Hill climbing – Dodge 2015 Durango - Owner Manual User Manual

Page 453

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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 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 compression 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 care-
fully 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.

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