2009 DODGE DURANGO steering wheel

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP) and Trailer Sway Control
(TSC). All six systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions, and
are commonly referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
WARNING!
•ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
•The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user ’s safety
or the safety of others.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur.
•ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or rollovers,
especially those that involve leaving the roadway
or striking objects or other vehicles. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applyingthe brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
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5

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
(Continued)
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
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.
•When 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.
•Safety 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.
•Vehicles 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
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or
chockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer so that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the top
of the steering column, just behind the steering wheel.
Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flashers. When the Hazard Warning flasher switchis activated, all directional turn signals will flash on and
off to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Press the
switch a second time to turn off flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
Hazard Warning Flasher Switch
378 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Extender, Seat Belt........................ 50
Exterior Lights.......................... 74
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Engine Oil........................403,444
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 403
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 378
Turn Signal...................74,149,203,437
Flat Tire Stowage.....................380,387
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 355
Engine Oil........................... 354
Fuel Requirements..................352,353
Replacement Parts..................... 355
Starting............................. 354
Flooded Engine Starting................... 290
Floor Console.......................189,190Fluid, Brake.........................416,445
Fluid Capacities......................... 443
Fluid Leaks............................. 75
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 417
Brake.............................. 416
Engine Oil........................... 401
Power Steering........................ 307
Transfer Case......................... 419
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 444
Fog Lights..........................148,442
Folding Rear Seat.....................128,132
Four Wheel Drive....................... 298
Operation........................... 298
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 378
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 390
Front Axle (Differential)................... 420
Fuel................................. 347
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................355,357
INDEX 479
10

Low Fuel............................ 203
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 212
Passing............................. 150
Reading............................. 166
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 204
Service............................. 434
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 212
Traction Control....................... 316
Turn Signal......................74,149,437
Voltage............................. 205
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 203
Loading Vehicle......................... 358
Tires ............................... 325
Locks................................. 28
Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 32
Door................................ 28
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 29Steering Wheel......................... 14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 65
Lubrication, Body....................... 406
Lug Nuts............................. 386
Luggage Carrier......................... 195
Lumbar Support........................ 122
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 404
Maintenance Procedures................... 401
Maintenance Schedule.................... 448
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 212,399
Manual, Service......................... 469
Manual Transmission
Lubricant Selection..................... 445
Map/Reading Lights..................165,166
Memory Seat........................... 136
Mirrors................................ 82
Automatic Dimming...................82,85
INDEX 483
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