2022 DODGE DURANGO transfer case

STARTING AND OPERATING111
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.
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the information
below:
AWD LOW
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).
N (Neutral)
This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle Ú page 149.
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 require -
ments 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 posi -
tion indicator light will turn off, the selected posi -
tion indicator light will flash until the transfer
case completes the shift. When the shift is
complete, the position indicator light for the
selected position will stop flashing and remain
on.
AWD AUTO To AWD LOW
NOTE:When shifting into or out of AWD LOW some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
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:
Preferred Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, push the AWD LOW control switch.
4. After the AWD LOW position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back into
gear.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position without first fully
engaging the parking brake. The transfer case N
(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.
4

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112STARTING AND OPERATING
Alternate Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.

2. With the ignition in ON/RUN position and engine running, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL.
3. Push the AWD LOW control switch.
4. After the AWD LOW position indicator light is on (not flashing), shift the transmission back
into gear.
NOTE:
If steps 1 or 2 of either the “Preferred” or
“Alternate Procedure” are not satisfied prior to
attempting the shift or if they no longer are
being met while the shift attempt is in process,
the desired position indicator light will flash
continuously while the original position indicator
light is on, until all requirements have been met.
The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN posi -
tion for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
switch is not in the ON/RUN position, then the
shift will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
N (Neutral) Shift Procedure
For information regarding the transfer case N
(Neutral) shift procedure Ú page 151.
TOW N GO — IF EQUIPPED
Tow N Go combines the capabilities of the vehicle
control systems, along with driver input, to provide
optimum performance for road conditions.
Push any one of the four drive mode buttons to
select the desired mode.

Drive Mode Buttons
Tow N Go consists of the following positions:TRACK
– Optimizes settings for transmission,
engine, driveline, and suspension in order to
maximize vehicle performance. Also the electric
power steering offers more feedback of the tire
gripping the road. This feature will reset to AUTO
upon an ignition cycle. To turn off Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) Ú page 185.
SPORT – Dry weather, on-road calibration.
Performance based tuning that provides a
rear-wheel drive feel but with improved handling
and acceleration over a two-wheel drive vehicle.
This feature will reset to AUTO upon an ignition
cycle.
TOW – TOW drive mode also optimizes the
transmission shifting for towing, as well as maxi -
mizing straight line traction by optimizing drive -
line settings on AWD system. Use this mode for
towing/hauling. Vehicle suspension will go to
SPORT mode. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is
always enabled in all drive modes provided that
the ESC OFF indicator light is not illuminated.
TSC is disabled when the ESC OFF lamp is illumi -
nated. This feature will reset to AUTO upon an
ignition cycle.
SNOW – Tuning set for additional stability in
inclement weather. Use on and off-road on
loose traction surfaces such as snow. This
feature will reset to AUTO upon an ignition cycle.
1 — TRACK
2 — SPORT
3 — TOW
4 — SNOW

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144STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or equip
-
ment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire And Loading Infor -
mation placard for the maximum combined weight
of occupants and cargo for your vehicle
Ú page 290.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of the new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in Scheduled
Servicing Ú
page 255. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that
a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading
can cause a loss of control, poor performance
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure
or tires.
CAUTION!
Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK (P). For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL (N). Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
WARNING!

22_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 144

STARTING AND OPERATING149
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow appli -
cable state and provincial laws. Contact state
and provincial Highway Safety offices for addi -
tional details.
A flat tow electric power steering enable kit is
available for increased flat tow performance,
contact an authorized dealer for further details.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
R
EAR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,
following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
4. Turn the ignition OFF.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The
Ground Rear-Wheel
Drive Models All-Wheel Drive Models With Single-Speed
Transfer Case All-Wheel Drive Models With Two-Speed
Transfer Case
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
See Instructions:
Transmission In PARK
Transfer Case In N (Neutral)
Tow In Forward Direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK OK4

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150STARTING AND OPERATING
5. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s
instructions.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — ALL-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS (SINGLE-SPEED
T
RANSFER CASE)
Recreational towing is not allowed. These models
do not have a N (Neutral) position in the transfer
case.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle
trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — ALL-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS (TWO-SPEED TRANSFER
C
ASE)
The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral)
and the transmission must be in PARK for
recreational towing. The N (Neutral) selection
button is adjacent to the transfer case selector
switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case N
(Neutral) can take place with the selector switch in
any position. There is a Mopar® Flat Tow Harness
kit available to enable the Electronic Power
Steering (EPS) while flat towing the vehicle, to
provide more front axle stability. See an authorized
dealer for more information and installation.
NOTE:If the Mopar® Flat Tow Harness kit is installed, the
EPS will use power from the battery to keep the
EPS powered during a flat tow. A battery charging
system is recommended so that the battery is not
depleted over a long trip.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any AWD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Tow with all
four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the
ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
The transmission must be in PARK for recre -
ational towing.
Before recreational towing, be certain that the
transfer case is fully in N (Neutral)
Ú page 151. Otherwise, internal damage will
result.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will
be damaged.

22_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 150

STARTING AND OPERATING151
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level
ground, with the engine running.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 3 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button, and must continue to be met until
the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the N (Neutral) button or are no
longer met during the shift, the N (Neutral)
indicator light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the N
(Neutral) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
4. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(Neutral) button (located by the selector
switch) for four seconds. The light behind the N
symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress.
The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when
the shift to N (Neutral) is complete. A “FOUR
WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message
will appear in the instrument cluster.
N (Neutral) Button

5. After the shift is completed and the N (Neutral) light stays on, release the N (Neutral) button.
6. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE.
7. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
8. Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission back into NEUTRAL.
9. Firmly apply the parking brake.
10. With the transmission and transfer case in NEUTRAL, push and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button until the engine turns off.
11. Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release the brake pedal.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position without first fully
engaging the parking brake. The transfer case N
(Neutral) position disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts 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.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain
that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.
4

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152STARTING AND OPERATING
12. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (without pressing the brake pedal) to turn the
ignition to the OFF mode.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N (Neutral)
button, and must continue to be met until
the shift has been completed. If any of
these requirements are not met before
pushing the N (Neutral) button or are no
longer met during the shift, the N (Neutral)
indicator light will flash continuously until all
requirements are met or until the N
(Neutral) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
is not in the ON/RUN mode, the shift will not
take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not
been met.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(Neutral) button (located by the selector
switch) for one second.
N (Neutral) Button

7. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release the N (Neutral) button.
8. After the N (Neutral) button has been released, the transfer case will shift to the position
indicated by the selector switch.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK and turn the engine off.
10. Release the brake pedal.
11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
12. Start the engine.
13. Press and hold the brake pedal.
14. Release the parking brake.
15. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that the
vehicle operates normally.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
transmission is shifted into PARK with the
transfer case in N (Neutral) and the engine
running. With the transfer case in N (Neutral)
ensure that the engine is OFF before shifting the
transmission into PARK.

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154STARTING AND OPERATING
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 inches (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 inches (51 cm), and reduce speed
appropriately to minimize wave effects. Maximum
speed in 20 inches (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 ensure the
fluids have not been contaminated. 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 AWD Low if necessary Ú page 109. Only
shift into a lower gear 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 AWD
Low. Use FIRST gear and AWD 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 the speed. If the brakes
are required to control vehicle speed, apply them
lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires. Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill;
always drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest
of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain
forward motion by turning the front wheels slowly.
This may provide a fresh “bite” into the surface and
will usually provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear, and the
transfer case into AWD Low. Let the vehicle go
slowly down the hill with all four wheels turning
against engine compression drag. This will permit
you to control the vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by
downshifting the transmission whenever possible.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may
result in tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always
back carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE
gear. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using
only the brake.

22_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154