2012 DODGE DURANGO check engine light

•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-hydraulic power
steering system that will give you good vehicle response
and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces.
The system will vary its assist to provide light efforts
while parking and good feel while driving. If the electro-
hydraulic power steering system experiences a fault that
prevents it from providing power steering assist, then the
system will provide mechanical steering capability.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 461

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped), or a lower gear range,
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or
selecting a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking. The transmission fluid and filter should be changed if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation. Refer to “Maintenance Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before towing
(5.7L engine).
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
538 STARTING AND OPERATING

7. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off,
release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.NOTE:
When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL
(N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid
gear clash.
9. Shift transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brake pedal.
11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
12. Start the engine.
13. Press and hold the brake pedal.
14. Release the parking brake.
15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake
pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
16. The Keyless Enter-N-Go button (if equipped) may
now be reinstalled if desired. Refer to “Starting
Procedures/Keyless Enter-N-Go” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information.
NEUTRAL Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 547

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
584 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the wiper blade
holder at the end of the wiper arm, and firmly press the
wiper blade until it snaps into place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot cap into
place.
Adding Washer Fluid
On vehicles equipped with a Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC), the low washer fluid level will be
indicated. When the sensor detects a low fluid level, the
windshield will light on the vehicle graphic outline and
the “WASHER FLUID LOW” message will be displayed.
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment, be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir withwindshield washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
598 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
(5.7L only) and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S640 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo Area Features...................... 279
Cargo Compartment ...................... 279
Light ............................. 280
Luggage Carrier ..................... 284
Cargo Light ............................ 280
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 281
Cellular Phone ....................... 123,408
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 631
Certification Label ....................... 523
Chains, Tire ............................ 497
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 552
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 480
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 584
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 98
Checks, Safety ........................... 98
Child Restraint .................... 81,84,87,91
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............85,87
Child Safety Locks ........................ 36 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 512
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 616
Climate Control ......................... 408
Clock ............................. 341,350
Cold Weather Operation ................... 428
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 407
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 492
Compass .............................. 327
Compass Calibration ..................... 329
Compass Variance ....................... 328
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 325
Connector UCI .............................. 364
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 364
Conserving Fuel ........................ 323
Console, Overhead ....................... 248
Contract, Service ........................ 657
666 INDEX

Oil Selection..................... 588,632
Oil Synthetic ........................ 589
Overheating ........................ 551
Starting ........................... 424
Temperature Gauge ................... 308
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 589
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 589
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 77
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 23
Ethanol ............................... 512
Event Data Recorder ...................... 80
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 48,98,515
Exhaust System ....................... 98,599
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 615
Exterior Lights .......................... 101
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 590
Air Conditioning ..................... 594 Engine Oil
......................... 590
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 590
Finish Care ............................ 615
Flashers .............................. 551
Hazard Warning ..................... 551
Turn Signal ................ 101,303,628,630
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 518
Engine Oil ......................... 518
Fuel Requirements ................. 515,517
Maintenance ........................ 519
Replacement Parts .................... 519
Starting ........................... 518
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 428
Fluid Capacities ......................... 632
Fluid Leaks ............................ 101
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission .......... 611,612,613
Brake ............................. 607
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INDEX 669