2008 DODGE DURANGO radiator cap

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER ± IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The 3.7L/4.7L engine block heater cord is located at the
front of the engine compartment near the radiator cap.
The 5.7L engine block heater cord is located on the left
side of the engine compartment and rearward of the
power distribution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser and
radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty,
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser and radiator.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle dipstick.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise yourservice attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

Oil (Engine).......................... 393
Power Steering........................ 399
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 406
Car Washes............................ 416
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............75,336
Cargo Management System................. 185
Cargo Organizer....................... 185
Cargo Organizer........................ 185
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 343
Catalytic Converter...................... 396
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............206,236
Cellular Phone..................87,236,237,251
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 437
Certification Label....................... 343
Charging.............................. 375
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 306
Child Restraint........................64,65
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............68,73
Child Seat.............................. 70Circuit Breakers......................... 420
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 417
Climate Control......................... 251
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............255,261
Clock.....................204,207,210,222,237
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 250
Compact Spare Tire...................... 317
Compass Calibration..................... 166
Compass Variance....................... 167
Connector
UCI ................................ 240
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 240
Console, Floor.......................181,182
Console, Overhead....................158,159
Contract, Service........................ 454
Coolant Pressure Cap
(Radiator Cap).................384,385,386,406
Cooling System......................... 403
464 INDEX

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