adjusted.
Battery voltage drops too low.

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210STARTING AND OPERATING
ACTIVATING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is
above 0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is
20 mph (32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready
state, the instrument cluster displays “ACC
Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster
displays “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:
You cannot engage ACC under the following
conditions:
When in Four-Wheel Drive Low
When you apply the brakes
When the parking brake is applied
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
When the vehicle speed is outside of the
speed range
When the brakes are overheated
When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at
low speeds
ESC Full Off mode is active
TO ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready

To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button
again. At this time, the system will turn off and
the instrument cluster displays “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Off

TO SET A DESIRED ACC SPEED
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired,
push the SET
(+) button or the SET (-) button
and release. The instrument cluster display will
display the set speed.
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it
to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have a collision. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.

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