Page 149 of 386

engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
11. Liftgate Open
The Gate Open light will illuminate when the liftgate is
not properly closed and the ignition is ON.
12. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
13. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on orcomes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
14. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained.
15. Tachometer
This gage measures engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm
x 1000).
16. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 149
4
Page 200 of 386
STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission 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.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
200 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 261 of 386

²Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
²Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
²See Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the ªTOW/HAULº feature on when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next
lower position to eliminate excessive transmission shift-
ing. This action will also reduce the possibility of trans-
mission overheating and provide better engine braking.
SNOWPLOW
Dodge Durango Models
NOTE:Do not use Dodge Durango Models for snow-
plow applications.
WARNING!
Snowplows, winches, and other aftermarket equip-
ment should not be added to the front end or your
vehicle. The airbag crash sensors may be affected by
the change in the front end structure. The airbags
could deploy unexpectedly or could fail to deploy
during a collision resulting in serious injury or
death.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5
Page 262 of 386
CAUTION!
Using this vehicle for snowplow applications can
cause damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) OF 4X4 VEHICLES
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 378 of 386

Turn Signal........................108,329
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 146
Washer Fluid......................... 153
Loading Vehicle......................... 250
Tires ............................... 226
Locks................................. 13
Auto Unlock.......................... 16
Automatic Door........................ 15
Child Protection........................ 17
Door................................ 13
Ignition.............................. 12
Keys................................. 9
Power Door........................... 14
Steering Wheel......................... 12
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 54
Lubricating Oil......................... 320
Lubrication, Body....................... 304
Lug Nuts............................. 278
Luggage Carrier......................... 139Lumbar Support......................... 88
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 300
Maintenance Procedures................... 292
Maintenance Schedule.................... 341
Schedule9A9......................... 353
Schedule9B9.......................... 343
Malfunction Indicator Light..............152,290
Manual, Service......................... 366
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 338
Map/Reading Lights..................... 120
Memory Seat........................... 97
Mirrors................................ 70
Automatic Dimming...................70,74
Electric Powered....................... 72
Heated.............................. 73
Memory............................. 97
Outside.............................. 71
378 INDEX
Page 382 of 386

Pretensioners.......................... 35
Reminder............................ 147
Seats................................. 86
Adjustment........................... 86
Heated.............................. 90
Lumbar Support........................ 88
Memory............................. 97
Reclining............................. 87
Security Alarm.......................24,149
Selection of Coolant...................... 337
Selection of Oil......................... 295
Sentry Key.............................. 9
Sentry Key Programming................... 11
Service and Maintenance.............292,340,341
Service Assistance....................... 360
Service Contract......................... 362
Service Manuals........................ 366
Setting the Clock........................ 155Shifting
Automatic Transmission................. 203
Transfer Case......................... 208
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer
Case Neutral (N)..................... 263
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer
Case Neutral (N)..................... 265
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage.............. 34
Shoulder Belts........................... 29
Signals, Turn.....................108,146,329
Snow Chains........................... 239
Snow Plow............................ 261
Snow Tires............................ 240
Spare Tire..........................234,235
Spark Plugs............................ 297
Speed Control.......................... 116
Speedometer........................... 148
Starting............................... 200
Automatic Transmission................. 200
382 INDEX