2005 DODGE DURANGO steering wheel

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the Anti-lock Brake system, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a stop. This is
the result of the system reverting to the base brake
system.
Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be
accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi-
cate that the system is functioning properly.
POWER STEERING
Your power steering system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for any reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will experience an increase in steering
effort and a noticeable amount of “free play” in the
steering wheel.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
•Be sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front, with 60%
to 65% of the weight in front of the axle(s). Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can
cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side which
will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure
to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many
trailer accidents.
•Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system of
your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause
inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs. (907 kg).
•Use an approved trailer harness and connector. If a
hitch is ordered, the proper wiring will be provided.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and
will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that
cannot be fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur
that may be difficult for the driver to control.
•All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Press the flasher switch
and all front and rear directional signals will flash
intermittently.
Press the switch a second time to turn off the emergency
flashers.This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
ADDING FUEL
If using a portable fuel container, it should have a flexible
nozzle long enough to reach past the restriction in the
fuel filler tube.
286 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four wheel drive models are equipped with four
constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boot should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
7

Turn Signal.....................125,164,350
Flat Tire Stowage.....................289,295
Flooded Engine Starting................... 219
Floor Console.......................... 153
Fluid, Brake.........................331,360
Fluid Capacities......................... 357
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 332
Brake............................... 331
Cooling System....................... 324
Engine Oil........................... 311
Power Steering........................ 320
Transfer Case......................... 335
Fog Lights..........................124,356
Folding Rear Seat.....................106,109
Four Wheel Drive....................... 226
Operation........................... 226
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 286
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 239Front Axle............................. 336
Fuel................................. 260
Adding............................. 262
Filter............................... 316
Gauge.............................. 164
Octane Rating......................260,359
Requirements......................260,357
Tank Capacity........................ 357
Fueling............................... 262
Fuses.............................152,341
Garage Door Opener..................... 142
GasCap ...........................263,307
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 164
Gasoline.............................. 260
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 261
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 164
INDEX 399
10

Hazard Warning Flasher................. 286
Headlights........................... 123
High Beam........................... 126
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 126
Instrument Cluster..................123,164
Interior..........................121,136
License............................. 354
Lights On Reminder.................... 124
Low Fuel.........................164,165
Malfunction Indicator................... 170
Park............................... 123
Passing............................. 125
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 165
Service.............................. 348
Turn Signal........................125,350
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 164
Washer Fluid......................... 170
Loading Vehicle......................... 268
Tires ............................... 244Locks................................. 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) . 57
Lubricating Oil......................... 336
Lubrication, Body....................... 321
Lug Nuts............................. 294
Luggage Carrier......................... 155
Lumbar Support........................ 103
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 318
Maintenance Procedures................... 310
Maintenance Schedule.................... 363
402 INDEX

Shoulder Belts........................... 29
Signals, Turn.....................125,164,350
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 257
Snow Plow............................ 279
Snow Tires............................ 258
Spare Tire..........................252,253
Spark Plugs............................ 315
Speed Control.......................... 132
Speedometer........................... 166
Starting............................... 218
Automatic Transmission................. 218
Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 296
Engine Block Heater.................... 220
Engine Fails to Start.................... 219
Starting Procedures...................... 218
Steering
Column Controls...................... 124
Column Lock.......................... 12
Power...........................238,320Wheel, Tilt........................... 129
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 194
Storage, Vehicle......................... 381
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 239
Sun Roof.............................. 149
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information........ 257
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 314
Tachometer............................ 167
Taillights.............................. 350
Temperature Control, Automatic............. 202
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 164
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 57
Theft System Arming...................... 25
Theft System Disarming.................... 25
Thermostat............................ 329
Tilt Steering Column..................... 129
Tire and Loading Information Placard....244,245,257
INDEX 407
10