Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.

2. Trip Odometer Button

Base Cluster
The word

9TRIP9 will appear when this button is pressed.

Push in and hold the button for two seconds when the
trip odometer displays to reset it to 0 miles (kilometers).
A second press of the button will display the outside
temperature in the odometer.

Premium Cluster

Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of two trip odometer settings. The letter “A” or “B”
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and

hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles (kilometers). The odometer must be in trip
mode to reset it.

3. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.

4. Electronic Speed Control Indicator Light — If
Equipped

This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. (See page 136 for more
information.)

5. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the
red area.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

6. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should turn on when the

ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices (i.e. radio), or slightly increase engine
speed (if at idle). If the light remains on, it means that the
charging system is experiencing a problem. See your
local authorized dealer to obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY.

7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light

This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control system.

If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the gear selector in park, and cycle the ignition key.
The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the
engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable.
However, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.

If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.

Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting.

8. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.

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175

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H,” 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, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.

9. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.

NOTE:

A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is

driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.

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NOTE:

Check for a defective outside light bulb if either

indicator flashes at a rapid rate. (See page 128 for more
information.)

10. Airbag Warning Light

This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,

then have the system inspected at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 63 for more information.)

11. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature

is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned off imme-
diately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page 361 for
more information.)

12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light — If Equipped

If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and

do not switch off the ESP. (See page 296 for more
information.) (See page 299 for more information.)

13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light — If
Equipped

The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the key in the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. The light
should go out with the engine running. The

system will turn this light on continuously while the
engine running if it detects a malfunction in either the
ESP or the BAS or both. (See page 299 for more informa-
tion.)

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177

14. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is

started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 391 for more information.)

15. High Beam Light

This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the Multi-Function lever

away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 127 for more information.)

16. Seat Belt Reminder Light

This light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
A chime will sound if the driver’s seat belt is

unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt Warning
Light will flash or remain on continuously if the driver’s
seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check or when
driving. (See page 49 for more information.)

17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.

18. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 127 for more information.)

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows individual trip
mileage. Refer to “Trip Odometer Button” for additional
information.

NOTE:

U.S. federal regulations require upon transfer of

vehicle ownership, the seller certify the mileage the
vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer
reading is changed because of repair or replacement, be
sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the
service so that the correct mileage can be determined.

On vehicles equipped with a Premium Instrument Clus-
ter, this display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (See page 185 for more information.)

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odom-
eter reset button to turn off the message. If the problem
continues, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started.

A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
(See page 387 for more information.)

Change Oil Message (Base Cluster)

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Change Oil” message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the

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179

next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset
the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) perform the following proce-
dure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

NOTE:

If the indicator message illuminates when you

start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.

20. Brake System Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that

the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity to a portion of the hydraulic system in the event of a
failure. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops
below a specified level.

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:

The light may flash momentarily during sharp

cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.

Immediate repair is necessary if brake failure is indicated.

WARNING!

Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light will

turn on in the event of an EBD failure. Immediate repair
of the ABS system is required in the event of an EBD
failure.

The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should turn on for approxi-
mately two seconds and then turn off. The light will
remain on if the parking brake is applied or if a brake
fault is detected. If the parking brake is not applied and
the light remains on, or if the light does not turn on, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

NOTE:

The light will turn on when the ignition switch

in the ON position and the parking brake is applied. This
light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does
not show the degree of brake application. (See page 292
for more information.)

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181

21. Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
The VSA indicator Light flashes rapidly when the VSA is
arming, and slowly when the VSA is armed. (See page 18
for more information.)

22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light — If
Equipped

Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle

placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires are significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly. (See page 322 for more
information.)

CAUTION!

The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

23. Anti-Lock Brake Light — If Equipped

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn on when the ignition switch is

turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.

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183

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 293 for
more information.)

24. Low Fuel Indicator Light

This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. (See
page 336 for more information.)

25. Malfunction Indicator Light

This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD. The OBD system monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems. The

light will turn on when the key is in the ON position
before engine start. If the light does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.

The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 387 for more information.)

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) – IF EQUIPPED

The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located in the
instrument cluster below the speedometer. Vehicles

equipped with steering wheel mounted buttons (de-
scribed in this section) are also equipped with the EVIC.
The EVIC consists of the following:

• System Status
• Vehicle information warning message displays
• Personal Settings (customer programmable features)
• Compass display
• Outside temperature display
• Trip computer functions
• UConnect™ hands-free communication system dis-

plays (if equipped)

• Navigation system screens (if equipped)
• Audio mode display

Electronic Vehicle Information Center

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185

The system allows the driver to select information by
pressing the following buttons mounted on the steering
wheel:

Press and release the MENU button and the
mode displayed will change between Trip
Functions, Navigation (if equipped), System
Status, Personal Settings, and Telephone (if
equipped).
Press the FUNCTION SELECT button to accept
a selection. The FUNCTION SELECT button
also functions as a remote sound system con-
trol. For details, refer to “Remote Sound Sys-
tem Controls” in this section.

Press the SCROLL button to scroll through Trip
Functions, Navigation (if equipped), System
Status Messages, and Personal Settings (Cus-
tomer Programmable Features). The SCROLL
button also functions as a remote sound system
control. For details, refer to “Remote Sound
System Controls” in this section.

Press the AUDIO MODE button to select the
Compass/Temp/Audio screen. Along with
compass reading and outside temperature, this
screen will display radio and media mode
information depending on which radio is in the
vehicle. For details, refer to “Remote Sound
System Controls” in this section.

MENU

Button

FUNC-

TION

SELECT

Button

SCROLL

Button

AUDIO

MODE

Button

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Displays

When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages:

• Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime if

the vehicle is driven more than 1 mile [1.6 km] with
either turn signal on)

• Left Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
• Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
• Right Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single

chime)

• Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
• RKE Battery Low (with a single chime)
• Personal Settings Not Available – Vehicle Not in Park

• Left/Right Front Door Ajar (one or more, with a single

chime if speed is above 1 mph [1.6 km])

• Left/Right Rear Door Ajar (one or more, with a single

chime if speed is above 1 mph [1.6 km])

• Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime if vehicle is in

motion)

• Trunk Ajar (with a single chime)
• Low Washer Fluid (with a single chime)
• Channel # Transmit
• Channel # Training
• Channel # Trained
• Clearing Channels
• Channels Cleared
• Did Not Train

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187

Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Manual - part 11