2005 DODGE DURANGO ABS

To Set the Alarm:
The alarm will set when you use the power door locks or
use the Keyless Entry transmitter to lock the doors. After
all the doors are locked and closed the security light in
the instrument cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the
system is arming. The security light in the instrument
panel cluster will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to
indicate that the alarm is being set. After the alarm is set,
the security light will flash at a slower rate to indicate
that the system is armed.
NOTE:If the security light stays on continuously during
vehicle operation, have the system checked by your
dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Keyless Entry transmitter to unlock the doors. If
something has triggered the system in your absence, the
horn will sound three times when you unlock the doors.
Check the vehicle for tampering.The security system will also disarm, if the vehicle is
started with a programmed Sentry Key. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Key is used to start a vehicle, the engine
will start and run for 2 seconds and then shut down.
After six unsuccessul attempts at starting the engine, the
system will shut down until the correct key is used. To
exit alarming mode, press the RKE Unlock button or start
the vehicle with a programmed Sentry Key.
The security alarm system is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
vehicle and lock the doors with the transmitter, the alarm
will sound when you pull the door handle to exit.
NOTE:You may accidentally activate the security sys-
tem (horn sounds and lights flash) by entering the vehicle
without using the key fob to unlock the door(s). The
security system can be disarmed with the key fob’s
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
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11. Liftgate Open
The Gate Open light will illuminate when the liftgate is
not properly closed.
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 or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lockportion 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. (See page 311 for more information.)
15. Tachometer
This gauge 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
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 167
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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

WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in Park. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the key in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event power assist is lost for any reason, (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be significantly increased over that
required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic systems lose normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning Lamp and the ABS Lamp during brake use.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This Anti-Lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lockup and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The Anti-Lock Brake system includes an amber (ABS)
warning light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-
Lock Brake system is not functioning. The system reverts
to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning the ignition Off
and On again may reset the Anti-Lock Brake system if the
fault detected was only momentary.WARNING!
Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated elec-
tronic equipment. It may be susceptible to interfer-
ence caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference can
cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capability.
Installation of such equipment should be done by
qualified professionals.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5

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

•European Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letterPis absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H
•LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
•Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
•High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

EXAMPLE:
Service Description:
95= Load Index
—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.
H= Speed Symbol
—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding
to its load index under certain operating conditions.
—The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un-
der specified operating conditions. (ie. tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions and
posted speed limits).
Load Identification:
....blank....= Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire
Extra Load (XL)= Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire
Light Load= Light Load Tire
C,D,E= Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load— Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry.
Maximum Pressure— Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this
tire.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING