2017 DODGE DURANGO brake fluid

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
United States
Canada
Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the
full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system mal-
function or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until
the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the Brake Booster, the ABS pump
will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
NOTE:
Brake Warning Light may illuminate due to excessive wear to brake pads.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity
in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions.
The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake
fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239

Instrument Cluster Display Messages
Includes the following, but not limited to:
•Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
• Driver Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Passenger Seat Belt Unbuckled
• Traction Control Off
• Washer Fluid Low
• Oil Pressure Low
• Oil Change Due
• Fuel Low
• Service Anti-lock Brake System
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Service Power Steering
• Cruise Off
• Cruise Ready
• ACC Override
• Cruise Set To XXX MPH or km/h •
Tire Pressure Screen With Low Tire(s)
• Service Tire Pressure System
• Park Brake Engaged
• Brake Fluid Low
• Engine Temperature Hot
• Lights On
• Right Front Turn Signal Light Out
• Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out
• Left Front Turn Signal Light Out
• Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out
• Ignition or Accessory On
• Vehicle Not In Park
• Remote Start Active Push Start Button
• Remote Start Canceled Fuel Low
• Remote Start Canceled Too Cold
• Remote Start Canceled Door Open
• Remote Start Canceled Hood Open
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 263

with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less
than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave
effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm run-off),
avoid crossing until the water level recedes and/or the
flow rate is reduced. If you must cross flowing water avoid
depths in excess of 9 in (23 cm). The flowing water can
erode the streambed, causing your vehicle to sink into
deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are downstream
of your entry point to allow for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 in (51 cm),
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave effects.
Maximum speed in 20 in (51 cm) of water is less than
5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to prevent
component damage.Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to LOW if necessary. Refer
to “All-Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information. Do not shift to a lower gear
than necessary to maintain forward motion. Over-revving
the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to LOW. Use first gear
and LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose forward motion while climbing
a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine, and shift
into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill, allowing the
compression braking of the engine to help regulate your
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 401

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ...........503
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L ...........504
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) . . . .505
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ........................ .505
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS .......................... .506
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................507
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .507
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............508
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .508
▫ Engine Oil Filter .......................511
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................511
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................511
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............512▫
Body Lubrication ..................... .516
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................517
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................518
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .519
▫ Cooling System ....................... .520
▫ Brake System ........................ .525
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid ...................526
▫ Transfer Case ........................ .527
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................527
▫ Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion ....................... .528
 FUSES ............................... .533
▫ Power Distribution Center ................534
 VEHICLE STORAGE .....................540
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Remote Jump Start Positive Terminal6 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 8 — Air Cleaner Filter
4 — Coolant Pressure Cap (Reservoir) 9 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Remote Jump Start Negative Terminal
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
1 — Remote Jump Start Negative Terminal6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Remote Jump Start Positive Terminal 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses) 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
504 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immediately
if the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a plastic reservoir. On the
outboard side of the reservoir, there is a “MAX” mark and
a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be kept within these
two dots. Do not add fluid above the MAX mark, because
leakage may occur at the cap.With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 525