2023 DODGE DURANGO transmission

STARTING AND OPERATING141
(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 286.
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 249. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severely side to
side which will cause loss of control of the
vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier
in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
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.
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.
WARNING!
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING145

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you
can use the AutoStick shift control to manually
select a lower gear.
If equipped with Tow N Go, it is recommended to
place the vehicle in tow mode by pushing the TOW
button.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. This
action will also provide better engine braking.
AutoStick
When using the AutoStick shift control, select
the highest gear that allows for adequate perfor -
mance and avoids frequent downshifts. For
example, choose “5” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “4” or “3” if needed to
maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle
speed as necessary to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle
speed when grade and road conditions allow.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4

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146STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.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 ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOKOK

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STARTING AND OPERATING147
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.
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.
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 147

148STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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 148. 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.
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.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 148

STARTING AND OPERATING149

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.
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

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.
4

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 149

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.

23_WD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 150

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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