2006 DODGE DURANGO light

will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case,
the OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an
adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position
(with their feet on or near the floor) in order to be
properly classified. Reclining the seat back too far may
change how an occupant is classified by the OCS.
Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the PAD
Indicator Light is not illuminated when an adult is riding
in the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant’s weight
is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door
or instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may
not properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under
the seat or between the seat and the center console can
prevent the occupant’s weight from being measured
properly and may result in the occupant being improp-
erly classified. Ensure that the front passenger seat back
does not touch anything placed on the second row of
seats because this can also affect occupant classification.Also, if you fold down the seats in the second row check
to be sure they don’t touch the front passenger seat.
If the front passenger seat is damaged in any way, it
should only be serviced by an authorized dealer. If the
seat is removed (or even if the seat attachment bolts are
loosened or tightened in any way), take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer.
If there is a fault present in the OCS, the Airbag Warning
Light (a red light located in the center of the instrument
cluster directly in front of the driver) will be turned on.
This indicates that you should take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer. The Airbag Warning Light is turned on
whenever there is fault that can affect the operation of the
airbag system. If there is a fault present in the OCS, both
the PAD Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light
are illuminated to show that the passenger airbag is
turned off until the fault is cleared. If an object is lodged
under the seat and interferes with operation of the weight
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

sensors, a fault will occur which turns on both the PAD
Indicator Light and the Airbag Warning Light. Once the
lodged object is removed, the fault will be automatically
cleared after a short period of time.
•TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
may be possible based on collision severity and occu-
pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size.
The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70 milliseconds.
This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes.
The bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver’s front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides ofthe airbag. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.•TheOccupant Classification Module (OCM)is lo-
cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into categories based on the
measurements made by the seat weight sensors. The
OCM communicates with the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC). The ORC uses the occupant category to
determine whether the front passenger airbag should
be turned off. It also determines the rate of airbag
inflation during a collision.
•Your vehicle has fourWeight Sensorslocated between
the seat and the floor pan. The weight sensors measure
applied weight and transfers that information to the
OCM.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
2

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail
when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is not
there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering
wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument
panel. Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or
add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system.
The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
any advanced airbag system service. If your seat including your trim
cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal
or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to
your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories
may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
•Do not place or hang any items such as add-on video players on the
right front passenger seat back. The additional weight may cause
the Occupant Classification System to be unable to correctly classify
the right front occupant. This could allow the passenger frontal
airbag to inflate when it is not desired.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount
or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself.
Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an
airbag system.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2

•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block
for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of
the fuse block cover for the proper airbag fuses. See your
dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see list below) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment. Please note
that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction with other
data gathered during a complete accident investigation,
the electronic data may be used by DaimlerChryslerCorporation and others to learn more about the possible
causes of crashes and associated injuries in order to
assess and improve vehicle performance. In addition to
crash investigations initiated by DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration, such investigations may be requested by custom-
ers, insurance carriers, government officials, and profes-
sional crash researchers, such as those associated with
universities, and with hospital and insurance organiza-
tions.
In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation (regardless of initiative),
the company or its designated representative will first
obtain permission of the appropriate custodial entity for
the vehicle (usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before
accessing the electronic data stored, unless ordered to
download data by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e.,
pursuant to a warrant). A copy of the data will be
provided to the custodial entity upon request. General
data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You can feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle:
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights as
you turn them on. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seats................................111
▫Front Seat Manual Seat Adjustment........111
▫Front Seats Manual Seat Recliners..........112
▫Manual Lumbar Support Adjustment — If
Equipped...........................113
▫Adjustable Head Restraints — All Seating
Positions...........................113
▫8 - Way Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped . . 114
▫4 - Way Passenger’s Power Seat — If
Equipped...........................115
▫Front Heated Seats — If Equipped.........115
▫Second Row 40/20/40 Seat — Fold And
Tumble............................117
▫Third Row Seat Bench — If Equipped.......120▫Third Row 60/40 Folding — If Equipped....122
Driver Memory System — If Equipped.......125
▫Setting Memory Positions And Linking Remote
Keyless Entry Transmitter To Memory.......126
▫Memory Position Recall.................127
▫To Disable A Transmitter Linked To Memory . . 127
▫Self-Limiting Control...................128
▫Driver Easy Exit And Easy Entry Control....128
To Open And Close The Hood.............129
Lights...............................131
▫Interior Lights.......................132
▫Battery Saver........................132
▫Headlight Delay......................133
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Automatic Headlights — If Equipped.......133
▫Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights.....134
▫Illuminated Entry.....................134
▫Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only).....134
▫Lights-On Reminder...................135
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped...............135
Multifunction Control Lever...............135
▫Turn Signals.........................136
▫Passing Light........................136
▫High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch......137
▫Windshield Wipers....................137
▫Windshield Washers...................139Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Off Control
Switch — If Equipped...................139
Tilt Steering Column....................140
Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped......141
▫Adjustment.........................142
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......142
▫To Activate..........................143
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............143
▫To Deactivate........................143
▫To Resume Speed.....................144
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............144
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............145
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
3

Electronic Brake Control System............146
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............146
▫BAS (Brake Assist System) – If Equipped
WithESP ...........................147
▫TCS (Traction Control System) – If Equipped
WithESP ...........................149
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........149
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........150
Overhead Console......................155
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................155
Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer....156
▫US/M Button........................156
▫Reset Button.........................156
▫Global Reset.........................157▫Step Button.........................157
▫Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)........158
▫Distance To Empty (DTE)...............158
▫Trip Odometer (ODO)..................158
▫Elapsed Time (ET).....................158
▫C/T Button.........................159
▫Compass/Temperature Display...........159
▫Automatic Compass Calibration...........159
▫Manual Compass Calibration.............160
▫To Put Into a Calibration Mode...........160
▫Outside Temperature...................161
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........162
▫Programming HomeLink................163
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE