2012 DODGE DURANGO transmission

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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 601

Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 611

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L Engine
Regular fluid level checks are not required. For this
reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission slippage or
malfunction, have your authorized dealer check the
transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
612 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure
must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again, and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. The fluid level is only valid if there is a
solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. If the
fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick tube.
Do
not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil through the
oil fill tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to
fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 613

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap and tar.
•Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
•Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
614 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
J18 20 Amp Blue Powertrain Control
Module/Powertrain
Control Module
Transmission Range
J19 60 Amp Yellow Radiator Fan Motor
HI/Radiator Fan
Motor Low
J20 30 Amp Pink Front Wiper
J21 20 Amp Blue Front/Rear Washer
Control
J22 25 Amp Natural Sunroof Module
M1 15 Amp
Blue Stop LampCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M2 20 Amp
Yellow Electronic Limit Slip
Differential/Air
Suspension
M3 20 Amp
Yellow Liftgate Unlock/DRL
Relay
M5 25 Amp
Natural 115V AC Power
Inverter
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
Garage Door Opener
622 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity CartridgeFuseMini
Fuse Description
M25 20 Amp YellowFuel Pump Motor
Output/Diesel Lift
Pump (Export Only)
M26 10 Amp RedDriver Door Switch
Bank
M27 10 Amp RedIgnition Switch/
Wireless Control
Module/Keyless
Entry Module
M28 15 Amp BluePowertrain
Controller/
Transmission
Controller
M29 10 Amp RedTire Pressure Monitor
M30 15 Amp BlueJ1962 Diag ConnectorCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
Fuse Description
M31 20 Amp
Yellow Backup Lamps
M32 10 Amp
Red Occupant Restraint
Controller
M33 10 Amp
Red Powertrain
Controller/
Transmission
Controller
M34 10 Amp
Red Park Assist Module/
Climate Control
System Module/IR
Sensor/Compass
Module
M35 15 Amp
Blue LH Rear Parklamps
M36 20 Amp
Yellow Power Outlet
624 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case – 3.6L Engine Shell Automatic Transmission Fluid 3353 or equivalent.
Transfer Case – 5.7L Engine MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) We recommend you use MOPAR GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant
SAE 75W-85.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3,
SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Use only recommended brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir –
3.6L Engine MOPAR
Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as
Fuchs EG ZH 3044 or Pentosin CHF 11s
Power Steering Reservoir –
5.7L Engine MOPAR
Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic
Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 635