2011 DODGE DURANGO engine overheat

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 448
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 448
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 449
▫ Jack Location ....................... 450
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ................... 451
▫ Spare Tire Removal ................... 452
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 455
▫ Jacking Instructions ................... 455 
Jump-Starting ........................ 463
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 464
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 465
 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 467
 Shift Lever Override ................... 468
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 469
▫ Towing Without The Ignition Key FOB ..... 471
▫ Rear-Wheel Drive Models .............. 471
▫ All-Wheel Drive Vehicles ............... 472
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
switch bank just above the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — slow down.
•In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
•If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
448 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
492 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 493

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals and children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 497

Oil Synthetic........................ 483
Overheating ........................ 448
Starting ........................... 336
Temperature Gauge ................... 252
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 483
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 483
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 78
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 23
Ethanol ............................... 411
Event Data Recorder ...................... 81
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 48,97,414
Exhaust System ....................... 97,491
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 507
Exterior Lights .......................... 100
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 484
Engine Oil ......................... 484
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 484 Finish Care
............................ 507
Flashers .............................. 448
Hazard Warning ..................... 448
Turn Signal ................ 100,248,519,521
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 417
Engine Oil ......................... 417
Fuel Requirements ................. 414,416
Maintenance ........................ 418
Replacement Parts .................... 418
Starting ........................... 417
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 340
Fluid Capacities ......................... 524
Fluid Leaks ............................ 100
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..........503,504,505
Brake ............................. 500
Engine Oil ......................... 481
Power Steering ...................... 364
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INDEX 559

Odometer............................. 248
Trip .............................. 248
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 358
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 358
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 267
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 267
Oil, Engine ............................ 481
Capacity ........................... 524
Change Interval ..................... 482
Dipstick ........................... 481
Disposal ........................... 484
Filter ............................. 484
Filter Disposal ....................... 484
Identification Logo ................... 482
Materials Added to ................... 484
Recommendation .................. 482,524
Synthetic .......................... 483
Viscosity ........................ 483,524
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............477,478Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)
........... 206
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 6
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 109
Overdrive ............................. 347
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 347
Overhead Console ....................... 204
Overheating, Engine ................... 253,448
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........6,549
Paint Care ............................. 506
Paint Damage .......................... 506
Panic Alarm ............................ 26
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 193
Parking Brake .......................... 365
Personal Settings ........................ 274
Pets .................................. 95
Pets, Transporting ........................ 95
Phone, Cellular ......................... 119
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 119
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INDEX 565