2009 DODGE DURANGO differential

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!
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

Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability
Program)” in this Section. This brake pressure modula-
tion transfers drive torque from slipping to non-slipping
wheels to provide optimal forward traction.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. The system
applies optimum pressure to the brakes in emergency
braking conditions. This can help reduce braking dis-
tances. The BAS complements the ABS. Applying the
brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of the system, you must apply con-
tinuous braking pressure during the stopping sequence.
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no
longer desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5

CAUTION!
Damage may result from operation of the vehicle
with low transfer case fluid.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
Lubricant Selection
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Axles
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Drain And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.NOTE:The presence of water in the gear lubricant will
result in corrosion and possible failure of differential
components. Operation of the vehicle in water, as may be
encountered in some off-highway types of service, will
require draining and refilling the axle to avoid damage.
Rear Axle
Rear Axle fluid levels should be 7/8 in (22 mm) +/-
1/4 in (6 mm) below the fill hole for 8 1/4 in (21 cm) and
9 1/4 (23 cm) in axles should be 1 5/8 in (31 mm) +/-
1/4 in (6 mm)
Front Axle
Front axle fluid level should be 3/4 in (20 mm) +/- 1/4 in
(6 mm) below the level of the fill hole.
Appearance Care and Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........5,469
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 158
Parking Brake.......................... 308
Parking On Hill......................... 308
Passing Light........................... 150
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 154
Personal Settings........................ 170
Pets.................................. 71
Pets, Transporting........................ 71
Phone, Cellular.......................... 86
Phone, Hands-Free (uconnect)............... 86
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 325
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses).......395,396,397,429
Door Locks.........................20,29
Lift Gate............................. 36
Mirrors.............................. 83Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......184,187
Steering..........................306,307
Steering Filler Cap................395,396,397
Sunroof............................. 182
Windows............................. 33
Power Steering Fluid..................... 445
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 50
Preparation for Jacking.................... 382
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 48
Programmable Electronic Features............ 170
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Radial Ply Tires......................... 332
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)....... 411,413
Radio Operation........................ 268
Radio, Satellite (uconnect gps)............260,265
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 420
INDEX 485
10