2009 DODGE DURANGO power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal.................. 12
▫Locking Doors With The Key............. 14
Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped......... 14
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel...... 14
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock........ 14
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System — If Equipped.................. 14Sentry Key.......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys..................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming............. 17
▫General Information................... 18
Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped........ 18
▫To Set The Alarm..................... 18
▫To Disarm The System................. 19
Illuminated Entry...................... 20
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks . . . 20
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Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.NOTE:
Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-
ply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically, the engine
will shut off and the hazard lights will turn on. In
addition, approximately five seconds after the vehicle has
stopped moving, the interior lights will light until the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
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Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals. The adjustable pedals
switch is located on the left side of the instrument panel.
Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10 in
(254 mm) away from the airbag located in the center of
the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM™ (SALES
CODE XRV) — IF EQUIPPED
The optional Video Entertainment System (VES)™ con-
sists of a DVD player and LCD (liquid crystal display)
screen, a battery-powered remote control, and two head-
sets. The system is located in the headliner behind the
front row seat. Refer to your VES™ User’s Manual for
detailed operating instructions.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS — IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
The right hand control is a rocker type switch with a push
button in the center. Pressing the top of the switch will
increase the volume and pressing the bottom of the
switch will decrease the volume.
Remote Sound System Controls (Back View of Steering
Wheel)
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Driving Through Water................. 304
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 304
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 304
Power Steering....................... 306
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 307
Parking Brake........................ 308
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 309
Electronic Brake Control System........... 312
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 312
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 313
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 313
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)......... 314
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 315▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............. 319
▫ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light...................... 319
Tire Safety Information................. 320
▫Tire Markings....................... 320
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 324
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 325
Tires — General Information............. 329
▫Tire Pressure....................... 329
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 330
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 331
▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 332
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped....... 332
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
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