2009 DODGE DURANGO check engine

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) (minimum) and distilled/
deionized water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
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•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brakepads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifica-
tions may result in sudden brake failure during
hard prolonged braking. You could have an
accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick, it is
sealed and should not be tampered with. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level
is set properly.
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180°F (82°C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “OIL CHANGE
REQUIRED – If Equipped” under “System Status (EVIC
Displays)” in Section 3, or under “Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” under “Instrument Cluster Description” in Sec-
tion 4.At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 449
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•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with 16 spark plugs; one set is located on the
top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............205,309
Adding Fuel........................... 355
Adjustable Pedals....................... 154
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 403
Air Conditioner Maintenance............269,405
Air Conditioning........................ 269
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 281
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 272
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............405,406
Air Conditioning System................269,405
Air Filter.....................395,396,397,403
Air Pressure, Tires....................330,337
Airbag.............................51,214
Airbag Light..........................60,74
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,205
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 262
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........... 411,412,443Disposal............................ 414
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............309,312
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 205
Anti-Theft System.....................18,205
Appearance Care........................ 420
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 170
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............82,85
Automatic Door Locks..................29,170
Automatic Transaxle....................12,292
Interlock System....................... 14
Automatic Transmission................292,417
Adding Fluid......................... 417
Fluid Level Check..................... 417
Fluid Type........................... 445
Gear Ranges......................... 293
Special Additives...................... 419
Torque Converter...................... 297
474 INDEX

Axle Fluid............................. 445
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 420
Battery.......................395,396,397,404
Charging............................ 388
Emergency Starting..................... 388
Gas Caution.......................... 388
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 147
Belts, Seat............................40,74
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 406
B-Pillar Location........................ 325
Brake Assist System...................... 313
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 312
Brake Fluid............................ 445
Brake System........................... 416
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................309,312
Fluid Check.......................... 416
Master Cylinder....................... 416Parking............................. 308
Warning Light.....................205,210
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 293
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 71
Bulb Replacement....................... 435
Bulbs, Light..........................74,434
Calibration, Compass..................... 174
Camera, Rear........................... 163
Capacities, Fluid........................ 443
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 355
Oil (Engine).......................... 402
Power Steering........................ 307
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 413
Car Washes............................ 421
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............73,351
Cargo Management System................. 191
Cargo Organizer....................... 191
INDEX 475
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