2008 DODGE DURANGO tow

ªRº Reverse
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
ªNº Neutral
Shift to Neutral when vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with engine running. Engine may be started in
this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the
vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle (except as specified under
Towing A Disabled Vehicle), coasting, or otherwise driv-
ing the vehicle while in N (Neutral) can cause severe
transmission damage
ªDº Drive
For most city and highway driving.ª2º Second
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use
it also when climbing long grades, and for engine brak-
ing when descending moderately steep grades. To pre-
vent excessive engine speed do not exceed 45 miles per
hour (72 km/h) in this range.
ª1º First
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds 25 mph (40 km/h) or less when going down
hill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h) in this range.
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Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
²the transmission selector is in Drive;
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the ªTOW/HAULº switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
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5

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use ªTOW/HAULº Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the ªTOW/HAULº button. This will improveperformance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in ªTOW/HAULº mode, 5th gear (if
equipped) is disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are
modified. Shifts into Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed
during steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and
automatic closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for
improved braking) will occur during steady braking.
The ªTOW/HAULº light will illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the ªTOW/HAULº mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in Over-
drive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the9TOW/HAUL9button will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due tothe fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV 140 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ± If Equipped
The NV 140 is a single speed (HI range only) transfer case
which provides convenient full-time 4±wheel drive. No
driver interaction is required. This transfer case divides
engine torque almost evenly with 48 percent of engine
torque to the front axle and 52 percent of engine torque to
the rear axle.
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.
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5

LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced
roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
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 Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD,4WD LOCK).The ªSVC 4WDº 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 the(Service 4WD(light is illu-
minated. 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
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5

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the following informa-
tion:
4WD
Normal Four-Wheel-Drive High Range - Employs inter-
axle differential. Allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. All road surfaces.
4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel-Drive Lock (4WD LOCK)- Locks the transfer
case inter-axle differential. Forces front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.4WD LOW
Four-Wheel-Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)- Low speed 4
wheel drive. Locks the transfer case inter-axle differen-
tial. Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more infor-
mation.
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5

PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear-shift lever is in PARK position. When parking on
a hill you should apply the Parking Brake before placing
the gear shift lever in PARK; otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the selector out of PARK.
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.
Parking Brake
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TSC (Trailer Sway Control)
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. Refer to9Trailer Tow-
ing9in section 5 of this manual for other information on
towing a trailer with your vehicle.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) Ð 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
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