2004 DODGE DURANGO overheating

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any sign of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check ± 3.7L Engine
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Check
the fluid whenever the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons.NOTE:Whenever the fluid level is checked, especially
on a vehicle used in severe service, the condition of the
fluid should be noted. If the fluid is dark and has a strong
odor, fluid should be changed.
A physical change in the fluid may be the result of
overheating, resulting in fluid degradation. This is pos-
sible in severe service or if the vehicle is equipped with a
non-factory installed air-conditioning unit.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector briefly in each gear position
ending with the lever in N (Neutral).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
7

Daytime Running Lights................... 107
Dealer Service.......................... 291
Defroster, Rear Window................... 195
Defroster, Windshield................63,182,187
Delay Wipers........................... 110
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 289
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 147
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 316
Oil (Engine).......................... 292
Power Steering........................ 303
Disarming, Theft System................... 25
Disc Brakes............................ 313
Disposal
Used Coolant......................... 308
Door Ajar Light......................... 151
Door Locks............................. 13
Door Opener, Garage..................... 126
Drive Belts............................ 297Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 304
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 72
Electrical Power Outlets................... 135
Electronic Speed Control................... 116
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 221
Jacking............................. 275
Overheating.......................... 310
Towing............................. 282
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 340
Emission Related Components.............. 311
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 298
Block Heater......................... 202
Break-In Recommendations................ 62
Compartment......................287,288
Coolant..........................308,337
Cooling............................. 306
INDEX 373
10

Exhaust Gas Caution..................62,248
Fails to Start.......................... 201
Flooded, Starting...................... 201
Fuel Requirements..................... 335
Jump Starting......................... 280
Oil ...........................292,335,337
Oil Selection.......................... 335
Oil Synthetic......................... 296
Overheating.......................... 310
Starting............................. 200
Temperature Gauge..................... 146
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 295
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 13
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 267
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze................. 308
Exhaust Gas Caution................62,248,306
Exhaust System.......................62,306
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 37
Exterior Lighting........................ 106Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 298
Engine Fuel.......................... 299
Engine Oil........................297,337
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 296
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 270
Turn Signal.....................108,146,329
Flat Tire Stowage.....................273,279
Flooded Engine Starting................... 201
Floor Console.......................... 137
Fluid, Brake........................... 338
Fluid Capacities......................... 335
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 316
Brake............................... 313
Cooling System....................... 306
Engine Oil........................... 292
Power Steering........................ 303
374 INDEX

Rearview............................. 70
Vanity............................... 73
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 6
Mopar Parts.........................291,365
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 108
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 62
Occupant Classification System............... 42
Occupant Restraints....................... 28
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 242
Oil, Engine.........................292,337
Capacity............................ 335
Change Interval....................... 294
Dipstick............................. 292
Disposal............................ 296
Filter............................297,337
Filter Disposal........................ 296
Identification Logo..................... 295Materials Added to..................... 296
Recommendation...................295,335
Synthetic............................ 296
Viscosity..........................295,335
Onboard Diagnostic System..............289,290
Opener, Garage Door..................... 126
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 71
Overdrive..........................149,205
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 205
Overhead Console.................... 119,120
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 120
Overheating, Engine...................148,310
Owner's Manual........................ 366
Panic Alarm............................ 21
Parking Brake.......................... 217
Parking On Hill......................... 217
Passing Light........................... 109
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 114
INDEX 379
10