2008 DODGE DURANGO brakes

Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
TSC (Trailer Sway Control) ± If Equipped
²
Trailer Sway Control ± Electronic
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize a swaying
trailer and will take the appropriate actions to attempt to
stop the sway. The system will reduce engine power and
apply individual brakes that will counter act the sway of
the trailer. TSC will become active automatically once the
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. TSC can not stop all trailers from swaying.
Always use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. Even if your vehicle is
equipped with electronic trailer sway control, mechanical
sway control is recommended when appropriate for the
size of your trailer.
²Trailer Sway Control ± Mechanical
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the truck. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they're commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires±General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
þWhen replacing tires refer to the Tires±General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

attempt to clean the PCV valve!Check ventilating hose
for indication of damage or plugging with deposits.
Replace if necessary.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified, as to specifications
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching on fire.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Special Additives...................... 413
Torque Converter...................... 280
Axle Fluid............................. 441
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 414
Ball Joints............................. 400
Battery.......................384,385,386,397
Charging............................ 375
Emergency Starting..................... 375
Gas Caution.......................... 375
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 139
Belts, Drive............................ 394
Belts, Seat.............................. 40
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 401
B-Pillar Location........................ 309
Brake Assist System...................... 296
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 295
Brake Fluid............................ 441Brake System........................291,410
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................291,295
Disc Brakes.......................... 410
Fluid Check.......................... 410
Hoses.............................. 411
Master Cylinder....................... 410
Parking............................. 290
Warning Light.....................195,199
Brakes............................... 291
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 276
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 430
Bulbs, Light............................ 430
Calibration, Compass..................... 166
Camera, Rear........................... 156
Capacities, Fluid........................ 439
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 336
INDEX 463
10

Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 405
Coolant Capacity...................... 439
Coolant Level......................403,407
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 407
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 404
Inspection........................... 407
Points to Remember.................... 407
Pressure Cap......................... 406
Radiator Cap......................... 406
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......404,439,440
Temperature Gauge..................... 193
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 149
Cup Holder............................ 181
Customer Assistance..................... 452
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 141
Dealer Service.......................... 390
Defroster, Rear Window................... 267Defroster, Windshield.............76,254,259,260
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 144
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 387
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........206,236
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 194
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 411
Oil (Engine).......................... 391
Power Steering........................ 399
Disarming, Theft System................... 19
Disc Brakes............................ 410
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 407
Door Locks............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 162
Door Opener, Garage..................... 168
Drive Belts............................ 394
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 401
INDEX 465
10

Power
Brakes.............................. 410
Distribution Center (Fuses).......384,385,386,424
Door Locks.........................20,29
Lift Gate............................. 36
Mirrors.............................. 85
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 177
Steering..........................294,399
Steering Filler Cap................384,385,386
Sunroof............................. 174
Windows............................. 33
Power Steering Fluid..................... 441
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 52
Preparation for Jacking.................... 370
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 50
Programmable Electronic Features............ 162
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25Radial Ply Tires......................... 316
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......404,406
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 205
Radio, Navigation....................... 236
Radio Operation...................206,237,251
Radio Remote Controls.................... 249
Radio, Satellite..............206,207,236,237,244
Radio (Sound Systems).................206,236
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 415
Rear Camera........................... 156
Rear Cup Holder........................ 182
Rear Liftgate............................ 35
Rear Park Sense System................... 152
Rear Window Defroster................... 267
Rear Window Features.................... 266
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 266
Rearview Mirrors........................ 83
Reclining Front Seats..................... 115
Recorder, Event Data...................... 62
474 INDEX