2005 DODGE DURANGO stop start

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.
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WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES—GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. Safety—
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers {150 lbs (68 kg) each} plus 200 lbs (91kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on a “Supplemental Tire Pressure Inflation”
label located on the face of the driver’s door or in the Tire
Information Pressures pamphlet in the glove box.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains on Durango, or other traction aids
that meet SAE Type “S” specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle,
as recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs
that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts
of the chain before further use.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after
driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on method
of installation, operating speed, and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain
manufacturer if different than the speed recommended by the
manufacturer.
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Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the
precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monox-
ide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run
the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit
in a parked vehicle with the engine running for an
extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area
with the engine running for more than a short period,
adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper maintenance.
Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle
is raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired
promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully
open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous exhaust
gases from entering the vehicle.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device. Under normal
operating conditions, the catalytic converter will not
require maintenance. However, you must keep the en-
gine maintained to assure proper operation and prevent
possible damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
As with any vehicle, do not park or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible materials such as grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust system.
A scorching odor may be detected if you continue to run
a malfunctioning engine. The odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, thevehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Service, including a tune-up to
manufacturer’s specifications should be obtained imme-
diately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
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In Canada, refer to the following website address:http://
www.dodge.ca.
Trailer Towing Requirements
All Dodge Durango trucks are intended to tow trailers up
to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) without added equipment or
alterations to standard equipment. Your vehicle may be
factory equipped for safe towing of trailers over 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg) with the trailer tow package.The electrical part of
this package includes an instruction sheet and wiring
pigtail for an aftermarket electric trailer brake controller.
These items are stored in the glove box.
If you regularly pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop and turn signals on the trailer are recommended for
motoring safety.
When the additional trailer lighting is connected to the
vehicle, the flasher does not provide an indication ofoutside lamp/bulb failure. Therefore, an occasional vi-
sual check around the vehicle is recommended. Once the
trailer is removed the above indication will return to the
vehicle.
WARNING!
The direct connection of hydraulic brake lines from
vehicle brake system to trailer system is not accept-
able. The extra load may cause brake failure and you
may be injured.
All Durango models are equipped with an Anti-Lock
Brake System and require an electrically actuated electric
brake controller. A blue colored connector for electric
brake hookup is located under the instrument panel
above the brake pedal.
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Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
•See 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 “TOW/HAUL” 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.
7 - Pin Connector
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NOTE:The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be
shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The
Neutral (N) selection button is located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and
out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with the
selector switch in any mode position.
Shifting into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N).
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for
4 seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light
comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
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