2014 DODGE DURANGO manual transmission

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you can use the
AutoStick® shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
AutoStick®
• When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “5” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or
“3” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to
a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 515

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).
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake, before activating the Manual Park
Release. Activating the Manual Park Release will
allow your vehicle to roll away if it is not secured by
the parking brake or by proper connection to a tow
vehicle. Activating the Manual Park Release on an
unsecured vehicle could lead to serious injury or
death for those in or around the vehicle.
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the transmis-
sion will not shift out of PARK (such as a dead battery),
a Manual Park Release is available.
Follow these steps to use the Manual Park Release:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 551

4. While the metal latch is in the open position, simulta-neously pull upwards on the tether strap until the
lever clicks and latches in the released position. The
transmission is now out of PARK and the vehicle can
be moved.CAUTION!
Closing the armrest while the Manual Park Release is
activated may damage the Manual Park Release
mechanism, the transmission and the armrest.
NOTE: To prevent the vehicle from rolling unintention-
ally, firmly apply the parking brake.
Released Position
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 553

Towing Condi-tion Wheels
OFF the Ground Rear-Wheel
Drive Models All-Wheel Drive Mod-
els With Single-Speed Transfer Case All-Wheel Drive Models With
Two-Speed Transfer Case
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Front
NOT AL-
LOWED NOT ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Manual Park Release” in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK
for towing.
556 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Untwisting Procedure.....................59
Seats ................................. .144
Adjustment .......................... .148
Easy Entry ........................... .172
Memory ............................. .167
Power .............................. .147
Rear Folding ......................... .160
Reclining ............................ .149
Security Alarm ............................20
Arm The System ........................20
Disarm The System .......................21
Tamper Alert ...........................23
Security System ...........................20
SENTRY KEY® FCC General Information ..................19
Key Programming .......................19
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ....................17
Sentry Key Replacement .....................18
Service Assistance ........................ .633Service Contract
......................... .635
Service Manuals ......................... .638
Shifting ............................... .412
Automatic Transmission ..................412
Shoulder Belts ............................54
Side Airbag ..............................78
Signals, Turn .............................118
SmartBeams ............................ .177
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ...................475
Snow Plow ............................. .516
Snow Tires ............................. .468
Spare Tire .............................. .470
Speed Control (Cruise Control) ................194
Speedometer ............................ .293
Starting .................................28
Automatic Transmission ..................406
Cold Weather ......................... .409
Engine Block Heater .....................411
Engine Fails to Start .....................410
656 INDEX