2005 DODGE DURANGO Owners Manual

Front Unit to Rear Unit Chart
If the Front Control is
selectedRear Airflow will come
from
Panel Headliner
Bi-Level Headliner
•Between Bi-Level Floor Bi-Level
Floor Floor
Mix Floor
Defrost Floor
Operating Tips
Fast Cooldown
For a fast cooldown, set the blower fan to the highest
setting, set the mode control to the panel fresh position,
press the snowflake button to turn on the air condition-
ing, and drive with the windows open for the first few
minutes. Once the hot air has been expelled, close the
windows and set the mode selector to the Recirculationpanel or Recirculation Bi-level position. When a comfort-
able condition has been reached, choose a mode position
and adjust the temperature control and blower speed as
necessary to maintain comfort. For high humidity condi-
tions it may be necessary to remain in the Recirculation
mode to maintain comfort.
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using MIX Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 209
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and blower speed to maintain comfort. Interior fogging
on the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting
the defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear.When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL and press the accelerator slightly for
fast idle operation.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
210 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

Operating Tips Chart
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 211
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A rotating switch located on the climate control
panel turns the rear wiper On or Off. Pressing the
rotating switch inward activates the rear window
washer. Rotating the switch will enable one of five
intermittent delay times for the rear wiper. The delay
times range from 20 to 1 second.
212 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
off, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume operation.
Rear Window Defrosting
A push-button type switch is located in the climate
control panel. Press the switch and the rear win-
dow defroster and electric remote control heated mirrors
(if equipped) will turn On. An amber indicator on the
push-button will light when the defroster is turned On.
An symbol will be displayed when the defroster is turned
on with an ATC control. Push again to turn Off prior to
time-out. The defroster will automatically turn Off after
fifteen minutes. For ten more minutes of operation, push
the button again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use
the defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Also, keep all
objects a safe distance from the window to prevent
damaging the heating elements.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 213
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................218
▫Automatic Transmission................218
▫Normal Starting......................219
▫Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........220

Automatic Transmission..................221
▫Automatic Transmission................221

Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............226
▫NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................226▫Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 228
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............229
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................233

Parking Brake.........................234

Brake System..........................236
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 236

Power Steering........................238

Rocking The Vehicle.....................239
5

Tire Safety Information...................239
▫Tire Markings........................239
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........243
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........244

Tires—General Information................248
▫Tire Pressure.........................248
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................249
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................252
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........252
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........253
▫Tire Spinning........................254
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................254
▫Replacement Tires.....................255▫Alignment And Balance.................256

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......257

Tire Chains...........................257

Snow Tires...........................258

Tire Rotation Recommendations............259

Fuel Requirements......................260
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................261
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............261
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................262
▫Materials Added To Fuel................262
▫Adding Fuel.........................262
▫Fuel System Cautions..................265
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............266
216 STARTING AND OPERATING