Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Manual

Engine/Transmission

Frontal Area

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Max. Tongue Wt.

3.5L All Wheel Drive
(AWD) & 5.7L Auto-
matic

32 SQ. FT. (2.97 square meters)

Up to 2 persons & Luggage

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

200 lbs (91 kg)

32 SQ. FT. (2.97 square meters)

Up to 3 persons & Luggage

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

200 lbs (91 kg)

32 SQ. FT. (2.97 square meters)

Up to 4 persons & Luggage

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

150 lbs (68 kg)

32 SQ. FT. (2.97 square meters)

Up to 5 persons & NO Lug-

gage 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

5.7L Automatic with
trailer tow package

40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters)

Up to 2 persons & Luggage

3,800 lbs (1724 kg)

380 lbs (172 kg)

40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters)

Up to 3 persons & Luggage

3,000 lbs (1361 kg)

300 lbs (136 kg)

40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters)

Up to 4 persons & Luggage

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

150 lbs (68 kg)

40 SQ. FT. (3.72 square meters)

Up to 5 persons & NO Lug-

gage 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

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NOTE:

The trailer tongue weight must be considered as

part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
it should never exceed the weight referenced on the “Tire
and Loading Information” placard. Refer to “Tire–Safety
Information” in this section.

Trailer and Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• The weight of the driver and all passengers.

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349

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information”
placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:

CAUTION!

• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805

km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.

• During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer

towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.

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WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:

Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and it will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.

• When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause
a loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.

• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.

When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block or

9chock9 the trailer wheels.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

3. GAWR

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351

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).

Towing Requirements — Tires

− Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

− Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
“Tires–General Information” in this section for infor-
mation on tire pressures and for proper tire inflation
procedures.

− Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation

pressures before trailer usage.

− Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires–General Infor-
mation” in this section for information on tread wear
indicators and for the proper inspection procedure.

− When replacing tires, refer to “Tires–General Informa-

tion” in this section for information on replacement
tires and for the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity
will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

− Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.

− An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically

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actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

− Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000

lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

WARNING!

Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.

Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

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353

The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7 pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles

wiring harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.

4 - Pin Connector

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Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.

Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.

If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transamission fluid and filter according to the
interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing” in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.

7 - Pin Connector

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355

Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

− Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

− When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

− Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Towing Tips — Autostick

t (If Equipped)

− For vehicles equipped with Autostick.

t By using the

Autostick

t modes, and selecting a specific gear range,

frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.

− Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to

prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:

− City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.

− Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

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− Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.

− Refer to “Cooling System” under “Maintenance Pro-

cedures” in Section 7 of this manual for more informa-
tion.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)

Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.

NOTE:

If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four

wheels are off the ground.

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357

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

m Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
m If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
m Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362

▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . 364
▫ Jacking And Changing a Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
▫ Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
▫ Wheel Cover Or Center Cap Installation

(If Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

m Jump-Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
m Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
m Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

With A Tow Dolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

The hazard flasher switch is located in the center of the
instrument panel below the center air outlets.

To engage the Hazard Warning Flashers, depress the
switch on the instrument panel. When the Hazard Warn-
ing Switch is activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emer-
gency. 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 OFF.

NOTE:

With extended use, the Hazard Warning Flash-

ers may wear down your battery.

Hazard Flasher Switch

360

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

“N” (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.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot 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,” turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

361

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, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the

vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.

• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.

The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start
or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If
you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.

• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing

tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

362

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Preparations For Jacking

1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or slippery
areas.

2. Set the parking brake and place the gear selector in
PARK.

3. Turn OFF the ignition.

4. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.

5. Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.

6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally
opposite the jacking position. For example, if changing
the right front tire, block the left rear wheel.

Hazard Flasher Switch

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

363

Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Manual - part 22