2023 DODGE DURANGO Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING103
(Continued)
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
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!
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 indi -
cator 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!
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 ignition OFF. When the
ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, 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 chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended 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 transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 103

104STARTING AND OPERATING
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 position. 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 position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the
ignition is in the ACC position (even though the
engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission is
in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC
position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system 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 enable or
disable ECO mode. Or ECO mode can be enabled or
disabled through your Uconnect system.

ECO OFF Button
When the Fuel Economy (ECO) mode is enabled,
the vehicle control systems will change the
following:
The transmission will upshift sooner and down
-
shift later.
The overall driving performance will be more
conservative.
Some ECO mode functions may be temporarily
inhibited based on temperature and other
factors.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range is displayed both on
the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, push the lock button on the
gear selector and move the selector rearward or
forward. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the
engine must be running and the brake pedal must
be pressed. You must also press the brake pedal to
shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:
The transmission electronics are self-cali -
brating; 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 (kilome -
ters).
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.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 104

STARTING AND OPERATING105
In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission
gear (for example, driver selects PARK while
driving), the position indicator will blink continu -
ously until the selector is returned to the proper
position, or the requested shift can be
completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along
with environmental and road conditions.
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.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL
(AutoStick) shift positions. Manual shifts can be
made using the AutoStick shift control. Toggling
the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while
in the MANUAL (AutoStick) position (beside the
DRIVE position), or tapping the paddle shifters
(+/-) (if equipped) will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster Ú page 107.
Transmission Gear Selector

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 position). In
MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the transmission 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 press the accelerator pedal when shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler
-
ating. 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 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.
1 — Gear Selector
2 — Lock Button
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 105

106STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.
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.
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 to select a lower gear
Ú page 107. 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.
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.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
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.
For Recreational Towing Ú page 146.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 246.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 106

STARTING AND OPERATING107
Manual (M)
The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position) enables full manual control of
transmission shifting (also known as AutoStick
mode Ú page 107). Toggling the gear selector
forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL
(AutoStick) position will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal 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.
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 location (preferably, at an authorized
dealer):

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P), if possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N).
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
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission
cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is
required.
AutoStick — If Equipped
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving you
more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to
maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable
upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall
vehicle performance. This feature can also provide
you with more control during passing, city driving,
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selector
(in the MANUAL position), or the paddle shifters to
the MANUAL (M) position (beside the DRIVE (D)
position), or tap one of the paddle shifters on the
steering wheel. Tapping the (-) paddle shifter 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.
NOTE:The paddle shifters (if equipped) may be disabled
using the Uconnect Personal Settings.
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 107

108STARTING AND OPERATING
AutoStick mode has the following operational
benefits:
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 trans -
mission 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 pressed, 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 (+) paddle shifter until "D" is 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.
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle is equipped with a SPORT Mode
feature. The engine, transmission, and steering
systems are all set to their SPORT settings. SPORT
Mode will provide improved throttle response and
modified transmission shift points for an enhanced
driving experience, as well as greater amount of
steering feel. This mode may be activated and
deactivated by pushing the SPORT button on the
instrument panel switch bank.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
SINGLE-SPEED OPERATING
I
NSTRUCTIONS/PRECAUTIONS —
I
F EQUIPPED
This system contains a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time
All-Wheel Drive (AWD). 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
AWD LOW is recommended Ú page 150.
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.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 108

STARTING AND OPERATING109
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER
C
ASE — IF EQUIPPED
This is an electronically shifted transfer case and it
is operated by the AWD control switch, which is
located on the center console.

AWD Control Switch

This electronically shifted transfer case provides
three positions:
All-wheel drive auto range (AWD AUTO)
All-wheel drive low range (AWD LOW)
N (Neutral) When additional traction is required, the transfer
case AWD LOW position can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This
is accomplished by pushing the AWD LOW switch
Ú
page 110. The AWD LOW position is designed for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
AWD LOW 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 message
(AWD LOW) is located in the instrument cluster and
indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection Ú page 79. 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 Úpage 110.
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.
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.
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 109

110STARTING AND OPERATING
When operating your vehicle in AWD LOW, 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.
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the following:
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 146.
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.
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.
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.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 110