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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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
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These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.
Tire chain use is permitted only on the rear tires of
Durango trucks.
NOTE:The use of class “S” chains is permitted on
Durangos with P245/70R17 tires.
CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on 4x4 Durango trucks
equipped with P265/65R17 tires. There may not be
adequate clearance for the chains and you are risking
structural or body damage to your vehicle. Do not
use tire chains on the 4X2 front wheels of Durango
models. There may not be adequate clearance for the
chains and you are risking structural or body dam-
age to your vehicle.
SNOW TIRES
Snow tires should be of the same size and type construc-
tion as the front tires. Consult the manufacturer of the
snow tire to determine any maximum vehicle speed
requirement associated with the tire. These tires should
always be operated at the vehicle maximum capacity
inflation pressures under any load condition.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid
and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires. Some states pro-
hibit studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 269 of 416

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).
Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully
tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been lowered.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts in
a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 85-115 ft. lbs.
(115-155 N·m) torque. If in doubt about the correct
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by
your dealer or at a service station.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle.
Always stow the jack, tools and the extra tire and
wheel in the places provided.
7. Remove wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or alu-
minum wheel center caps on the spare wheel. This may
result in cap damage.
8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the
replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described.
9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.
NOTE:Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do
not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.
294 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check face of radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean the radiator core by gently
spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core.Check the coolant bottle tubing for condition and tight-
ness of connection at coolant bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the coolant pressure cap for proper
vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of coolant
from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing prop-
erly, the coolant will begin to drain from the coolant
bottle. Do not remove the pressure cap when the cooling
system is hot.
324 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 365 of 416
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints (if equipped) and front suspen-
sion components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 365
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Page 394 of 416

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............167,236
Adding Fuel........................262,286
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 316
Air Conditioner Maintenance............198,319
Air Conditioning........................ 197
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 209
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 201
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............319,320
Air Conditioning System................197,319
Air Filter.............................. 316
Air Pressure, Tires....................249,257
Airbag.............................38,171
Airbag Light............................ 51
Alarm..............................24,167
Alarm, Panic............................ 21
Alignment and Balance................... 256
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 194
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........326,327,357Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 236
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 167
Anti-Theft System.....................24,167
Appearance Care........................ 337
Arming Theft System...................... 25
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 16
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............74,78
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Headlights.................... 122
Automatic Transaxle...................... 221
Automatic Transmission.............218,221,332
Adding Fluid......................... 333
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 334
Fluid Level Check...................... 332
Fluid Type........................334,360
Gear Ranges.......................... 221
Special Additives...................... 334
Torque Converter...................... 225
Axle Fluid............................. 360
394 INDEX
Page 396 of 416

Cargo Organizer....................... 156
Cargo Organizer........................ 156
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 268
Catalytic Converter....................266,317
CD Player..........................173,179
Cellular Phone........................78,197
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 355
Certification Label....................... 268
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 288
Charging.............................. 296
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 241
Child Restraint........................54,55
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............57,63
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 35
Child Seat.............................. 59
Circuit Breakers......................... 341
Climate Control......................... 197
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............201,207
Clock................................ 172Compact Disc Maintenance................. 196
Compact Spare Tire...................... 252
Compass.............................. 140
Compass Calibration..................... 140
Compass Variance....................... 141
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 136
Console, Floor.......................... 153
Console, Overhead....................... 135
Contract, Service........................ 386
Converter, Catalytic...................... 266
Coolant............................... 328
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 327
Cooling System......................... 324
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 327
Coolant Capacity...................... 357
Coolant Level......................... 328
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 325
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 325
Inspection........................... 324
396 INDEX