2009 DODGE DURANGO tires

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
16. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser thecorrect mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
17. Fog Light Indicator
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
18. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The yellow Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
indicator light in the speedometer area illumi-
nates with the key in the ignition switch turned
to the ON/RUN position and it should go out
with the engine running. The ESP is also combined with
the Traction Control System (TCS), when theESP/TCS”
Indicator Lightstarts to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESP system becomes active. TheESP/
TCS Indicator Lightalso flashes when TCS is active. If
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
4

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

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

▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped........ 333
▫Tire Spinning....................... 334
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 334
▫Life Of Tire........................ 335
▫Replacement Tires.................... 336
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped.......................... 337
Tire Chains.......................... 337
Snow Tires.......................... 339
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 339
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 340
▫Base System........................ 342
▫Premium System – If Equipped.......... 344▫General Information.................. 347
Fuel Requirements..................... 347
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 348
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 349
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 349
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 350
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 350
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 350
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 351
Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped.......................... 352
▫E-85 General Information............... 352
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)................... 353
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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

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