2011 DODGE DURANGO heating

Summer Operation
NOTE:In some cases during high temperature trailer
tow operation the Air Conditioning system performance
may be reduced. This is to help protect the engine from
overheating during the high load condition.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 329

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive, to the
most desirable gear, if the accelerator pedal is fully
pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode – If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift into direct gear and Overdrive will be enabled
under steady cruise conditions.The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
TOW/HAUL Switch
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in over-heating and tire failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 387

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
SNOW PLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment
should notbe added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the
front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect-
edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.
WARNING!
Do not add a snow plow, winches, or any other
aftermarket equipment to the front of your vehicle.
This could adversely affect the functioning of the
airbag system and you could be injured.
438 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
M2 20 Amp
Yellow Electronic Limit Slip
Differential/Air Sus-
pension
M3 20 Amp
Yellow Liftgate Unlock/DRL
Relay
M5 25 Amp
Natural 115V AC Power In-
verter
M6 20 Amp
Yellow Rain Sensor/Cigar
Lighter
M7 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlet #2
(Switchable)
M8 20 Amp
Yellow Front Heated Seat &
Steering Wheel
M9 20 Amp
Yellow Rear Heated Seats
M10 15 Amp
Blue Video/Universal Ga-
rage Door OpenerCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M11 10 Amp
Red Heating, Ventilation &
Air Conditioning (Cli-
mate Control System)
M12 30 Amp
Green Radio/Amplifier
M13 20 Amp
Yellow Instrument Cluster
M14 20 Amp
Yellow Back Up Camera
M15 20 Amp
Yellow Power Seat
Module(s)/Adaptive
Cruise Control/Audio
Telematics/Daytime
Running Lights
Relay/Air Suspension
Module/Instrument
Cluster
514 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
10
INDEX 559