2011 DODGE DURANGO brake fluid

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 or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation 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.
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.
100 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

17. Fuel Door ReminderThe fuel pump symbol points to the side of the
vehicle where the fuel door is located.
18. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
19. Airbag Warning Light This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to the ON/RUN position. If the light is
either not on during starting, stays on, or turns
on while driving, have the system inspected at an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information. 20. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Amber Telltale Area
This area will display the EVIC reconfigurable amber
caution telltales. For further information, refer to “Elec-
tronic vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”.
21. Vehicle Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately
15 seconds when the vehicle theft alarm is
arming. The light will flash at a slower speed
continuously after the alarm is set. The security
light will also come on for about three seconds when the
ignition is first turned on.
22. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the
anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system isindicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251

▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Three-Position Switch) (5.7L Engine) –
If Equipped ........................ 351
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 355
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 358
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 358
▫ When To Use Low Range – If Equipped .... 358
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 358
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 360
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 360
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 361
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 361
 Power Steering ....................... 362
▫ 3.6L Engine ........................ 362 ▫
5.7L Engine ........................ 363
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 364
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 365
 Parking Brake ........................ 365
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 368
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 368
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 368
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 369
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 370
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 370
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 373
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 374
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS)
(IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE: The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

▫Brake System ....................... 499
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid ................. 501
▫ Transfer Case ....................... 502
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 503
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 506
 Fuses .............................. 511
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module ......... 511
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 517
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 517
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 518
▫ High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID) –
If Equipped ........................ 518 ▫
Halogen Headlamps – If Equipped ........ 519
▫ Front Turn Signal .................... 519
▫ Front Fog Lamps .................... 520
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lamps ............................ 521
▫ Rear Liftgate Mounted Tail Lamp ......... 522
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 523
▫ Rear License Lamp ................... 523
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 524
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 525
▫ Engine ............................ 525
▫ Chassis ........................... 526
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475