2009 DODGE DURANGO check transmission fluid

theESP/TCS Indicator Lightbegins 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. The “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” becomes illuminated when the ESP-Off
button has been pressed or ESP is only partially available
caused by lack of engine management or brake thermal
model.
19. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the
shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running, imme-
diate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and
your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is first turned ON and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
4

CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles in
the way before driving through the standing wa-
ter.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con-
tamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water.
Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid
appears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
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

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
7

required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F ( 82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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