2021 DODGE DURANGO Owners Manual

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY255
JUMP STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be
jump started using a set of jumper cables and a
battery in another vehicle, or by using a portable
battery booster pack. Jump starting can be
dangerous if done improperly, so please follow the
procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow
the manufacturer's operating instructions and
precautions.
PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START
The battery in your vehicle is located under the
passenger's front seat. There are remote terminals
located under the hood to assist in jump starting.

Under Hood Jump Starting Location Jump Starting Remote Posts

NOTE:Be sure that the disconnected cable ends do not
touch each other, or either vehicle, until properly
connected for jump starting.
See below steps to prepare for jump starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic
transmission into PARK (P) and turn the
ignition OFF.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or
any other booster source with a system voltage
greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery,
starter motor, alternator or electrical system may
occur.
Remote Positive (+) Post
Remote Negative (-) Post
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256IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
3. Remove the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery post. Pull upward on the
cover to remove it.
4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
NOTE:Make sure at all times that unused ends of jumper
cables are not contacting each other or either
vehicle while making connections.
Connecting The Jumper Cables

1. Connect the positive
(+) end of the jumper
cable to the remote positive (+)
post of the
discharged vehicle.

2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable to the positive (+) post of the
booster battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) end of the jumper
cable to the negative (-) post of the booster
battery. 4. Connect the opposite end of the negative
(-)
jumper cable to the remote negative (-) post
(exposed metallic/unpainted post of the
discharge vehicle) located on the right hand
side next to the underhood fuse box.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few
minutes, and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
6. Once the engine is started, follow the discon -
necting procedure below.
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be
injured by moving fan blades.
Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could make
an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be
seriously injured.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn
your skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Keep open
flames or sparks away from the battery.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting procedure
could result in personal injury or property
damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could result in
damage to the charging system of the booster
vehicle or the discharged vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the discharged battery. The
resulting electrical spark could cause the battery
to explode and could result in personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not run the booster vehicle engine above
2,000 RPM since it provides no charging benefit,
wastes fuel, and can damage booster vehicle
engine.

21_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 256

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY257
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-) end of the jumper
cable from the remote negative (-)
post of the
discharged vehicle.

2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-)
jumper cable from the negative (-) post of the
booster battery.
3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the jumper
cable from the positive (+) post of the booster
battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable from the remote positive (+) post
of the discharged vehicle.
5. Reinstall the protective cover over the remote positive (+) post of the discharged vehicle.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle have the battery and charging system
tested at an authorized dealer.
REFUELING IN EMERGENCY – IF EQUIPPED
The vehicle is equipped with a refueling funnel for
a Cap-Less Fuel System Úpage 248. If refueling is
necessary, while using an approved gas can, insert
the refueling funnel into the filler neck opening.
Take care to open both flappers with the funnel to
avoid spills.
NOTE:In certain cold conditions, ice may prevent the fuel
door from opening. If this occurs, lightly push on
the fuel door to break the ice buildup and
re-release the fuel door using the inside release
button. Do not pry on the door.

Refueling Funnel
Emergency Gas Can Refueling
Most gas cans will not open the flapper doors. A
funnel is provided to allow emergency refueling
with a gas can.
See below steps for refueling:

1. Retrieve funnel from the spare tire storage
area.

2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel nozzle.

Inserting Funnel

3. Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper doors open.
4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.
5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting back in the spare tire storage area.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough without
engine operation, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
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258IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce
the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The
A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the heater
core to act as a supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open or
the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the Malfunc -
tion Indicator Light to turn on.
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.
You could be burned. Always place fuel
containers on the ground while filling.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator.
If you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator
has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If
the pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
Always secure your vehicle by fully applying the
parking brake before activating the Manual Park
Release. In addition, you should be seated in the
driver’s seat with your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when 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.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY259
In order to move the vehicle in cases where the
transmission will not shift out of PARK (P) (such as
a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is
available.
Follow these steps to use the Manual Park
Release:

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

2. Open the center console and locate the Manual Park Release cover, remove it by
snapping the cover away from the console
hinges.

Manual Park Release Cover

3. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, push the metal latch in towards the tether strap.
Release Latch

5. While the metal latch is in the open position, pull upward on the tether strap until the lever
clicks and latches in the released position. The
transmission is now out of PARK (P) and the
vehicle can be moved.

Released Position

NOTE:To prevent the vehicle from rolling unintentionally,
firmly apply the parking brake.
To Disengage The Manual Park Release Lever:

1. To disengage the Manual Park Release, apply tension upward while pushing the release
latch towards the tether to unlock the lever.

Release Latch

CAUTION!
Closing the armrest while the Manual Park
Release is activated may damage the Manual
Park Release mechanism, the transmission,
and/or the armrest.
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260IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
2. Once the tension has been released and the lever has been unlocked, be sure it is stowed
properly and locks into position.

Stowed Position

NOTE:Be sure to replace the cover by snapping it back in
place.
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. Push and
hold the lock button on the gear selector. Then,
shift back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R) while gently pressing the accelerator.
NOTE:Shifts between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE (R)
can only be achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or less. Whenever the transmission
remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more than two
seconds, you must press the brake pedal to
engage DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R).
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 OFF”
mode, before rocking the vehicle Ú page 191.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC OFF
switch again to restore ESC On mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated 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 vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when
you are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine 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 transmis -
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between 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 transmission shifting occur -
ring).

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY261
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled 4x4 vehicles may also be towed as described under Ú page 153.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Rear-Wheel Drive ModelsAll-Wheel Drive Models
With Single-Speed Transfer Case All-Wheel Drive Models With
Two-Speed Transfer Case
Flat Tow NONE If Transmission Is Operable:Transmission in
NEUTRAL
30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
30 miles (48 km) max distance NOT ALLOWED Detailed Instructions
Úpage 153
Transmission in PARK
Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front If Transmission Is Operable:
Transmission in
NEUTRAL
30 mph (48 km/h) max speed
30 miles (48 km) max distance NOT ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD OKBEST METHOD7

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262IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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 equipment 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 fascia/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 mode, not the ACC mode.
If the vehicle's battery is discharged, instructions
on shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK
(P) in order to move the vehicle can be found on
Ú page 258.
REAR WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
FCA US LLC recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, the vehicle may be towed
(with rear wheels on the ground) under the
following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N).
For instructions on shifting the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N) when the engine is off
Ú page 258.
The towing speed must not exceed
30 mph (48 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
30 miles (48 km). If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle
must be towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or
farther than 30 miles (48 km), tow with the rear
wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to
tow the vehicle on a flatbed, or with the front
wheels raised and the rear wheels on a towing
dolly, or (when using a suitable steering wheel
stabilizer to hold the front wheels in the straight
position) with the rear wheels raised and the front
wheels ON the ground.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may
result from improper towing.
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or
farther than 30 miles (48 km) with rear
wheels on the ground can cause severe trans -
mission damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

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