2004 DODGE DURANGO engine

transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The NV 144 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Control
Switch, which is located on the instrument panel.
The NV 144 transfer case provides 2 mode positions:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and 4-Wheel-Drive LOCK.
The NV 144 transfer case is designed to be driven in for
AWD for normal street and highway conditions (all road
surfaces roads).When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4LOCK position can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the 4LOCK position
- see Shifting Procedure section for specific shifting
instructions. The 4LOCK position is designed for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4LOCK posi-
tion on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire
wear and damage to the driveline components.Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster, and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. If there are no indicator lights on
or flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
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4LOCK
Four-Wheel-Drive LOCK - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case
AWD to 4LOCK or 4LOCK to AWD
With the key ON and the engine either OFF or RUN-
NING, rotate the transfer case switch, located on the
instrument panel to the desired position.
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vehicle in the 4LOCK position on dry hard surfaced
roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4LOCK and
4LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together through the transfer case inter-axle
differential and force the front and rear wheels to rotate
at the same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the
4WD Control Switch to these positions. The 4LOCK and
4LO positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4LOCK and 4LO positions
on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4HI,4LOCK).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
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WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the(Service 4WD(light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the AWD or 4LOCK
positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over-
speed the engine and do not exceed 40 km/h (25 mph).
Proper operation of four-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 four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
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Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
AWD/ 4LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no
traction). In this situation a position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning thewheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE:Delayed shifting out of the 4LOCK position may
be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure,
or excessive loading.
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4LO some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
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:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
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3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift. The indicator light will flash and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
the selection, turn the control knob back to the current
position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry the shift.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in Park. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector
lever. Don't leave the key in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event power assist is lost for any reason, (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be significantly increased over that
required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic systems lose normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Lamp and the ABS Lamp during brake use.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This Anti-Lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

ROCKING THE VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles.
This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
²P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
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