2008 DODGE DURANGO ECU

then be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front
or rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is
within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted
from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This could cause you to
lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the following example. Note
that neither GVWR nor GAWR capabilities are exceeded.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten service life.
NOTE: The weights shown in this chart are not the
weights for your vehicle. Also, the amount of load
added to both the front and rear axles can be computed
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

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

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
Jack Location
The scissor jack and tire changing tools are stowed under
the second row seat.
The jack is secured in place with a winged stud and a
fixed stud. It is very important to secure the jack tightly
in place by engaging the slot in the base to the fixed stud
under the middle seat. The winged stud inserts through
the eyelet in the end of the jack's worm screw.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 367
6

WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
²Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible before raising the
vehicle.
²Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be
raised.
²Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
²Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
²
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
²Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
²Only use the jack in the positions indicated.
²If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful
of motor traffic.
²To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are securely
stowed, spares must be stowed with the value stem
facing the ground.
To Stow The Flat Or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is down. Slide the
wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.
For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.
Rotate the winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn
into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue
to rotate until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click
2 times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the tire
several times to be sure it is firmly in place.
374 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Emission Related Components
Fuel System Hoses And Vapor/Vacuum Harnesses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil
wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily anindication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when
systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation),
should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer's specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system
requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plug-
ging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the
PCV valve and passage with increasing mileage. Have
the PCV valve, hoses, and passages checked for proper
operation at the intervals specified. If the valve is
plugged or sticking, replace with a new valve ±Do not
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

License Lights
1. Remove the two screws securing the lens to the
liftgate.2. Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
3. Pull bulb from socket.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Center High-Mounted Stoplight
1. Remove two screws securing stoplight housing assem-
bly to the liftgate.2. Turn socket 1/4 counterclockwise and free from hous-
ing.
3. Pull bulb straight from socket to remove.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............195,291
Adding Fuel........................... 336
Adjustable Pedals....................... 148
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 395
Air Conditioner Maintenance............252,399
Air Conditioning........................ 251
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 263
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 255
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............399,400
Air Conditioning System................251,399
Air Filter.....................384,385,386,395
Air Pressure, Tires....................314,322
Airbag.............................53,203
Airbag Light..........................61,76
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,195
Alignment and Balance................... 321
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 248Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........404,405,439
Disposal............................ 407
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............291,295
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 195
Anti-Theft System.....................18,195
Appearance Care........................ 415
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Audio Systems (Radio).................206,236
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 162
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............83,87
Automatic Door Locks..................30,162
Automatic Headlights.................... 140
Automatic Transaxle....................12,276
Automatic Transmission.............273,276,411
Adding Fluid......................... 412
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 413
Fluid Level Check...................... 411
Fluid Type........................... 441
Gear Ranges.......................... 276
462 INDEX