2011 DODGE DURANGO transmission

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear for 3.6L engine, fourth
and fifth gears for 5.7L engine). The transmission will
automatically shift to Overdrive, if the following condi-
tions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts, depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm-up time of
the engine and transmission.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSION
OVER TEMP” message may display, and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
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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
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In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift, followed shortly thereafter by a
downshift, may occur. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light”
will turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat protec-
tion strategy when operating in the TOW/HAUL mode.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear (3.6L engine) or in direct
gear (5.7L engine) until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off, and be sure to turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position.4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate normally. Only second gear (3.6L engine) or third gear
(5.7L engine) will be available in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally, at a calibrated speed, at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
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drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold.
This is normal. Manually shifting (using the ERS shift
control) between 4 (direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive
gear) positions will demonstrate that the transmission
is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. For vehicles
with 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive gears),
the transmission may not shift into the top Overdrive
gear (normal fifth gear) until the transmission fluid
and engine coolant are warm.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Single-Speed Operating Instructions/Precautions
(3.6L Engine) – If Equipped
This system contains a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time all-
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

When operating your vehicle in LOW RANGE, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of the
AWD AUTO position at a given road speed. Take care not
to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of all-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 all-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.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 will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
AWD AUTO
All-Wheel Drive Auto Range - This range sends power to
the rear wheels. The all–wheel drive system will be
automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road conditions.
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Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. Use either of
the following procedures:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the AWD control switch to
the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the
engine either OFF or running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the AWD control switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:
If Steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or
if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is
in process, the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position indicator light is
ON, until all requirements have been met.
NOTE: The ignition switch must be in the ON position
for a shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON position, then the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with a pen,
etc.) for four seconds until the LED light by the switch
starts to blink indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is
complete.5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to shift out of NEUTRAL.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a “To
Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift Procedure in
Owners Manual” message will flash from the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Neutral Switch
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CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering,
as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driv-
ing through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. If you must
drive through water, try to determine the depth and the
bottom condition (and location of any obstacles) prior to
entering. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady
controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water
to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off), avoid crossing until the water level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 in (23 cm). The
flowing water can erode the streambed, causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 in
(51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 20 in (51 cm) of water is
less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.
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