2012 DODGE DURANGO instrument panel

NOTE:When your headlights come on during the
daytime, the instrument panel lights will automatically
dim to the lower nighttime intensity. Refer to “Lights” in
this section for further information.
SmartBeam™ — If Equipped
The SmartBeam™ system provides increased forward
lighting at night by automating high beam control
through the use of a digital camera mounted on the
inside rearview mirror. This camera detects vehicle spe-
cific light and automatically switches from high beams to
low beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.
NOTE: If the windshield or SmartBeam™ mirror is
replaced, the SmartBeam™ mirror must be re-aimed to
ensure proper performance. See your local authorized
dealer.
To Activate
1. Enable the Automatic High Beams. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Customer-
Programmable Features” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
2. Turn the headlight switch to the AUTO headlight
position.
3. Push the multifunction lever away from you (toward
front of vehicle) to engage the high beam mode.
NOTE: This system will not activate until the vehicle is
at or above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
1. Pull the multifunction lever toward you (or rearward
in car) to manually deactivate the system (normal opera-
tion of low beams).
190 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

2. Push back on the multifunction lever once again to
reactivate the system.
NOTE:Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and
taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause
headlights to remain on longer (closer to the vehicle).
Also, dirt, film, and other obstructions (sticker, toll box,
etc.) on the windshield or camera lens will cause the
system to function improperly.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The Daytime Running Lights (low intensity) come on
whenever the engine is running, and the transmission is
not in the PARK position. The lights will remain on until
the ignition is switched to the OFF or ACC position or the
parking brake is engaged. Also, if a turn signal is
activated, the DRL lamp on the same side of the vehicle
will turn off for the duration of the turn signal activation.
Once the turn signal is no longer active, the DRL lamp
will illuminate. The headlight switch must be used for
normal nighttime driving.
Headlight Delay
To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a
headlight delay that will leave the headlights on for
approximately 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when
the ignition is turned OFF while the headlight switch is
on, and then the headlight switch is cycled off. Headlight
delay can be cancelled by either turning the headlight
switch on then off, or by turning the ignition ON.
The headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with an Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Customer-Programmable Features” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Parking Lights And Panel Lights
To turn on the parking lights and instrument panel
lights, rotate the headlight switch clockwise. To
turn off the parking lights, rotate the headlight switch
back to the O (Off) position.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 191

The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are on you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio, overhead console, rear full center console
cubby bin (if equipped) and lighted cupholders (if
equipped) by rotating the control to its farthest position
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
“Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day.
Dimmer Control
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 193

Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down and the arrows
on each side of the instrument cluster flash to show
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
NOTE:If either light remains on and does not flash, or
there is a very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside
light bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the indicator bulb is
defective.
Lane Change Assist
Tap the lever up or down once, without moving beyond
the detent, and the turn signal (right or left) will flash
three times then automatically turn off.
Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to
turn on until the lever is released.
High/Low Beam Switch
Push the multifunction lever toward the instrument
panel to switch the headlights to high beam. Pulling the
multifunction back toward the steering wheel will turn
the low beams back on, or shut the high beams off.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 197

•The Rain Sensing feature may not function properly
when ice, or dried salt water is present on the windshield.
•Use of Rain-Xor products containing wax or silicone
may reduce Rain Sensing performance.
•A customer programmable feature in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) allows the Rain
Sensing feature to be turned off. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
The Rain Sensing system has protection features for the
wiper blades and arms, and will not operate under the
following conditions:
•Low Ambient Temperature — When the ignition is
first turned ON, the Rain Sensing system will not
operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed
is greater than 0 mph (0 km/h), or the outside tem-
perature is greater than 32°F (0°C).
•Transmission In NEUTRAL Position — When the
ignition is ON, and the transmission is in the NEU-
TRAL position, the Rain Sensing system will not
operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed
is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), or the shift lever is
moved out of the NEUTRAL position.
TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
This feature allows you to tilt the steering column
upward or downward. It also allows you to lengthen or
shorten the steering column. The tilt/telescoping lever is
located below the steering wheel at the end of the
steering column.
To unlock the steering column, push the lever downward
(toward the floor). To tilt the steering column, move the
steering wheel upward or downward as desired. To
lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull the steering
wheel outward or push it inward as desired. To lock the
steering column in position, push the lever upward until
fully engaged.
202 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The minimum speed for FCW activation is 10 mph
(16 km/h).
•When entering or driving in a curve, the FCW alerts
may be triggered on objects other than vehicles such as
guard rails or sign posts based on the course predic-
tion. This is expected and is a part of normal FCW
activation and functionality.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not intended to
avoid a collision on its own, nor can FCW detect
every type of potential collision. The driver has the
responsibility to avoid a collision by controlling the
vehicle via braking and steering. Failure to follow
this warning could lead to serious injury or death.
Changing FCW Status
The FCW feature can be set to far, set to near or turned off
in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. The FCW Status Off, Near or Far will be
displayed in the EVIC.
FCW settings can only be changed when the vehicle is in
PARK.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 233

WARNING ALERTS
Rear Distance (in/cm) Greater than
79 in (200 cm) 79-39 in
(200-100 cm) 39-25 in
(100-65 cm) 25-12 in
(65-30 cm) Less than
12 in (30 cm)
Audible Alert Chime None
Single 1/2
Second Tone Slow
FastContinuous
Display Message Park Assist System ONWarning Object
Detected Warning Object
Detected Warning Object
Detected Warning Object
Detected
Arcs None3 Solid
(Continuous) 3 Slow
Flashing 2 Slow
Flashing 1 Slow
Flashing
Radio Mute NoYes YesYesYes
NOTE: ParkSense will MUTE the radio, if on, when
the system is sounding an audio tone.
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense 
ParkSensecan be enabled and disabled with a switch
located in the switch bank of the instrument panel or
through the Customer-Programmable Features section of
the EVIC. The available choices are: OFF, Sound Only, or Sound and Display. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
When the ParkSense switch is pressed to
disable the system, the instrument cluster will
display the “PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF” mes-
sage for approximately five seconds. Refer to
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 241

“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. When the shift lever is moved to REVERSE and the
system is disabled, the EVIC will display the “PARK
ASSIST SYSTEM OFF” message for as long as the vehicle
is in REVERSE.
The ParkSenseswitch LED will be ON when
ParkSense is disabled or defective. The ParkSense 
switch LED will be OFF when the system is enabled.
Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
When the ParkSenseRear Park Assist System is mal-
functioning, the instrument cluster will actuate a single
chime, once per ignition cycle, and it will display the
“CLEAN PARK ASSIST SENSORS” or the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” message. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information. When
the shift lever is moved to REVERSE and the system has detected a faulted condition, the EVIC will display the
“CLEAN PARK ASSIST SENSORS” or the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” message for as long as the
vehicle is in REVERSE. Under this condition, ParkSense
will not operate.
If “CLEAN PARK ASSIST SENSORS” appears in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) make sure
the rear fascia/bumper is clean and clear of snow, ice,
mud, dirt or other obstruction and then cycle the ignition.
If the message continues to appear see an authorized
dealer.
If “SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” appears in the
EVIC, see an authorized dealer.
Cleaning The ParkSense
System
Clean the ParkSense sensors with water, car wash soap
and a soft cloth. Do not use rough or hard cloths. Do not
scratch or poke the sensors. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the sensors.
242 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE