2017 DODGE DURANGO ECO mode

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................379
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................379
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............380
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .380
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................381
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................382
▫ After Starting ......................... .382
 STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ........382
▫ Automatic Mode ...................... .383
▫ Possible Reasons The Engine Does
Not Autostop ........................ .383
▫
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode . . .384
▫ To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start System . . .385
▫ To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start System . . .385 ▫
System Malfunction .....................385
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .385
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............386
▫ Ignition Park Interlock ...................387
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .387
▫ Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode ...............387
▫ Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission .........388
 SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED .............395
 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION ...........395
▫ Single-Speed Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped ...............395
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Three-Position Switch) — If Equipped .......395
▫ Shifting Procedure ..................... .398
 ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS .................399
5

WARNING!(Continued)
the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,
or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK (P).
Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned off. This helps the driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing the trans-
mission in PARK. This system also locks the transmission
in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be running and
the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from NEU-
TRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped
or moving at low speeds.
Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECO) mode can improve the vehicle’s
overall fuel economy during normal driving conditions.
Push the “eco” switch in the center stack of the instrument
panel to activate or disable ECO mode. An amber light on
the switch indicates when ECO mode is disabled.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 387

When the Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode is engaged, the
vehicle control systems will change the following:
•The transmission will upshift sooner and downshift
later.
• The overall driving performance will be more conserva-
tive.
• Some ECO mode functions may be temporarily inhib-
ited based on temperature and other factors.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The transmission is controlled using a rotary electronic
gear selector located on the center console. The transmis-
sion gear range (PRND) is displayed both above the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster display. To select a
gear range, simply rotate the gear selector. You must also
press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK,
or to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds (refer to
“Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System” in this sec-
tion). To shift past multiple gear ranges at once (such as
PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the gear selector to the
appropriate detent. Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
Fuel Economy Mode Switch
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to AutoStick in this section for further information) to
select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch
is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the engine
may stall. In some situations, the transmission may not
re-engage if the engine is turned off and restarted. The
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A
message in the instrument cluster will inform the driver of
the more serious conditions, and indicate what actions may
be necessary.
392 STARTING AND OPERATING

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage after engine
shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired loca-
tion (preferably, at your authorized dealer).
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns OFF.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem could recur. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the transmission is in DRIVE, it will operate auto-
matically, shifting between the eight available gears. To
engage AutoStick, simply tap one of the steering wheel-
mounted shift paddles (+/-). Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick
mode will downshift the transmission to the next lower
gear, while using (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain
the current gear. When AutoStick is active, the current
transmission gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
The shift paddles may be disabled (or re-enabled,
as desired) using the Uconnect Personal Settings.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 393

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver, unless an
engine lugging or overspeed condition would result. It will
remain in the selected gear until another upshift or down-
shift is chosen, except as described below.
•The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.
Tapping (+) at a stop will allow starting in second gear.
Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or
icy conditions.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed. •
Holding the (-) paddle depressed will downshift the
transmission to the lowest gear possible at the current
speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault
or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, press and hold the (+) shift
paddle until Dis once again indicated in the instrument
cluster. You can shift in or out of AutoStick mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
394 STARTING AND OPERATING

SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle is equipped with a Sport Mode feature. This
mode is a configuration set up for typical enthusiast
driving. The engine, transmission, and steering systems are
all set to their SPORT settings. Sport Mode will provide
improved throttle response and modified shifting for an
enhanced driving experience, as well the greatest amount
of steering feel. This mode may be activated and deacti-
vated by pushing the Sport button on the instrument panel
switch bank.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Single-Speed Operating Instructions/Precautions
— If Equipped
This system contains a single-speed (HI range only) trans-
fer case, which provides convenient full-time all-wheel
drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake Traction
Control (BTC) System, which combines standard ABS and
Traction Control, provides resistance to any wheel that is
slipping to allow additional torque transfer to wheels with
traction.NOTE:
This system is not appropriate for conditions
where LOW range is recommended. Refer to “Off-Road
Driving Tips” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case (Three-
Position Switch) — If Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and it is operated by
the AWD Control Switch, which is located on the center
console.
AWD Control Switch (Three-Position)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 395

will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS
and ESC are in a reduced mode.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects
for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by apply-
ing the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer
condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” located
in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator 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.
WARNING!
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent accidents resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the con-
ditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er ’s safety or the safety of others.
(Continued)
412 STARTING AND OPERATING