2009 DODGE DURANGO 4WD

tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.25. Airbag Warning Light
The airbag indicator light illuminates and re-
mains lit for six to eight seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON. If the light does not
come on when the ignition is first turned on, or
the light stays on or comes on while driving, have the
airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
26. 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator light illuminates when the
transfer case is in 4WD position.
27. SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator
The SVC 4WD light will illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
will stay on for two seconds. If the light stays
on or comes on during driving, it means that
the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that
service is required.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Fuel Requirements................... 353
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles...... 354
▫Starting........................... 354
▫Cruising Range...................... 355
▫Replacement Parts................... 355
Adding Fuel......................... 355
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 355
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . . 357
Vehicle Loading...................... 358
▫Certification Label................... 358
▫Curb Weight........................ 359
▫Loading........................... 359Trailer Towing........................ 360
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 361
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 363
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)..................... 364
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 364
▫Towing Requirements................. 365
▫Towing Tips........................ 370
Snowplow.......................... 371
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 371
▫2WD Models....................... 371
▫4WD Models....................... 372
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 four-wheel drive.
No driver interaction is required.
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.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions — If Equipped
The NV 244 Generation II is an electric-shift transfer case
and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch, which is
located on the instrument panel.
The NV 244 Generation II transfer case provides four
mode positions - Normal four-wheel drive (4WD) high
range, four-wheel drive lock (4WD LOCK) range, four-
wheel drive low (4WD LOW) range, and NEUTRAL.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential that allows driving the vehicle in the normal
all-wheel drive position (4WD) at all times on any given
road surface, including dry, hard-surfaced roads. The
4WD mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. This eliminates driveline binding and
component wear normally associated with driving the
vehicle in the 4WD LOCK position on dry, hard-surfaced
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOCK
and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock the front
and rear driveshafts together, through the transfer case
inter-axle differential, and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to these positions. The
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
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 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 position is to be
used for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in this section for specific procedures on shifting
into and out of NEUTRAL.
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 indicates the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD⇔4WD LOCK).
The “SVC 4WD 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. See your authorized dealer for service.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if theSVC 4WD Warning Light” is
illuminated. 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
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
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.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and allows the vehicle to move,
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, refer to the following infor-
mation:
4WD
This range allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds on all road surfaces.4WD LOCK
This range locks the transfer case inter-axle differential,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road sur-
faces only.
4WD LOW
This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It locks
the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
N
This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section.
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
5

Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case
NOTE:
•The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between 4WD/
4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no trac-
tion). In this situation, a position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light willremain on. At this time, reduce speed and stop spin-
ning the wheels to complete the shift. There may be a
delay up to 13 seconds for the shift to complete after
the wheels have stopped spinning.
•Delayed shifting out of the 4WD LOCK position may
be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire
pressure, or excessive loading.
•When shifting into, or out of 4WD LOW, some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Shifting Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light starts to flash as
soon as the tires lose traction and the TCS or
ESP system becomes active. It will also flash
once a swaying trailer is detected and the
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system activates. If the ESP/
TCS Indicator Light begins to flash during acceleration,
ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
•ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
The ESP system has two available operating modes.
4WD/4WD LOCK or 2WD Models
ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD LOCK
and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started or
the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOW
or NEUTRAL back to 4WD LOCK, the ESP system will be
316 STARTING AND OPERATING