2020 DODGE DURANGO warning

STARTING AND OPERATING191
(Continued)
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK (P) position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING! (Continued)
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL (N) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and turn the igni -
tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF
mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
WARNING! (Continued)
5

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192STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be
in PARK (P) before the ignition can be turned to
the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing
the transmission in PARK. This system also
locks the transmission in PARK whenever the
ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when
the ignition is in the ACC mode (even though the
engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission
is in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC
mode) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK 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 NEUTRAL 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” button in the
center stack of the instrument panel to activate
or disable ECO mode. A light on the button
indicates when ECO mode is disabled for
non-SRT models. ECO mode can be enabled or
disabled through your Uconnect system for SRT
models.

ECO Button
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave 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 (R)
only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE (D) when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)

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194STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when
pushed forward) it is probably in the MANUAL
(AutoStick, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE posi-
tion). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the trans -
mission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Move the gear selector
to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for
access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) into
another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important when
the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle
in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:
On vehicles equipped with the electronically
shifted transfer case, ensure that the transfer
case is in AWD AUTO or LOW RANGE position on
the AWD Control Switch. Ensure that the
NEUTRAL position light is NOT illuminated.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into PARK.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK (P) position as a substi
-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle
to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if
the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to
PARK, and verify that the transmission gear
position indicator solidly indicates PARK
without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position
is properly indicated, before exiting the
vehicle.

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 194

STARTING AND OPERATING195
(Continued)
(Continued)
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock
button on the gear selector and firmly move
the selector all the way forward until it stops
and is fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P), and is not blinking.
With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL (N) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and turn the igni -
tion OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF
mode, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren), and do not leave the ignition in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must start the
engine, and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
WARNING! (Continued)
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
CAUTION! (Continued)
5

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196STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when
pushed forward) it is probably in the MANUAL
(AutoStick, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE posi -
tion). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the trans -
mission gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Move the gear selector
to the right (into the DRIVE position) for access
to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running.
Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK (P) if you must exit the
vehicle. 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 temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum 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.WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a
collision.
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 “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.

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198STARTING AND OPERATING
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear
selector into the MANUAL (M) position (beside
the DRIVE (D) position), or tap one of the shift
paddles on the steering wheel (if equipped).
Tapping the (-) shift paddle (if equipped) to
enter AutoStick mode will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear, while
tapping (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain
the current gear. The current transmission gear
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector
(in the MANUAL position), or the shift paddles (if
equipped), to manually shift the transmission.
Tapping the gear selector forward (-) while in the
MANUAL (M) position, or tapping the (-) shift
paddle (if equipped), will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear. Tapping the
selector rearward (+) or tapping the (+) shift
paddle (if equipped) will command an upshift.
NOTE:
The shift paddles (if equipped) may be disabled
(or re-enabled, as desired) using the Uconnect
Personal Settings. 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 downshift
is chosen, except as described below.
The transmission will automatically down
-
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine
lugging) and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically down -
shift 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 (if
equipped), or holding the gear selector in the
(-) position, 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, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE (D) position, or press and
hold the (+) shift paddle (if equipped, and if the
gear selector is already in DRIVE) until "D" is
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.

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200STARTING AND OPERATING
The LOW RANGE position is designed for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the LOW
RANGE position on dry hard surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Messages
The Transfer Case Position Indicator messages
(AWD AUTO and LOW RANGE) are located in the
instrument cluster and indicate the current and
desired transfer case selection. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. When you select a different
transfer case position, the position indicator
lights will do the following:
If All Shift Conditions Are Met:

1. The current position indicator light will turn
off.

2. The selected position indicator light will flash until the transfer case completes the
shift.
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on. If shift conditions are not met, one or more of
the following events may occur:

1. The indicator light for the current position
will remain on.

2. The newly selected position indicator light will continue to flash.
3. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new
transfer case position have been met. To retry
the selection, turn the control knob back to the
current position, wait five seconds, and retry
selection. To find the shift requirements, refer
to the "Shifting Procedure" for your transfer
case, located in this section.
The “SERV AWD” Warning Light monitors the
electronic shift all-wheel drive system. If this
light remains on after engine start up or
illuminates during driving, it means that the
all-wheel drive system is not functioning
properly and that service is required. NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. This could
cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in LOW RANGE, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the AWD AUTO position at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of all-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference in
tire size can cause damage to the transfer case.
Because all-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when
powering down the vehicle if the “SERV AWD
Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging
the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll
which may cause personal injury.

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STARTING AND OPERATING201
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
AWD Auto
All-Wheel Drive Auto Range – This range sends
power to the rear wheels. The all-wheel drive
system will be automatically engaged when the
vehicle senses a loss of traction. Additional
traction for varying road conditions.
LOW Range
All-Wheel Drive Low Range – This range
provides low speed all-wheel drive. Locks the
front and rear driveshafts together forcing the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
NEUTRAL (N)
This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for
flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to
“Recreational Towing” in this chapter for further
information.
SHIFTING PROCEDURE
NOTE:
If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the
transfer case will not shift. The position indi -
cator light for the previous position will
remain on and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all
the requirements for the selected position
have been met. To retry a shift: return the control switch back
to the original position, make certain all shift
requirements have been met, wait five
seconds and try the shift again.
If all the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have been met, the
current position indicator light will turn off,
the selected position indicator light will flash
until the transfer case completes the shift.
When the shift is complete, the position indi
-
cator light for the selected position will stop
flashing and remain on.
AWD Auto To Low Range
NOTE:
When shifting into or out of LOW RANGE some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal
and is not detrimental to the vehicle or occu -
pants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle
rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely
stopped. Use either of the following procedures:
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the NEUTRAL position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case NEUTRAL position disengages both the
front and rear drive shafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
5

20_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 201