2016 DODGE DURANGO engine overheat

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator.
NOTE:Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for
more than two seconds, you must push the brake pedal
to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine. NOTE:
Push 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, push 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.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 623

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•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).
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, there will be
one in the rear and two mounted on the front of the
vehicle. The rear hook will be located on the driver’s side
of the vehicle.
NOTE: For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
624 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
656 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 657

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. 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
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
662 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck ................623
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................599
Jacking .............................. .602
Jump Starting ......................... .618
Tow Hooks ........................... .624
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........638
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .645
Block Heater ......................... .479
Break-In Recommendations ................110
Compartment ...................... .635, 636
Compartment Identification .............635, 636
Cooling ............................. .658
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................111,564
Fails To Start ......................... .474
Flooded, Starting ...................... .474
Fuel Requirements ...................559, 691
Jump Starting ......................... .618Oil .............................
.641, 691
Oil Filler Cap ......................... .644
Oil Filter ............................ .645
Oil Selection ....................642, 691, 693
Overheating .......................... .599
Starting ............................. .470
Engine Oil Viscosity ....................643, 644
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................643
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............80
Entry System, Illuminated ....................24
Ethanol ............................... .561
Event Data Recorder ........................84
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................111,564
Exhaust System .......................111,655
Exterior Lights ........................114,685
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .645
Air Conditioning ....................442, 649
10
INDEX 721

Disposal............................. .645
Filter ............................... .645
Filter Disposal ........................ .645
Identification Logo ..................... .643
Materials Added To ..................... .644
Pressure Warning Light ...................303
Recommendation ....................642, 691
Viscosity ...................... .643, 644, 691
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .645
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .645
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .303
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................637
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .............244
Operating Precautions ..................... .637
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............6
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................124
Overhead Console ........................ .241
Overheating, Engine ...................... .599Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
..........6,710
Paint Care ............................. .670
Panic Alarm ..............................27
Parking Brake ........................... .505
ParkSense System, Rear .....................229
Passing Light ........................... .184
Passive Entry .............................38
Pets ...................................110
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ..........532
Power Brakes .............................. .508
Distribution Center (Fuses) ................677
Door Locks ............................35
Inverter ............................. .262
Lift Gate ..............................49
Mirrors ............................. .133
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ...........257
Seats ............................ .145, 147
10
INDEX 727