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
Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first position
to the right, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel lights are
all turned on. The headlights will turn ON when the
switch is rotated to the second position.
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses
that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses.
Illuminated Entry
Headlights turn on for 90 seconds, when the Remote
Keyless Entry UNLOCK button is pressed.
NOTE:This feature can be activated by your authorized
dealer.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)
The headlights on your Durango will illuminate when
the engine is started. This provides a constant “Lights
ON” condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights
illuminate at reduced intensity. If the parking brake is
applied the Daytime Running Lights will turn off. If the
headlights are activated, the Daytime Running Lights
feature will transition to the normal headlight operating
mode.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
situation requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn ESP on by momentarily depress-
ing the “ESP Control Switch”. This may be done with the
vehicle is in motion.
4WD Low Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD low
range. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD low range
or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD
high range or neutral to 4WD low range, the ESP system
will be in this mode. In 4WD low range, ESP function is
desensitized until the vehicle reaches a speed of 30 mph
(48 km/h). At 30 mph (48 km/h) the normal ESP stability
function returns and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light” turns
off. When the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40
km/h) the ESP system goes back to Partial Off. ESP is
desensitized at low vehicle speeds in 4WD low range so
that it will not interfere with off road driving but ESPfunction returns to provide the stability feature at speeds
above 30 mph (48 km/h). The ABS is in a special
Off-Road mode that allows too look wheels at lower
speed if gravel is detected to gain stopping distance.
NOTE:When the vehicle is in 4WD low range, a feature
of the ESP system remains active whether the ESP is on or
off. This feature functions similar to a limited slip differ-
ential and controls the wheel spin across an axle. If one
wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel and
allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that
is not spinning.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3
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-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately. With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are
also switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights illu-
minate with the engine running. If the charging voltage
falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light
illuminates and the ABS is switched off. When the
voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indi-
cator light should go out and the ABS is operational. If
the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the system checked at your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.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.
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
display will place a box around the selected transmission
186 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightalso flashes when TCS is
active. If theESP/TCS Indicator Lightbegins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” becomes illuminated when the
ESP-Off button has been pressed or ESP is only partially
available caused by lack of engine management or brake
thermal model.
20. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
22. Door Ajar
The Door Ajar light will illuminate when any door is
open.
188 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
NOTE:A chime will sound if the vehicle is rolling and
a door has been opened.
23. BRAKE System Warning Light
The red “BRAKE” warning light will come on when the
ignition key is first turned on, and stay on briefly as a
bulb check. If the bulb does not come on during starting,
have the bulb repaired promptly. If the light stays on, it
may be an indication that the parking brake has not been
released, or there is a low brake fluid level. If the light
remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged,
and the fluid level is at the full mark on the master
cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic
system malfunction or a problem with the Brake Booster.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
Booster the ABS pump will run when applying the brake.
If the parking brake is applied, the light will flash when the
gear position is out of park for automatic transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
24. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
25. ESP/BAS Warning Lamp – If Equipped
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster both come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
They should go out with the engine running. If the
“ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” comes on continuously with
the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in
either the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on
after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 189
4
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if theService 4WDlight is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 144 transfer case
is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the
front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift
to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels
are spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
Proper operation of four-wheel-drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.Because four-wheel-drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
AW D
Normal All-Wheel-Drive High Range - Employs inter-
axle differential. Allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. All road surfaces.
4LOCK
Four-Wheel-Drive LOCK - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5
NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4HI⇔4LOCK).
The “SVC 4WD” warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if theService 4WDlight is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING