What are the paddles for on a Dodge Durango?

The paddles on a Dodge Durango are paddle shifters used to manually shift gears in the vehicle’s automatic transmission.

In practice, these small levers behind the steering wheel let you take control of upshifts and downshifts when the car is in a mode that allows manual shifting (often Sport or Manual mode). They are helpful for engine braking on downhill grades, when towing, or when you want more responsive performance without using a clutch pedal.

Where to find them

Most Durangos equipped with paddle shifters have two small paddles on the back of the steering wheel. The right paddle is typically used to upshift, and the left to downshift. If your model doesn't have them, it's likely not equipped with paddle shifters and relies on the gear selector for manual-like control.

How to use paddle shifters

Use the paddles only when the transmission is in a mode that allows manual shifting. The following steps describe the typical use on most Durangos that support it.

1. With the transmission in Drive (D), if your model supports it, switch to Sport or Manual mode to enable paddle shifting.


2. Pull the right paddle to upshift to the next higher gear.


3. Pull the left paddle to downshift to the next lower gear.


4. Watch the gear indicator in the instrument cluster to confirm the selected gear, and continue driving as desired.


5. To return to automatic shifting, either return the mode back to Drive/Auto or resume normal driving by releasing the paddles.

Note: Some Durango trims may require you to use the gear selector’s manual mode or may only offer paddles as part of a performance package. If you don’t see paddles, your vehicle may not be equipped with them.

In short, paddle shifters give you elemental manual control of gear selection when your Durango is in a mode that supports it, enhancing responsiveness and engine braking, but they're not present on every model.

Summary

Paddle shifters on a Dodge Durango are steering-wheel mounted controls that let you manually shift gears in an automatic transmission, typically used in Sport or Manual modes. They offer more control for performance, towing, or engine braking but may not be available on every trim or model year. If your Durango lacks paddles, you can still drive using the standard automatic shifting via the gear selector.

What do the paddles on my steering wheel do?

Paddles behind the steering wheel are for manually shifting gears in a car with an automatic transmission, giving the driver more control over performance. They allow for quicker gear changes, better control over the engine's powerband for situations like passing or cornering, and the ability to downshift for engine braking, which helps slow the car and can reduce brake wear. The left paddle typically shifts to a lower gear ("-") and the right paddle shifts to a higher gear ("+"), although some vehicles may use different designs.
 
This video demonstrates how to use paddle shifters: 59sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
Key functions and benefits:

• Increased control: Gives you more direct control over the transmission's gear selection, which is helpful for driving in performance situations, towing, or driving on hilly terrain. 
• Performance driving: Allows you to hold a lower gear longer to keep the engine in its powerband for acceleration or to prepare for a turn. 
• Engine braking: By downshifting, you can use the engine to help slow the vehicle, which is useful on long descents or in heavy rain to reduce brake use and wear. 
• Passing: You can quickly downshift a gear or two to have more power available for passing on the highway. 
• Convenience: The paddles are located where your hands naturally rest, allowing you to change gears without moving your hands from the steering wheel. 

This video explains what paddle shifters are and how they work: 59sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Jan 28, 2025
How to use them:

• Engage manual mode: First, switch the car's transmission into manual or "M" mode. This can often be done by pressing a paddle or shifting the gear selector to a specific setting. 
• Upshift: Pull the right paddle to shift into a higher gear. 
• Downshift: Pull the left paddle to shift into a lower gear. 
• Automatic operation: In some cars, paddles can be used temporarily. If you downshift in "Drive," the car will often automatically shift back to Drive after a short period or when you stop using the paddles. 

How to use paddle shifters on a Dodge Durango?

Mode. So there you have it now you know how simple it is to enable your paddle shifters. So make sure you help to keep this channel going by hitting that like button sharing this video with a friend.

What year to stay away from Dodge Durango?

You should generally stay away from the 1999-2000, 2004-2006, and 2011-2013 model years of the Dodge Durango due to common issues like suspension failures, electrical problems, and transmission issues. Specifically, the 1999 and 2000 models had frequent suspension and engine problems, while the 2011-2013 models are noted for electrical and transmission troubles. The 2004-2006 models experienced electrical issues that could cause fires, leading to recalls. 
First generation (1998-2003) 

• Years to avoid: 1999 and 2000 
• Common problems: Chronic suspension failures (ball joints, bushings, wheel bearings) and engine stalling. The 1999 model is often cited as one of the worst due to numerous complaints about the vehicle shutting down while driving. 
• Note: While the first generation has issues, the 2001-2003 models are considered better options for those who want an older, body-on-frame SUV. 

Second generation (2004-2009)

• Years to avoid: 2004, 2005, and 2006 
• Common problems: Electrical problems, particularly in 2004-2006, which led to cabins catching fire and resulted in recalls. Transmission issues were also reported in 2005. 

Third generation (2011-2023)

• Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, and 2013 
• Common problems: Electrical and transmission problems plagued the early years of this generation. 
  • 2011 and 2012: Experienced significant electrical issues, sometimes related to a TIMP (Transmission/Ignition Module/Processor) problem. 
  • 2014: While part of the later part of this generation, the 2014 model had issues with tail light water intrusion and airbag malfunctions. 

When should you use your paddle shifters?

Use paddle shifters for more control during spirited driving, like before a corner or when passing, and to manage speed in specific situations like descending hills or towing by downshifting for engine braking. You can also use upshifts for better fuel economy or to shift at a desired RPM to avoid the transmission "hunting" for gears.
 
This video explains how to use paddle shifters and provides tips for different driving situations: 58sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
During spirited or performance driving 

• Downshift before a corner: Select a lower gear to prepare for acceleration as you exit the curve. 
• Prepare for passing: Downshift to a lower gear to access more power for a quick acceleration to pass another vehicle. 
• Engage engine braking: Downshift on a straight road to slow the vehicle without using the brakes excessively, which can be useful when approaching a stop or a slowdown. 

For managing speed and load

• Going downhill: Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking to control your speed, reducing wear on your brakes and preventing them from overheating. 
• Towing: Use a lower gear to help the engine and transmission pull the vehicle uphill, and to prevent the transmission from constantly shifting ("hunting"). 
• Driving in heavy rain or snow: Use downshifts to have more control over the vehicle's speed. 

This video demonstrates how to use paddle shifters for engine braking and managing speed in different conditions: 55sDietrich's Car ChannelYouTube · Dec 3, 2024
For fuel efficiency and comfort

• Upshift for highway cruising: Shift to a higher gear manually to keep the engine RPMs lower for a smoother, quieter ride and better fuel efficiency on the highway. 
• Maintain optimal RPMs: Shift up when the RPMs get high to avoid unnecessary noise and fuel consumption. Conversely, you can downshift to keep the engine in its powerband when you need acceleration. 

Important considerations

• Listen to your engine: Pay attention to the engine's sound and the tachometer (RPM gauge). Shift up before the engine hits the redline, or when you want a lower RPM for cruising. 
• Use while in automatic mode: Many cars will temporarily use manual mode when you use the paddle shifters, even if you are in "D" (Drive). The transmission will often shift back to automatic after a period of inactivity. 
• Read your owner's manual: Paddle shifters can function differently depending on the vehicle. Some, like in certain electric vehicles, control regenerative braking instead of gears.