2009 Dodge Durango Owner Manual - Page 291

STARTING AND OPERATING 289 STARTING PROCEDURES Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts. Normal Starting The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes before shifting into any driving gear. NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal. Tip Start Feature Do not press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage automatically when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure. WARNING! • Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle. • Do not leave animals or children inside parked vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may cause serious injury or death. 5