Dodge Magnum SRT (2008 year). Manual

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System), the
TCS (Traction Control System), the BAS (Brake Assist
System), and the ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
These systems work together to enhance both vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions.

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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions by controlling hydrau-
lic brake pressure. This prevents wheel lock-up to help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking. For
more information about ABS, refer to “Anti-Lock Brake
System” in Section 5.

WARNING!

The ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the ve-
hicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.

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301

TCS (Traction Control System)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
driven wheel. If wheel spin is detected, brake pressure is
applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine power is
reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.

BAS (Brake Assist System)
This system complements the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) by optimizing the vehicle braking capability dur-
ing emergency braking maneuvers. This system detects
an emergency braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies optimum
pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce braking
distances.

Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS
assistance. To receive the benefits of this system, you
must apply continuous brake pedal pressure during the

stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.

WARNING!

The BAS (Brake Assist System) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The BAS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

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ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.

The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.

• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than

appropriate for the steering wheel position.

• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than

appropriate for the steering wheel position.

The

⬙ESP/TCS Indicator Light,⬙ located in the

instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The

⬙ESP/TCS Indicator Light⬙ also

flashes when TCS is active. If the

⬙ESP/TCS Indicator

Light

⬙ begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the

accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.

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303

WARNING!

The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The ESP system has 3 available operating modes:

ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESP. Whenever
the vehicle is started, the ESP system will be in this mode.

This mode should be used for most all driving situations.
The ESP should only be turned off for specific reasons as
noted in the following paragraphs.

Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times when a
more spirited driving experience is desired. It is also
intended for driving in deep snow, sand, or gravel. This
mode disables the TCS portion of the ESP and raises the
threshold for ESP activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than what ESP normally allows.

The “ESP OFF” button is located in the switch
bank near the top center of the instrument
panel. To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momen-
tarily depress the “ESP OFF” button and the

⬙ESP/TCS Indicator Light⬙ will illuminate. To turn the
ESP ON again, momentarily depress the

⬙ESP OFF⬙

button and the

⬙ESP/TCS Indicator Light⬙ will turn off.

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NOTE:

To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving

with snow chains, or when starting-off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the “ESP
OFF” button. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn the ESP ON again by momen-
tarily depressing the “ESP OFF” button. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.

Full Off
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
only and should not be used on any public roadways. In
this mode, all TCS and ESP stability features are turned
off. To enter the “Full Off” mode, depress and hold the
“ESP OFF” button for five seconds while the vehicle is
stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, a
chime will sound, the

⬙ESP/TCS Indicator Light⬙ will

illuminate, and the

⬙ESP OFF⬙ message will display in the

vehicle odometer. Press and release the TRIP ODOM-
ETER button located on the instrument cluster to clear

this message. The “ESP OFF” message may appear in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec-
tion 4. To turn ESP ON again, momentarily depress the

⬙ESP OFF Button.⬙

NOTE:

The

⬙ESP OFF,⬙ or “ESP System Deactivated”

message will display and the audible chime will sound
when the gear selector is moved into the PARK position
from any position other than PARK and then moved out
of the PARK position. This will occur when the message
was previously cleared.

WARNING!

In the ESP Full Off mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are cancelled. Therefore,
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.

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305

NOTE:

When the ESP is switched off a feature of the

system remains active. This feature controls wheel spin
across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip differential.
If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other,
the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel
and allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. To improve the vehicle’s traction
when driving with tire chains, or when starting-off in
deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch
to the “Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the
“ESP OFF” button.

WARNING!

With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESP mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.

Synchronizing ESP

The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-

tor Light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS Malfunction

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Indicator Light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.

ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light

The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
“ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light” and
the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the

instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. They should go out
with the engine running.

The system will turn the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles
and you have driven the vehicle several miles (kilome-
ters) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the

ESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:

• ⬙The ⬙ESP/TCS Indicator Light⬙ and the ⬙ESP/BAS

Malfunction Indicator Light

⬙ will turn on momentarily

each time the ignition switch is turned ON.

• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System

will be on even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking

sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.

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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

NOTE:

• P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.

• European Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H

• LT (Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact

spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards, and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

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Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Size Designation:

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards

= Temporary spare tire

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

= Aspect ratio in percent (%).

—Ratio of section height to section width of tire

10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

= Construction code

—

⬙R⬙ means radial construction

—

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

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EXAMPLE:

Service Description:

= Load Index

—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

= Speed Symbol

—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding
to its load index under certain operating conditions
—The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved un-
der specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions,
and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire
Extra Load (XL)

= Extra load (or reinforced) tire

Light Load

= Light load tire

C,D,E

= Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load

— Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure

—

Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire

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Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire,
however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the
date code, located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it on the inboard
side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

—This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire

safety standards, and is approved for highway use

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

= Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD

= Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

—03 means the 3rd week.

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

—01 means the year 2001
—Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year

in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

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Tire Loading and Tire Pressure

Tire Placard Location

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed

on either the face of the driver’s door or the driver’s side
B-pillar.

Tire and Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about:
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can carry
3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.

Tire Placard Location

Tire And Loading Information Placard

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Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.

NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,

gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.

To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg”
on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

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4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295
kg) {(since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs (295
kg)}.

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this

manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE:

The following table shows examples on how to

calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capaci-
ties of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE:

For the following example, the combined weight

of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392
kg).

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Dodge Magnum SRT (2008 year). Manual - part 19