2009 DODGE DURANGO automatic transmission fluid

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission contains an electronically
controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed (OVER-
DRIVE). The transmission will automatically shift from
DRIVE to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are
present:
•the transmission selector is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “Transmission
Temperature Indicator Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After cooldown, the trans-
mission will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
OVERDRIVE and in DRIVE.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usu-
ally after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Pressing the TOW/HAUL button, when thetransmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate
that the transmission is able to shift into, and out of,
Overdrive. For vehicles with 4.7L or 5.7L engines
(which have two Overdrive gears), the transmission
may not shift into 5th gear until the transmission fluid
and engine coolant are warm.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
5

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. For transmission
fluid change intervals, refer to “Maintenance Schedule”
in Section 8.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2
on more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
370 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12-Volts.
Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator, DO NOT
jump-start the battery.If the indicator is dark or shows a green dot, proceed as
follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the ignition
OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF the heater, radio and all unnecessary elec-
trical loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
388 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Adding Washer Fluid................. 407
▫Exhaust System..................... 408
▫Cooling System..................... 410
▫Brake System....................... 416
▫Automatic Transmission............... 417
▫Transfer Case....................... 419
▫Axles............................. 420
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 420
Fuses.............................. 426
▫Interior Fuses....................... 426
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center)........................... 429
▫Underhood Fuses
(Integrated Power Module)............. 432Vehicle Storage....................... 434
Replacement Light Bulbs................ 434
Bulb Replacement..................... 435
▫Headlights/Parking/Turn Signal......... 435
▫Rear Side Marker, Tail Lights, Turn Signals
And Backup Lights — Replacement....... 437
▫License Lights...................... 440
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplight.......... 441
▫Fog Lights......................... 442
Fluids And Capacities.................. 443
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts....... 444
▫Engine............................ 444
▫Chassis........................... 445
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 3.7L
1 — Battery 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Integrated Power Module
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner FilterMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3957

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 4.7L
1 — Battery 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Integrated Power Module
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner Filter 396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 5.7L
1 — Battery 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Integrated Power Module
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 10 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Power Distribution Center 12 — Air Cleaner FilterMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3977