2013 DODGE DURANGO engine overheat

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
switch bank just above the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the 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.
574 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:Press the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the ESC
Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 595

WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 623

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. 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.
624 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not
recommended and can result in cooling system damage.
Drain, flush, and refill as soon as possible to avoid
damage if coolant types are mixed in an emergency.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
• The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
628 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Electronic Brake Control System...............486
Brake Assist System .....................488
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..............489
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........218
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............490
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......315
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ...............594
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................574
Jacking ............................. .576
Jump Starting ........................ .590
Tow Hooks .......................... .596
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........608
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .614
Block Heater ......................... .446
Break-In Recommendations ................108
Compartment ........................ .605
Compartment Identification ...............605Cooling
............................. .625
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................48
Fails to Start ......................... .444
Flooded, Starting ...................... .444
Fuel Requirements ..................... .533
Jump Starting ........................ .590
Oil .................................611
Oil Filler Cap ........................ .613
Oil Selection ......................... .612
Overheating ......................... .574
Starting ............................. .440
Temperature Gauge .....................321
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .613
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................613
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............78
Entry System, Illuminated ....................23
Ethanol ............................... .534
Event Data Recorder ........................82
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................48
682 INDEX

Viscosity............................ .613
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .614
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................607
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ............262
Operating Precautions ..................... .607
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............6
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................120
Overdrive .............................. .457
Overdrive OFF Switch ..................... .457
Overhead Console ........................ .260
Overheating, Engine ...................... .321
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............6
Paint Care ............................. .638
Panic Alarm ..............................26
Parking Brake ........................... .483
Park Sense System, Rear ....................248
Passing Light ........................... .209
Personal Settings ......................... .343Pets
.................................. .107
Pets, Transporting ........................ .107
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........505
Power Door Locks ............................35
Inverter ............................. .280
Lift Gate ..............................46
Mirrors ............................. .122
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ..........275
Seats ............................... .170
Steering ............................ .480
Sunroof ............................. .271
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ...........216
Windows .............................42
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ................67
Preparation for Jacking .....................581
Pretensioners Seat Belts .............................61
Programmable Electronic Features .............343
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INDEX 689