automatic transmission DODGE DURANGO 2023 Owners Manual

4
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ......................................... 98
Automatic Transmission ..................................98
Normal Starting ...............................................98
AutoPark ...........................................................99
Extended Park Starting ................................. 100If Engine Fails To Start .................................. 101
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ............................ 101
After Starting.................................................. 101
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ........ 101
PARKING BRAKE ................................................ 102
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.............................. 103 Ignition Park Interlock ................................... 104Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System ........................................................... 104Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode ........................... 104
8-Speed Automatic Transmission ................ 104
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED ............................ 108
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION .........................108
Single-Speed Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped ............................ 108
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case —
If Equipped..................................................... 109
Shifting Procedure......................................... 110
TOW N GO — IF EQUIPPED ................................. 111
Guidelines For Track Use .............................. 112
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ONLY —
IF EQUIPPED ......................................................... 113
POWER STEERING ............................................... 113 STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ............. 114
Autostop Mode .............................................. 114
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop......................................................... 114
To Start The Engine While In Autostop
Mode .............................................................. 114
To Manually Turn Off The
Stop/Start System......................................... 115
To Manually Turn On The
Stop/Start System......................................... 115
System Malfunction ...................................... 115

CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED .... 115

Cruise Control ............................................... 115
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ...................... 117
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .................................... 125
ParkSense Sensors ....................................... 126
ParkSense Display ........................................ 126ParkSense Warning Display ......................... 129
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .............. 129Operation With A Trailer................................ 129
Service The ParkSense Park Assist System ...130

Cleaning The ParkSense System ................. 130
ParkSense System Usage Precautions........ 130
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ............................. 131
LaneSense Operation ................................... 131Turning LaneSense On Or Off ....................... 132
LaneSense Warning Message ...................... 132Changing LaneSense Status ........................ 134 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA .............. 134
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ................................... 135
VEHICLE LOADING .............................................. 136
Certification Label ......................................... 136
TRAILER TOWING ................................................ 137
Common Towing Definitions......................... 137
Trailer Hitch Classification............................ 139
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ............................................ 139
Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover Removal —
If Equipped .................................................... 140
Trailer And Tongue Weight .......................... 140
Towing Requirements .................................. 141Towing Tips ................................................... 145
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME) ..................................... 146

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ..146

Recreational Towing — Rear-Wheel
Drive Models ................................................. 147
Recreational Towing — All-Wheel Drive
Models (Single-Speed Transfer Case) ......... 147
Recreational Towing — All-Wheel Drive
Models (Two-Speed Transfer Case) ............. 147
DRIVING TIPS ....................................................... 150
On-Road Driving Tips..................................... 150Off-Road Driving Tips .................................... 150

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 4

5
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ......................................... 153
CYBERSECURITY ................................................. 153
UCONNECT SETTINGS ......................................... 153Customer Programmable Features .............. 154
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS .............. 176
Radio Operation ............................................ 176
Media Mode................................................... 176
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES...... 176
Regulatory And Safety Information .............. 176
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 177 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................... 177
Rear Seat Reminder Alert (RSRA) ................ 178
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...... 178
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS .......................... 183
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped..................................................... 183
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation ....................................................... 186
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .... 188
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................... 191
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ........ 191
Important Safety Precautions....................... 191
Seat Belt Systems ........................................ 192
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...... 198
Child Restraints ............................................. 210 SAFETY TIPS ....................................................... 225
Transporting Passengers .............................. 225Transporting Pets ......................................... 225
Connected Vehicles ...................................... 225
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................... 226
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 227
Exhaust Gas................................................... 228
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................... 228
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ........................ 229
SOS AND ASSIST MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED ..... 229
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ........................ 232 Preparations For Jacking .............................. 232Jack Location ................................................. 233
Spare Tire Stowage ....................................... 234
Spare Tire Removal ....................................... 234
Jacking Instructions ..................................... 236
JUMP STARTING ................................................. 239
Preparations For Jump Start ........................ 240
Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 240
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY – IF EQUIPPED .. 242
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ........................... 243
MANUAL PARK RELEASE ................................... 243
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 245
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 246
Rear-Wheel Drive Models ............................. 247
All-Wheel Drive Models ................................. 247 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .................................................................. 248
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ......................... 248
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................... 249
Maintenance Plan ......................................... 250
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 253
3.6L Engine ................................................... 253
5.7L Engine ................................................... 254
Checking Oil Level ......................................... 255
Adding Washer Fluid .................................... 255
Maintenance-Free Battery ........................... 255
Pressure Washing ......................................... 256
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ..................................... 256
Engine Oil ...................................................... 256
Engine Oil Filter ............................................. 257Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 257
Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 258
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ................... 260Body Lubrication ........................................... 261
Windshield Wiper Blades.............................. 261
Exhaust System ............................................ 264
Cooling System.............................................. 265
Brake System ............................................... 268Automatic Transmission ............................... 269
Front/Rear Axle Fluid ................................... 269
Transfer Case ............................................... 270Fuses.............................................................. 270
Bulb Replacement ........................................ 278

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5

52GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, push on the end of the lever
(toward the steering wheel) and hold. If the lever is
pushed while in the intermittent setting, the wipers
will turn on and operate for several cycles after the
end of the lever is released, and then resume the
intermittent interval previously selected.
If the end of the lever is pushed while the wipers
are in the off position, the wipers will operate for
several cycles, then turn off.
NOTE:As a protective measure, the washer will stop if the
switch is held for more than 20 seconds. Once the
switch is released the washer will resume normal
operation. Mist
Rotate the end of the lever downward to the MIST
position and release for a single wiping cycle.
NOTE:The Mist feature does not activate the washer
pump; therefore, no washer fluid will be sprayed on
the windshield. The washer function must be used
in order to spray the windshield with washer fluid.
For information on wiper care and replacement,
see Ú
page 261.
RAIN SENSING WIPERS — IF EQUIPPED
This feature senses rain or snowfall on the
windshield and automatically activates the wipers.
Rotate the end of the multifunction lever to one of
four detent positions to activate this feature.
The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted with
the multifunction lever. Wiper delay position one is
the least sensitive, and wiper delay position four is
the most sensitive.
Setting three is preferred by the average driver
during normal rain conditions.
NOTE:
The Rain Sensing feature will not operate when
the wiper switch is in the low or high-speed posi -
tion.
The Rain Sensing feature may not function prop -
erly when ice, or dried salt water is present on
the windshield.
Use of products containing wax or silicone may
reduce Rain Sensing performance.
The Rain Sensing feature can be turned on and
off using the Uconnect system Ú page 153.
The Rain Sensing system has protection features
for the wiper blades and arms, and will not operate
under the following conditions:
Low Ambient Temperature — When the ignition
is first placed in the ON position, the Rain
Sensing system will not operate until the wiper
switch is moved, vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h), or the outside temperature is
greater than 32°F (0°C).
Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When the
ignition is in the ON position, and the gear
selector is in NEUTRAL, the Rain Sensing system
will not operate until the wiper switch is moved,
vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h),
or the gear selector is moved out of NEUTRAL.
WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to a collision. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden
icing of the windshield during freezing weather,
warm the windshield with the defroster before
and during windshield washer use.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 52

92GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light
This warning light indicates the ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/
RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system
will be on, even if it was turned off previously.
Service LaneSense Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
LaneSense system is not operating and
requires service. Please see an
authorized dealer.
LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped
The LaneSense Warning Light will be
solid yellow when the vehicle is
approaching a lane marker. The warning
light will flash when the vehicle is
crossing the lane marker Ú page 131.
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
windshield washer fluid is low
Úpage 255.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches
approximately 2 gal (7.5 L), this light will
turn on and a chime will sound. The light
will remain on until fuel is added.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard
Diagnostic System called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. This warning light
will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to
alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced
by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this
occurs.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the Forward Collision
Warning System. Contact an authorized
dealer for service Ú page 186.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach
higher temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the
vehicle 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.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 92

98 (Continued)
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust the inside and outside mirrors, fasten your
seat belt, and if present, instruct all other
occupants to buckle their seat belts.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL (N) or
PARK (P) position before you can start the engine.
Apply the brakes before shifting into any driving
gear.
NORMAL STARTING
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/
STOP Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK (P).

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing
the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. The system starts the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 10 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the ENGINE
START/STOP button again.
WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then shift the automatic trans -
mission into PARK and apply the parking
brake.
Always make sure the keyless ignition node is
in the OFF position, key fob is removed from
the vehicle and vehicle is locked.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving chil -
dren in a vehicle unattended 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 gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children, and do
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
following precautions are not observed:
Do not shift from REVERSE (R), PARK, or
NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the
engine is above idle speed.
WARNING!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop and
the engine is at idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
CAUTION!

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 98

100STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver turns off
the engine, the vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmis -
sion
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Ignition switched from ON/RUN to ACC
NOTE:For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ equipped vehicles, the
engine will turn off and the ignition switch will
change to the ACC position. After 60 seconds, the
ignition switches to OFF automatically, unless the
driver turns the ignition switch OFF.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmis -
sion
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
Driver’s door is ajar
Brake pedal is not pressed The message “
AutoPark Engaged Shift To P Then
Shift To Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. In these cases,
the gear selector must be returned to “P” to select
desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed Is Too High To Shift
To P ” will be displayed in the instrument cluster if
vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
4WD LOW — If Equipped
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The message “ AutoPark Disabled ” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Additional customer warnings will be given when
both of these conditions are met:Vehicle is not in PARK
Driver’s door is ajar
The message “ AutoPark Not Engaged” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. A warning
chime will continue until you shift the vehicle into
PARK or the driver’s door is closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in
PARK by looking for the "P" in the instrument
cluster display and on the gear selector. As an
added precaution, always apply the parking brake
when exiting the vehicle.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle
has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery to ensure a full battery charge
during the crank cycle.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, place the ignition in the OFF position, wait 10
to 15 seconds to allow the starter to cool, then
repeat the “Extended Park Starting”
procedure.
WARNING!
If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h),
the transmission will default to NEUTRAL until
the vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph
(1.9 km/h). A vehicle left in the NEUTRAL
position can roll. As an added precaution, always
apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 100

STARTING AND OPERATING101
(Continued)
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts,
allow the starter to cool for at least
10 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed
the “Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle
has not experienced an extended park condition
as defined previously, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it there while the engine is cranking. This should
clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for
10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal and brake pedal,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −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 BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
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 see Ú page 307.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly Ú page 239.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than 10
seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before
trying again.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral
Oil in the engine or damage may result.
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 101

STARTING AND OPERATING103
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
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!
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 indi -
cator 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!
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 ignition OFF. When the
ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, 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 chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended 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 transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 103

104STARTING AND OPERATING
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in
PARK (P) before the ignition can be turned to the
OFF position. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing
the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is
in the OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the
ignition is in the ACC position (even though the
engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission is
in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC
position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed. The
brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle
is stopped or moving at low speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY (ECO) MODE
The Fuel Economy (ECO) mode can improve the
vehicle's overall fuel economy during normal
driving conditions. Push the ECO button in the
center stack of the instrument panel to enable or
disable ECO mode. Or ECO mode can be enabled or
disabled through your Uconnect system.

ECO OFF Button
When the Fuel Economy (ECO) mode is enabled,
the vehicle control systems will change the
following:
The transmission will upshift sooner and down
-
shift later.
The overall driving performance will be more
conservative.
Some ECO mode functions may be temporarily
inhibited based on temperature and other
factors.
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).
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE (R) only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE (D) when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 104

106STARTING AND OPERATING
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
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 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 107. 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.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must start the engine, and
also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
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 146.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 246.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 106