Dodge Magnum SRT (2008 year). Manual

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

The HAZARD switch is located in the switch bank
near the top center of the instrument panel. De-
press the switch to activate the flashers. When

activated, all directional turn signals will flash on and off
to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the
switch a second time to turn off the flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
hazard warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is in the LOCK position.

NOTE:

With extended use, the hazard earning flashers

may wear down your battery.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.

• On the highways — Slow down.
• In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down

an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor, and
the Fan control to HI. This allows the heater core to act as
a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.

364

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.

WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.

TIREFIT TIRE REPAIR
Small punctures, particularly those in the tread, can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

365

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to repair a tire on the side of the vehicle close

to traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit when operating the jack or repairing a tire.

• Cuts or punctures larger than approximately 0.16 in. (4 mm),

tire damage caused by driving with extremely low tire pres-
sure or on a flat tire, or a damaged wheel can pose a hazard
while driving. TIREFIT should not be used in such circum-
stances. Do not drive the vehicle under such circumstances.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer for assistance.

• Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to come in

contact with hair, eyes or clothing. TIREFIT is harmful if
inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin: It causes
skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Any contact with eyes or
skin should be flushed immediately with plenty of water. If
clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT, change clothing as
soon as possible.

• In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician imme-

diately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children. If swallowed,
rinse mouth immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting! Consult a physician
immediately.

• Keep away from open flame or heat source.

Sealing tire with TIREFIT

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

1. Move the transmission shift lever to the PARK posi-
tion, turn off the engine, and set the parking brake.

2. Open the hinged cover in the load floor in the cargo
area and remove the TIREFIT kit from its storage bin.
Close the load floor cover.

3. Pull the power plug (2) and the TIREFIT sealant hose
(6) out from the TIREFIT kit.

4. Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated
tire.

5. Screw the fitting at the end of TIREFIT sealant hose (6)
coming from the sealant bottle (5) onto the tire valve.

6. Insert the power plug (2) into the power point on the
instrument panel.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

367

7. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.

8. Press the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON). The air
pump should start to inflate the tire and the tire sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the sealant bottle (5) through
the TIREFIT sealant hose (6) and into the tire.

9. Allow the air pump to run for five minutes and then
read the pressure gauge (4). If the tire inflates to 26 psi
(1.8 bar) or greater, proceed to Step 19 of this procedure.
If not, proceed to the following step.

10. Press the AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF). Then,
disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and place it
back in the vehicle.

11. Release the parking brake and drive the vehicle back
and forth approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) to distribute the
sealant more evenly within the tire.

12. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

13. Move the shift lever to the PARK position, turn off
the engine, and set the parking brake.

14. Disconnect the air pump hose (1) from the underside
of the sealant bottle (5) by flipping the hose valve open.

15. Connect the air pump hose valve to the tire valve and
flip the hose valve closed.

16. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.

17. Press the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON). The air
pump should inflate the tire to at least 26 psi (1.8 bar)
within five minutes. If the tire inflates to this level,
proceed to the following step. NOTE: If a tire pressure of
26 psi (1.8 bar) is not obtained within five minutes, the
tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to drive the
vehicle further. Call for assistance.

368

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

18. With a tire pressure of no less than 26 psi (1.8 bar)
press the AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF) and turn off the
engine. Then, disconnect the TIREFIT system from the
tire and place it back in the vehicle.

19. Release the parking brake and drive the vehicle for
approximately 10 minutes to ensure optimum distribu-
tion of the tire sealant within the tire.

20. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

21. Move the shift lever to the PARK position, turn off
the engine, and set the parking brake.

22. Disconnect the air pump hose (1) from the underside
of the sealant bottle (5) by flipping the hose valve open.

23. Connect the air pump hose valve to the tire valve and
flip the hose valve closed.

24. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the pressure
gauge (4). If the pressure is 19 psi (1.3 bar) or greater,

proceed to the following step. NOTE: If the pressure is
less than 19 psi (1.3 bar), the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further. Call for
assistance.

25. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.

26. Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar by pressing
the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON) and watching the
pressure gauge. When the tire pressure is set to the
pressure indicated on the tire pressure label, press the
AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF) and turn off the engine.

27. Disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and
reinstall the valve cap.

28. Open the hinged access cover in the load floor in the
cargo area and place the sealant kit back in its storage bin.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

369

Close the load floor cover. Replace the sealant bottle at
your nearest authorized MOPAR

威 parts dealership.

29. Have the tire inspected at the earliest opportunity at
an authorized dealer or tire service center.

NOTE:

• If a pressure of at least 19 psi (1.3 bar) cannot be

maintained in the tire, the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further. Call for
assistance.

• Do not operate the electric air pump for more than

eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump may
be used again once it has cooled down.

• Replace the TIREFIT sealant bottle (5) once every four

years to assure optimum operation of the system.

• If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp cloth will

remove the material from the vehicle or tire and wheel
components. Once TIREFIT sealing material has dried,
it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.

• Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until the tire has

been inspected.

370

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES

WARNING!

• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised.

It can start anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the
fan.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles

equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle
has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid to

contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with large quantities
of water.

• A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.

Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.

• Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output

that exceeds 12 Volts.

• The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should not be discon-

nected and should only be replaced with a battery of the same type
(vented).

NOTE:

The battery is stored under a hinged access

cover in the load floor in the cargo area. Remote battery
terminals are located in the engine compartment for
jump-starting.

1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.

2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
do not allow the vehicles to touch one another.

WARNING!

Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

371

3. Set the parking brake, place the automatic transmis-
sion in PARK, and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position on both vehicles.

4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.

5. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the remote
jump-start positive battery post (+) in the engine com-
partment. Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the booster battery. Refer to the
following illustration for jump-starting connections.

6. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine ground (-)
of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Make sure

you have a good contact on the engine ground. Refer to
the following illustration for jump-starting connections.

Jump-Starting

372

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

• You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing

or towing.

• Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the

discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.

• During cold weather when temperatures are be-

low the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought above the
freezing point before attempting jump-start.

7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery. Let the engine idle a few minutes. Then, start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

NOTE:

Refer to

⬙Synchronizing ESP⬙ under ⬙Electronic

Stability Program

⬙ in Section 5 if the ESP/BAS light (in

the instrument cluster) remains on continuously after
starting the engine of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.

8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.

WARNING!

Any procedure other than above could result in:
• Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out

the battery vent

• Personal injury or property damage due to battery

explosion

• Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or

of immobilized vehicle

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

373

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and DRIVE. Usually, the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.

NOTE:

Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program,” or “Traction Control” in Section 5.

CAUTION!

• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-

tween “1st” and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.

• Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast

may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).

374

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 35
mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck, and don’t let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flat-bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the following
limitations

With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance
to be traveled must not exceed 30 mi (48 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transmission
geartrain failure. If the transmission is not operative or if
the vehicle is to be towed more than 30 mi (48 km), the
vehicle must be transported using a flat-bed truck.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

375

CAUTION!

• Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front

with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.

• If the transmission is not operative or if the

vehicle is to be towed more than 30 mi (48 km),
then the only approved method of towing is with
a flat-bed truck. Damage to the transmission may
result.

• Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to

the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.

• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another

vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transmission
remains in NEUTRAL.

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
The manufacturer does not recommend that you tow this
vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.

376

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 6.1L Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . . . . 381

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
䡵 Authorized Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 387
▫ Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
▫ Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
▫ Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
▫ A/C Air Filter — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
▫ Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints . . . . . . 394
▫ Steering Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
▫ Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
▫ Windshield Washers/Rear Window Washer . . . 396
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 402
▫ Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . 407

▫ Appearance Care And Protection

From Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

▫ Cleaning The Center Console Cupholders . . . . 412

䡵 Fuses (Power Distribution Centers) . . . . . . . . . . 413

▫ Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) . . . . . 413
▫ Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center) . . . . . . 415

䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
䡵 Replacement Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

▫ Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight, And

Park/Turn Light — Models With Halogen
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

▫ Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight, And

Park/Turn Light — Models With High Intensity
Discharge Headlights (HID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423

378

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Tail/Stop, Turn Signal Light, And

Backup Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

▫ License Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

䡵 Fluids And Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429

䡵 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . 430

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

379

Dodge Magnum SRT (2008 year). Manual - part 23