2009 DODGE DURANGO spare tire

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The ESP control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system which monitors
the emissions and engine control system. If the
vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the MIL will come
on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on, as
a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is
not ready for emissions testing, the MIL will come on
when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for
15 seconds, then blink for 10 seconds, and remain on until
the vehicle is started. If the MIL does not come on during
starting, see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
If the MIL comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see an authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required. See an authorized dealer for
service immediately.
24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Driving Through Water................. 304
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 304
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 304
Power Steering....................... 306
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 307
Parking Brake........................ 308
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 309
Electronic Brake Control System........... 312
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 312
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 313
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 313
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)......... 314
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 315▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............. 319
▫ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light...................... 319
Tire Safety Information................. 320
▫Tire Markings....................... 320
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 324
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 325
Tires — General Information............. 329
▫Tire Pressure....................... 329
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 330
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 331
▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 332
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped....... 332
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▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped........ 333
▫Tire Spinning....................... 334
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 334
▫Life Of Tire........................ 335
▫Replacement Tires.................... 336
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped.......................... 337
Tire Chains.......................... 337
Snow Tires.......................... 339
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 339
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 340
▫Base System........................ 342
▫Premium System – If Equipped.......... 344▫General Information.................. 347
Fuel Requirements..................... 347
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 348
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 349
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 349
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 350
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 350
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 350
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 351
Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped.......................... 352
▫E-85 General Information............... 352
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)................... 353
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5

NOTE:
•P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.
•European-Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letterPis absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
•LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metrictires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
•Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
•High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
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5

Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Size Designation:
P= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards
....blank....= Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards
T= Temporary spare tire
31= Overall diameter in inches (in)
215= Section width in millimeters (mm)
65= Aspect ratio in percent (%)
— Ratio of section height to section width of tire
10.5= Section width in inches (in)
R= Construction code
—Rmeans radial construction
—Dmeans diagonal or bias construction
15= Rim diameter in inches (in)
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
Tire Placard Location
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side B-Pillar.
Tire and Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about
the:
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can carry
3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
Tire and Loading Information Placard
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5

loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or six, in the
case of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
332 STARTING AND OPERATING