2023 DODGE DURANGO transmission fluid

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.

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112STARTING AND OPERATING
GUIDELINES FOR TRACK USE
NOTE:The standard Black Brembo Brake Pads are not
recommended for track use. Only the Red Brembo
Performance SRT brake pads are appropriate for
track use.
If your vehicle is equipped with Drive Modes,
they will alter the vehicle’s performance in
various driving situations. It is recommended
that your vehicle operates in SPORT or TRACK
modes during the track event.
Prior to each track event, verify all fluids are at
the correct levels.
Prior to each track event, verify the front and
rear brake pads have more than half pad thick -
ness remaining. If the brake pads require
changing, complete a brake burnish procedure
prior to track outing at full pace.
NOTE:Use of DOT 4 brake fluid is suggested for extended
track usage due to increased thermal capacity.
At the conclusion of each track event, it is
recommended that a brake bleed procedure is
performed to maintain the pedal feel and stop -
ping capability of your Brembo High Perfor -
mance brake system.
It is recommended that each track outing
should end with a minimum of one cooldown lap
using minimal braking.
It is recommended to check oil temperature
after each track session. If the oil is still above
225°F (107°C), do another cooldown lap if
possible, or keep the engine running and let idle
until below 225°F (107°C), in order to prevent
heat soaking of the engine. Ensure temperature
is reducing and do not leave vehicle gauges
unattended while idling just after a track
session.
It is recommended that the suspension system,
brake system, prop shaft, and half shaft boots
be checked for wear or damage after every track
event.
Track usage results in increased operating
temperatures of the engine, transmission, drive -
line and brake system. This may affect Noise
Vibration Harshness (NVH) countermeasures
designed into your vehicle. New components
may need to be installed to return the system to
the original NVH performance.
Tire pressure:
Recommended tire pressure of 33 psi
(230 kPa) when tires are cold, or below
42 psi (290 kPa) when hot.
NOTE:It is recommended that you target below 42 psi
(290 kPa) when tires are hot at the conclusion of
each track session. Starting at 33 psi (230 kPa)
cold and adjusting based on ambient and track
conditions is recommended. Tire pressure can be
monitored via the instrument cluster display and
can assist with adjustments.
Track burnishing your brakes
To avoid “green lining fade” during track use, the
brake pads and rotors must have a thermal
burnish for factory-installed components or when
new brake friction components are installed:

1. Use one track session to burnish brakes by driving at 75% speed. Brake at approximately
0.60 - 0.80g max without Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) intervention.

2. Complete one lap in this manner until you start smelling the brakes. Continue for another half
lap at speed, then complete a two lap
cooldown with minimal brake applications.
Ensure the brakes are not smoking. If they are,
complete another cooldown lap.
3. Getting the brakes to smoke is an indication that the brakes have overheated and may
negatively affect future track usage.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 112

150STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
DRIVING TIPS
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteristics give
them a higher center of gravity than conventional
passenger cars. An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a
better view of the road, allowing you to anticipate
problems. They are not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as conventional passenger cars
any more than sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily in off-road conditions. Avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles
of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
When To Use 4WD Low — If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD Low for
additional traction. This range should be limited to
extreme situations such as deep snow, mud, or
sand where additional low speed pulling power is
needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph
(40 km/h) should be avoided when in 4WD Low.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that
must be considered before entering the water.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
If you must drive through water, try to determine
the depth and the bottom condition (and location
of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with
caution and maintain a steady controlled speed
less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to
minimize wave effects.
WARNING!
Do not drive in 4WD Low on dry pavement;
driveline damage may result. 4WD Low locks
front and rear drivelines together and does not
allow for differential action between the front to
rear driveshafts. Driving in 4WD Low on
pavement will cause driveline binding; use only
on wet or slippery surfaces.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering as a precaution, and check all
fluids afterward. Driving through water may
cause damage not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

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STARTING AND OPERATING151
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 108. 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.
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.4

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE269
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore, do
not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required; therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit an authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid
to ensure optimum transmission performance and
life. Use only the manufacturer's specified
transmission fluid Úpage 307. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; only the approved lubricant should be
used.
FRONT/REAR AXLE FLUID
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are
not required. When the vehicle is serviced for other
reasons the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly
should be inspected. If gear oil leakage is
suspected inspect the fluid level.
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be no lower than
1/8 inch (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole.
The front axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder Ú page 307.
CAUTION!
Do not overtighten the plugs as it could damage
them and cause them to leak.
8

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS307
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile
(240,000 km) Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) meeting the
requirements of the manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
Engine Oil – 3.6L & 5.7L Engine
We recommend using Mopar® SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil which
meets the requirements of the manufacturer Material Standard MS-6395.
Equivalent full synthetic SAE 0W-20 engine oil can be used but must have the
API Starburst trademark Ú
page 256.
Fuel Selection – 3.6L Engine 87 Octane (R+M)/2 Method , 0-15% Ethanol (Do not use E-85).
Fuel Selection – 5.7L Engine 89 Octane Recommended - 87 Octane Acceptable (R+M)/2 Method, 0-15%
Ethanol (Do not use E-85).
Component
Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only Mopar® ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
Transfer Case We recommend using Mopar® ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) – Without Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
(ELSD) We recommend using Mopar® GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85.
Axle Differential (Rear) – With Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) We recommend using Mopar® GL-5 Synthetic Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85
with integrated friction modifier.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend using Mopar® DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703.
9

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313
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes......................................... 302Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control).................................... 115, 117Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 266Adding Fuel.................................................... 135Additives, Fuel............................................... 304AdjustDown........................................................... 34Forward....................................................... 34Rearward..................................................... 34Up................................................................ 34Air BagAir Bag Operation...................................... 201Air Bag Warning Light...................... 199, 201Driver Knee Air Bag................................... 205Enhanced Accident Response......... 209, 248Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 248Front Air Bag............................................. 201If Deployment Occurs................................ 208Knee Impact Bolsters................................ 205Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 210Maintenance............................................. 210Redundant Air Bag Warning Light.............200Side Air Bags............................................. 206Transporting Pets...................................... 225
Air Bag Light.................................. 88, 199, 226
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)... 257
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................ 258Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 258, 259Air Conditioner System................................. 258Air ConditioningRear............................................................. 58Air Conditioning Filter.................... 60, 257, 259Air Conditioning System................................... 59Air Conditioning, Operating Tips....................... 60Air Filter........................................................ 257Air PressureTires......................................................... 289AlarmArm The System................................... 20, 21Disarm The System..................................... 20Rearm The System...................................... 21Security Alarm............................................. 91Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20All Wheel Drive (AWD)................................... 108Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 9Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 266, 306Disposal................................................... 267Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 177
Anti-Lock Warning Light...................................91Assist, Hill Start............................................. 181Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 153Auto Down Power Windows..............................69Automatic Headlights.......................................47Automatic High Beams.....................................47Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..............59Automatic Transmission......................... 98, 104Adding Fluid.............................................. 269Fluid And Filter Change............................. 269Fluid Change............................................. 269Fluid Level Check...................................... 269Fluid Type........................................ 269, 307Special Additives...................................... 269Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode... 107Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 183Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........65Auxiliary Power Outlet......................................65Axle Fluid....................................................... 307
B
Battery................................................... 89, 255Charging System Light.................................89Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................14Battery Saver Feature......................................49Belts, Seat.................................................... 226
11

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314 Blind Spot Monitoring
.................................... 183Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 261B-Pillar Location............................................. 286Brake Assist System...................................... 178Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 178Brake Fluid.......................................... 268, 307Brake System...................................... 268, 302Anti-Lock (ABS).......................................... 302Fluid Check............................................... 268Master Cylinder......................................... 268Parking...................................................... 102Warning Light.............................................. 88Brake/Transmission Interlock....................... 104Bulb Replacement............................... 278, 280Bulbs, Light.................................................... 227
C
Camera, Rear................................................ 134Capacities, Fluid............................................ 306Caps, Filler Oil (Engine)................................................ 253Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 267Car Washes................................................... 299Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 228Cargo Area Cover............................................. 73Cargo Compartment........................................ 73Light............................................................ 73Luggage Carrier........................................... 74Cargo Light...................................................... 73Cargo Tie-Downs.............................................. 74
Cellular Phone.............................................. 176Center High Mounted Stop Light................... 280Certification Label......................................... 136Chains, Tire................................................... 296Chart, Tire Sizing........................................... 282Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............................ 96Checking Your Vehicle For Safety................. 225Checks, Safety.............................................. 225Child Restraint.............................................. 210Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 213Child Seat Installation.............................. 222How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt.... 220Infant And Child Restraints....................... 212Locating The LATCH Anchorages.............. 217Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children.. 214Older Children And Child Restraints......... 212Seating Positions...................................... 214Child Safety Locks........................................... 25Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 304CleaningWheels..................................................... 295Climate Control................................................ 53Automatic.................................................... 53Cold Weather Operation............................... 101Compact Spare Tire...................................... 293Contract, Service.......................................... 310Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 267
Cooling System............................................. 265Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 266Cooling Capacity....................................... 306Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 267Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 266Inspection................................................. 266Points To Remember................................ 267Pressure Cap............................................ 267Radiator Cap............................................. 267Selection Of Coolant(Antifreeze)......................... 266, 306, 307Corrosion Protection..................................... 299Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 115, 117Cruise Light............................................... 94, 95Customer Assistance.................................... 308Cybersecurity................................................ 153
D
Daytime Running Lights...................................46Defroster, Windshield................................... 226De-Icer, Remote Start......................................20Diagnostic System, Onboard............................96DipsticksOil (Engine)............................................... 255Disabled Vehicle Towing............................... 246DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 267Door Ajar...................................................89, 90Door Ajar Light..........................................89, 90

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