Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Manual

Automatic Temperature Control — If Equipped

Automatic Operation

The Infrared Dual-Zone Climate Control System auto-
matically maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle
at the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.
To accomplish this, the system gathers information from

the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.

The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take account of
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.

Automatic Temperature Controls

252

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operation of the system is quite simple. Begin by turning
the Mode Control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
the Blower Control knob (on the left) to either LO AUTO
or HI AUTO. The LO AUTO position should be used for
front seat occupants only. The HI AUTO position should
be used when more airflow is desired, or when rear seat
occupants are present. Then, dial in the temperature you
would like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger Temperature Control knob. Once the com-
fort level is selected, the system will maintain that level
automatically using the heating system. Should the de-
sired comfort level require air conditioning, the system
will automatically make the adjustment.

You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the OFF position on the fan control stops the system
completely and closes the outside air intake.

72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary.

NOTE:

The temperature setting can be adjusted at any

time without affecting automatic operation.

Air conditioning in this system is automatic.
Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button
while in AUTO mode will cause the LED in the

control button to flash three times and then turn off. This
indicates that the system is in AUTO mode and request-
ing the air conditioning is not necessary.

The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the Recirculation
Control button will temporarily put the system
in recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can

be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the LED in the control button to illumi-
nate. After ten minutes, the system will return to normal
AUTO mode function and the LED will turn off.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

253

NOTE:

• The surface of the climate control panel and the top

center of the instrument panel should be kept free of
debris due to the location of the climate control
sensors. Mud on the windshield may also cause poor
operation of this system.

• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows

to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in defrost or
defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the recircula-
tion while in these modes will cause the LED in the
control button to blink and then turn off.

Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features, which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic,
Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode Pre-
ferred Automatic. This means the operator can override
the blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.
The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the Blower Control knob (on the left).

NOTE:

Please read the Automatic Temperature Control

Operation Chart that follows for details.

254

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.

• Defrost

Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also

directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles.

• Defrost/Floor

Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air
is also directed to the front door windows

through the side window demister grilles.

• Floor

Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating

area through vents under the front seats.

• Bi-Level

Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and through the outlets located

on the floor. Air flows through the registers in the back
of the center console to the rear seat passengers. These
registers can be closed to block airflow.

• Panel

Air flows through the outlets located in the in-
strument panel. Air flows through the registers in

the back of the center console to the rear seat passen-
gers. These registers can be closed to block airflow.

• Air Conditioning Control

Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air
conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified

air will flow through the outlets selected with the
Mode control dial. Press this button a second time to

256

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.

NOTE:

To control the air conditioning manually, the

mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.

• Recirculation Control

This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button

illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.

NOTE:

Extended use of recirculation may cause the

windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured

interior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.

Operating Tips

NOTE:

Refer to the chart at the end of this section for

suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.

Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

257

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.

NOTE:

Recirculate without A/C should not be used for

long periods as fogging may occur.

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.

A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
Section 7 of this manual for filter replacement instruc-
tions.

258

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

REAR WINDOW FEATURES

Rear Wiper Operation

The rear wiper is operated by the rear wiper/
washer switch. The switch is located near the top

center of the instrument panel. An indicator in the switch
illuminates when the rear wiper is on.

To use the rear wiper, push the left side of the rear
wiper/washer switch in and release.

The rear wiper system is intermittent, and is not adjust-
able. The delay is approximately 8 to 9 seconds between
cycles.

CAUTION!

Turn the rear wiper off when driving through an
automatic car wash. Damage to the rear wiper may
result if the wiper switch is left in any position other
than OFF.

Rear Washer Operation

The rear washer is operated by the rear wiper/
washer switch. The switch is located near the top
center of the instrument panel.

Rear Wiper/Washer Switch

260

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To use the rear washer, push the right side of the rear
wiper/washer switch in and hold while spray is desired
(maximum spray of 10 seconds). The rear wiper operates
for 2 wipe cycles after the switch is released.

Adding Washer Fluid

The windshield washer and rear window washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.

The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gallon (4 liters) of
washer fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid”
appears in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

261

WARNING!

Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.

Electric Rear Window Defroster

The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to

turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately 5 minutes for the second
push of the button.

CAUTION!

To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.

Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.

262

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

m Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
▫ Normal Starting (Tip Start) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
▫ Extremely Cold Weather (Below 220°F Or

229°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

m Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 271
m Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

▫ Automatic Transmission — General

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 274
▫ 4 Speed Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 275
▫ 5 Speed Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 280

m AutoStickt — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

▫ AutoStickt Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

m All Wheel Drive — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
m Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

m Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289

m Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
m Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped . . . . . 293

m Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
m Multi Displacement System (MDS) — 5.7L Engine

Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

m Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped . . 296
m Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped . . . . . 298

m Electronic Stability Program (ESP) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

▫ Synchronizing ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
▫ ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And ESP/TCS

Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

m Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 306
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 307

m Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 315

264

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 315
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
▫ Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

m Self-Sealing Tires — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
m Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
m Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
m Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
m Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

▫ Base System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

▫ Premium System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 327
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

m Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332

▫ 2.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
▫ 3.5L And 5.7L Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

m Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

STARTING AND OPERATING

265

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . . 338

m Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . . . . . . . 339
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) . . . . . . . . . 340
▫ Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
▫ Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

m Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

m Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 357

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

266

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving

children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys 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 build up may
cause serious injury or death.

• Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key

from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever. Accidents can also
be caused by pressing the accelerator pedal. This
may cause excessive heat in the exhaust system,
resulting in overheating and vehicle fire, which may
cause serious or fatal injuries.

STARTING AND OPERATING

267

Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Manual - part 16