Dodge Durango 2015, Operating Information Manual

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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 LOW if necessary. Refer to “All-Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information. Do not shift to a lower gear
than necessary 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 skid-
ding 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 transmis-
sion to a lower gear and shift the transfer case
to LOW. Use first gear and 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 compres-
sion braking of the engine to help regulate your
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.
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 LOW range. 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.
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