2006 DODGE DURANGO ignition

If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
off, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume operation.
Rear Window Defrosting
A push-button type switch is located in the climate
control panel. Press the switch and the rear win-
dow defroster and electric remote control heated mirrors
(if equipped) will turn On. An amber indicator on the
push-button will light when the defroster is turned On.
An symbol will be displayed when the defroster is turned
on with an ATC control. Push again to turn Off prior to
time-out. The defroster will automatically turn Off after
fifteen minutes. For ten more minutes of operation, push
the button again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use
the defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Also, keep all
objects a safe distance from the window to prevent
damaging the heating elements.
238 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

STARTING PROCEDURES
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Tip Start Feature
Your vehicle has a “Tip Start” starting system. With “Tip
Start” the driver does not need to hold the key in the
’Start’ position until the vehicle starts, but can release the
key (still in the ignition) and the vehicle will continue
through the start cycle.
•Turn the ignition key to the START position, until the
start motor engages.
•Release the key (still in the ignition) and the starter
will continue through the start cycle until the vehicle
starts or for 5 seconds (whichever comes first).
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Automatic Transmission
The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates
the transmission gear selected. The selector lever is
mounted on the right side of the steering column. To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.“P” Park
Supplements parking brake by locking the transmission.
Engine can be started in this range. Never use Park while
vehicle is in motion. Apply parking brake when leaving
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
then place selector in Park position.
WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to
move the gearshift lever back and forth without first
pulling the lever toward you, after you have set it in
P (Park). Make sure it is in Park before leaving the
vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case
AWD to 4LOCK or 4LOCK to AWD
With the key ON and the engine either OFF or RUN-
NING, rotate the transfer case switch, located on the
instrument panel to the desired position.NOTE:Delayed shifting out of 4LOCK may be experi-
enced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive vehicle loading.
NOTE:If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift. The indicator light will flash and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
a selection, turn the control knob back to the current
position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry the shift.
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
AWD/4LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no trac-
tion). In this situation the position indicator light will
continue to flash. At this time, reduce speed and stop
spinning the wheels to complete the shift. There may be
a delay up to 13 seconds for the shift to complete after the
wheels have stopped spinning.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE:Delayed shifting out of the 4LOCK position may
be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure,
or excessive loading.
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4LO some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5

NOTE:The instrument cluster brake warning light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
WARNING!
•Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the
tank.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using
leaded gasoline can impair engine performance, damage the
emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition malfunc-
tions, can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you
notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your
engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may
require immediate service. Contact your dealer for service
assistance.
•When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded vehicle
when the humidity is low and the temperature is high, use a
premium unleaded fuel to help prevent spark knock. If spark
knock persists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage
may result.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as octane
enhancers is not recommended. Many of these products contain
high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or
additives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5

vehicle 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 shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
292 STARTING AND OPERATING