check engine light DODGE MAGNUM 2008 1.G User Guide

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªCheck Gascapº message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Ð if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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odometer 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).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct fluid type.
WARNING!
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
²Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
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²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 403
B-Pillar Location........................ 307
Brake Assist System...................... 298
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 298
Brake Fluid............................ 440
Brake, Parking.......................... 290
Brake System........................292,411
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 293
Fluid Check.......................413,440
Hoses.............................. 412
Master Cylinder....................... 413
Parking............................. 290
Warning Light.....................180,292
Brakes.............................292,411
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 274
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 129
Bulb Replacement.....................429,430
Bulbs, Light..........................79,429Calibration, Compass..................... 192
Capacities, Fluid........................ 436
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 336
Oil (Engine).......................393,394
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 408
Car Washes............................ 417
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............77,335
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 163
Cargo Management System................. 155
Cargo Organizer....................... 161
Rollaway Tonneau Cover................. 158
Tri-Fold Load Floor..................... 156
Waterproof Liner...................... 160
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 161
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................155,339
Catalytic Converter...................... 397
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............201,219
462 INDEX

Cellular Phone.....................89,219,221
Certification Label....................... 339
Chains, Tire............................ 320
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 362
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 304
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 388
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint..................66,67,68,71,73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............70,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 333
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 418
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 403
Climate Control......................... 249
Clock........................202,206,221,225
Coin Holder........................... 154Cold Weather Operation................... 269
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 248
Compact Spare Tire...................... 315
Compass.............................. 191
Compass Calibration..................... 192
Compass Variance....................... 192
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 188
Connector
UCI ................................ 242
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 242
Conserving Fuel........................ 188
Console, Floor.......................... 154
Console, Overhead....................... 139
Contract, Service........................ 452
Converter, Catalytic...................... 397
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 408
Cooling System......................... 405
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 407
Coolant Capacity...................... 436
INDEX 463
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Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 288
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 240
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 87
Electrical Power Outlets................... 150
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 298
Electronic Stability Program............... 299
Traction Control System................. 296
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 421
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 136
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 299
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 175
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 185
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 376
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 360
Jacking............................. 362Jump Starting......................... 373
Overheating.......................... 361
Towing............................. 377
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,442
Engine........................75,384,385,386
Air Cleaner.......................... 396
Block Heater......................... 271
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................391,392
Compartment...................384,385,386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................406,438
Cooling............................. 405
Exhaust Gas Caution................40,77,335
Fails to Start.......................... 270
Flooded, Starting...................... 270
Fuel Requirements..................... 332
Jump Starting......................... 373
Multi-Displacement..................... 296
Oil ...........................391,436,438
INDEX 465
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Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 414
Brake............................... 413
Cooling System....................... 406
Engine Oil........................391,392
Power Steering........................ 402
Transfer Case......................... 415
Fluids................................ 438
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 438
Fog Lights..........................127,178
Folding Rear Seat........................ 122
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 376
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 402
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 416
Fuel................................. 332
Adding............................. 336
Additives............................ 334
Clean Air............................ 333
Conserving.......................... 188Ethanol............................. 333
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 336
Filter............................... 396
Gasoline............................ 332
Gauge.............................. 174
Hoses.............................. 411
Materials Added....................... 334
Methanol............................ 333
Octane Rating......................332,438
Requirements......................... 332
Saver Mode.......................... 188
Specifications......................... 438
Tank Capacity........................ 436
Fuel System Caution..................... 337
Fueling............................... 336
Fuses................................ 421
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 140
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............336,387
INDEX 467
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Headlights On Reminder................. 127
Headlights On With Wipers............126,132
High Beam........................128,178
High Beam Indicator.................... 178
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 128
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................124,174
Intensity Control....................... 129
Interior..........................129,140
License............................. 435
Lights On Reminder.................... 127
Low Fuel............................ 184
LowTire ............................ 182
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 184
Map Reading......................128,140
Oil Pressure.......................... 178
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 130
Passing............................. 128
Reading..........................128,140Seat Belt Reminder..................... 178
Service...........................429,430
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 184
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........182,322
Traction Control....................... 301
Turn Signal...................79,127,128,176
Vanity Mirror.......................... 88
Voltage............................. 175
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 174
Load Leveling System.................... 165
Loading Vehicle......................339,341
Capacities........................... 341
Tires ............................... 307
Locks................................. 28
Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 30
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 28
Power Door........................... 30
INDEX 471
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Low Tire Pressure System.................. 322
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)..........................70,71
Lubrication, Body....................... 403
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 163
Lumbar Support........................ 119
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 398
Maintenance, General..................... 390
Maintenance Procedures................... 390
Maintenance Schedule.................... 442
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 149
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 184,388
Manual, Service......................... 454
Map/Reading Lights..................128,140
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 413
Methanol............................. 333
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 188
Mirrors................................ 85Automatic Dimming..................... 86
Electric Powered....................... 87
Electric Remote........................ 87
Exterior Folding........................ 87
Heated.............................. 88
Outside.............................. 86
Rearview............................. 85
Vanity............................... 88
Mode
Fuel Saver........................... 188
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 322
Mopar Parts.........................389,453
MP3 Player.........................201,219
MTBE/ETBE........................... 333
Multi-Displacement Engine System........... 296
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 127
Navigation Radio........................ 219
472 INDEX