2012 DODGE DURANGO User Guide

TOW/HAUL MODE
• When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., andfrequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select
TOW/HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for
transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in
TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will
automatically downshift (for engine braking) during steady braking maneuvers.
• The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to
indicate that TOW/HAUL mode 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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Rear-Wheel Drive Models
•Recreational towing is not allowed.
All-Wheel Drive Models (Single-Speed Transfer Case)
•Recreational towing is not allowed. This model does not have a NEUTRAL position
in the transfer case.
All-Wheel Drive Models (Two-Speed Transfer Case)
NOTE: The transfer case must be in the NEUTRAL position, and the transmission must
be in the PARK position for recreational towing.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK. Turn the engine off.
• For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, remove the Keyless Enter-N-Go button and use the Key Fob to complete this procedure.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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• Press and hold the brake pedal and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• Press and hold the transfer case N (Neutral) button for four seconds, until the lightnext to the N symbol starts to blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop
blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
• Start the engine and shift the transmission into REVERSE.
• Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
• Turn the engine off and firmly apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the Key Fob.
• Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar and release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmissiondamage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when recreational towing.
• It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
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 even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival.If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when coldand inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER
INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is
restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
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• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able todetect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE: Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside
temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by
3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant
from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
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.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously withthe engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
The light also flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC
system to Partial Off mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch located
below the climate controls, on the switch panel.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stopthe vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
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- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have thevehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as Check Gascap) appears, tighten the gas capuntil a “clicking” sound is heard.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as Oil Change Due) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™ • Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat
condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
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CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C)
or greater and you hear a chime, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
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.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The scissor-type jack and tire changing tools are located in rear cargo area, belowthe load floor.
• Rotate the plastic thumb screw on the end of the jack to remove the jack from the bracket.
Spare Tire Stowage
• The spare tire is stowed under the rearof the vehicle by means of a cable
winch mechanism. To remove or stow
the spare, use the jack handle/lug
wrench connected to the square socket
extension to rotate the “spare tire
drive” nut. The nut is located under a
plastic cover at the center-rear of the
cargo floor area, just inside the liftgate
opening.
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