instrument cluster DODGE DURANGO 2021 Owner's Manual

108STARTING AND OPERATING
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range is displayed both on
the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, push 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:
The transmission electronics are self-cali -
brating; 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 (kilome -
ters).
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. 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 Ú
page 111.

Transmission Gear Selector

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 position). In
MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the transmission
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster
(as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Move the gear selector to the right
(into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler -
ating. This is especially important when the engine
is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb
on an uphill grade.
1 — Gear Selector
2 — Lock Button

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110STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button
on the gear selector and firmly move the
selector all the way forward until it stops and is
fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P),
and is not blinking.
With the brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
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. 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 to select a lower gear
Ú
page 111. 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.
Manual (M)
The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position) enables full manual control of
transmission shifting (also known as AutoStick
mode Ú page 111). Toggling the gear selector
forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL
(AutoStick) position will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.
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.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 153.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 261.

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STARTING AND OPERATING111
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected
that could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this
mode, the transmission may operate only in
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage after
engine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a
desired location (preferably, at an authorized
dealer):

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P), if
possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N). 3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the
engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission
cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is
required.
AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving you
more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to
maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable
upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall
vehicle performance. This system can also provide
you with more control during passing, city driving,
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations. Operation
In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector
(in the MANUAL position), or the shift paddles to
the MANUAL (M) position (beside the DRIVE (D)
position), or tap one of the shift paddles on the
steering wheel. Tapping the (-) shift paddle 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.
NOTE:The shift paddles (if equipped) may be disabled
using the Uconnect Personal Settings.
AutoStick mode has the following operational
benefits:
The transmission will automatically downshift
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to
FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift (+) the trans
-
mission 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.
4

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112STARTING AND OPERATING
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 pressed, 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 until "D" is 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.
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle is equipped with a SPORT Mode
feature. 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 —
I
F EQUIPPED
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
AWD Low is recommended Ú page 157.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE — IF EQUIPPED
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 (Two-Position)

This electronically shifted transfer case provides
three positions:
All-Wheel Drive Auto Range (AWD AUTO)
All-Wheel Drive Low Range (AWD LOW)
N (NEUTRAL)
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING113
When additional traction is required, the transfer
case AWD LOW 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 pushing the AWD LOW switch
Ú page 114. The AWD LOW position is designed for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
AWD LOW position on dry, hard surfaced roads
may cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Messages
The Transfer Case Position Indicator message
(AWD LOW) is located in the instrument cluster and
indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection Ú page 83. When you select a different
transfer case position, the position indicator lights
will do the following:
If All Shift Conditions Are Met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and
remain on. If shift conditions are not met, one or more of the
following events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position will
remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met Úpage 114.
The “SERV AWD” Warning Light monitors the
electronic shift all-wheel drive system. If this light
remains on after engine start up or illuminates
during driving, it means that the all-wheel drive
system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in AWD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of
the AWD AUTO position at a given road speed. Take
care not to overspeed the engine and do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of all-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the transfer case.
Because all-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning
and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road
conditions permit.
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case mode position, see the
information below:
AWD LOW
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).
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SERV AWD Warning
Light” is illuminated. Not engaging the parking
brake may allow the vehicle to roll which may
cause personal injury.
4

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116STARTING AND OPERATING
Track usage results in increased operating
temperatures of the engine, transmission, drive -
line and brake system. This may affect Noise
Vibration Harshness (NVH) countermeasures
designed into your vehicle. New components
may need to be installed to return the system to
the original NVH performance.
Tire pressure:
Recommended tire pressure of 33 psi
(230 kPa) when tires are cold, or below
42 psi (290 kPa) when hot.
NOTE:It is recommended that you target below 42 psi
(290 kPa) when tires are hot at the conclusion of
each track session. Starting at 33 psi (230 kPa)
cold and adjusting based on ambient and track
conditions is recommended. Tire pressure can be
monitored via the instrument cluster display and
can assist with adjustments.
Track burnishing your brakes
To avoid “green lining fade” during track use, the
brake pads and rotors must have a thermal
burnish for factory-installed components or when
new brake friction components are installed:

1. Use one track session to burnish brakes by driving at 75% speed. Brake at approximately
0.60 - 0.80g max without Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) intervention.
2. Complete one lap in this manner until you start
smelling the brakes. Continue for another half
lap at speed, then complete a two lap
cooldown with minimal brake applications.
Ensure the brakes are not smoking. If they are,
complete another cooldown lap.
3. Getting the brakes to smoke is an indication that the brakes have overheated and may
negatively affect future track usage.
4. Allow vehicle to sit and cool for at least 30 minutes. If an infrared thermal gun is
available, allow rotors to cool to 200°F
(93.3°C) before returning to the track.
5. There should be a thin layer of ash when inspecting the brake pads. Having the ash
layer go more than half the thickness of the
pad material is a sign of an overly aggressive
burnish.
6. Occasionally, a second burnish session is required. If the brake pads begin to emit an
odor during the next track session, reduce
vehicle speed and braking deceleration rate to
burnish targets and follow steps 2-4. 7. New brake pads installed on old rotors require
a burnish. New rotors installed with old brake
pads should be burnished at the track or
driven for 300 miles (485 km) of city driving to
develop an adequate lining transfer layer on
the rotor surface prior to track use.
8. Rotors that pulsate during track use should be replaced.
NOTE:Resurfacing of the rotors is not recommended, as
it removes mass from the rotor, reducing its
thermal capacity. Resurfacing also thins the rotor
cheek, making it less robust and increasing the
likelihood of pulsation in further track use.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L 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.
NOTE:This system may take some time to return to full
functionality after a battery disconnect.

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STARTING AND OPERATING117
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions and adjusts
accordingly.
Alternate electric power steering efforts can be
selected through the Uconnect System
Úpage 159.
If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” or
the “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF – SERVICE
SYSTEM” message is displayed within the
instrument cluster display, this indicates the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for service
Ú page 91.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. Once driving conditions are
safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few
moments until the icon and message turn off.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to reduce
fuel consumption. The system will stop the engine
automatically during a vehicle stop if the required
conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or
pressing the accelerator pedal will automatically
re-start the engine. This vehicle has been upgraded with a heavy duty
starter, enhanced battery, and other upgraded
engine parts, to handle the additional engine
starts.
AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. At that time, the
system will go into STOP/START READY.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:
The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A STOP/START READY message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
within the Stop/Start section Ú
page 83.
The vehicle must be completely stopped.
The gear selector must be in a forward gear and
the brake pedal pressed.
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.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
4

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118STARTING AND OPERATING
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 pres -
sure.
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
pressed. 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.
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed.
A Stop/Start system error occurs.
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE
S
TOP/START SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will illuminate.
The “STOP/START OFF” message will appear in the
instrument cluster display and the autostop mode
will be disabled Ú page 83.
NOTE:The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to the
ON mode every time the ignition is turned OFF and
back ON.

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STARTING AND OPERATING119
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will turn off.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start system,
the system will not shut down the engine. A
“SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message will
appear in the instrument cluster display
Ú page 91.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message
appears in the instrument cluster display, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise
Control system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system:
Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a
constant preset speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the
vehicle speed up to the preset speed to main -
tain a distance with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not
enabled, Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be
aware of the feature selected.
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a
time. For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control
is enabled, Adaptive Cruise Control will be
unavailable, and vice versa.
CRUISE CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Cruise Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
20 mph (32 km/h).
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the right
side of the steering wheel.
Cruise Control Buttons

1 — On/Off
2 — CANC/Cancel
3 — SET (+)/Accel
4 — RES/Resume
5 — SET (-)/Decel
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and
you could lose control and have an accident. Do
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.
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120STARTING AND OPERATING
To Activate
Push the on/off button to activate the Cruise
Control. “CRUISE CONTROL READY” will appear in
the instrument cluster display to indicate the
Cruise Control is on. To turn the system off, push
the on/off button a second time. “CRUISE
CONTROL OFF” will appear in the instrument
cluster display to indicate the Cruise Control is off.
The system should be turned off when not in use.
To Set A Desired Speed
Turn the Cruise Control on. When the vehicle has
reached the desired speed, push the SET (+) or
SET (-) button and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
Once a speed has been set, a message “CRUISE
CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear
indicating what speed was set. A cruise indicator
lamp, along with set speed will also appear and
stay on in the instrument cluster when the speed is
set.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease
speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button is
released, then the new set speed will be estab -
lished.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button is
released, then the new set speed will be estab -
lished.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally. When
the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the
set speed.
USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may
occur so it may be preferable to drive without
Cruise Control.WARNING!
Leaving the Cruise Control 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 an
accident. Always leave the system OFF when you
are not using it.
WARNING!
Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and
you could lose control and have an accident. Do
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.

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