check engine light DODGE MAGNUM 2006 1.G User Guide

CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle
“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
NOTE:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a“clicking”sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP”message will display in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—if equipped.
Refer to“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in Section 4 of this manual. Tighten the fuel filler capproperly and press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. Refer to
“Onboard Diagnostic System”in Section 7 of this manual
for more information.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

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.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule“B”in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
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 (If Equipped)

For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick 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.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Body Lubrication.....................302
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................303
▫Windshield Washers...................303
▫Exhaust System......................304
▫Cooling System.......................305
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......309
▫Brakes.............................310
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................311
▫Fuel System Hoses....................312
▫Automatic Transmission................312
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped.....313
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........314
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................314
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 317
Power Distribution Centers...............318
▫Front Power Distribution Center...........318
▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........321

Vehicle Storage........................325

Replacement Light Bulbs................325

Bulb Replacement......................326
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light..................326
▫Tail/Stop, Turn Signal Light, And Backup
Light..............................328
▫License Light........................330

Fluids And Capacities...................331

Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts.......332
▫Engine.............................332
▫Chassis............................333
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or
start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD
system isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M
station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
7

underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment and should be checked for fluid
level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with wind-
shield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and oper-
ate the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual
water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7

WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL”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 manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3
product or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to
FMVSS 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 311
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
338 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 219
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 306
Adding Fuel.......................... 250
Adding Washer Fluid.................103,303
Additives, Fuel........................ 248
Adjustable Pedals....................... 93
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 300
Air Conditioning....................... 187
Air Conditioning Filter................196,301
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 197
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 301
Air Conditioning System................. 187
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 232
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment....................41,42
Airbag Light....................42,49,59,142
Airbag Maintenance...................... 44
Airbag, Side........................... 44
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........38,44
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 24
Alignment and Balance.................. 238
All Wheel Drive (AWD)...............239,313
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 180
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............306,331
Disposal............................ 308
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 219
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 147
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 314
Auto Down Power Windows............... 28
Auto Up Power Windows................. 28
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights.................... 98
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 190
Automatic Transmission.........204,209,312,313
Adding Fluid.....................313,333
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 313
Fluid Change........................ 313
Fluid Level Check..................... 312
Fluid Type.......................... 333
Gear Ranges......................... 205
Torque Converter..................... 207
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 208
Autostick.......................... 211,216
360 INDEX

Flash-To-Pass.......................... 100
Flat Tire Changing...................... 269
Floor Console.......................... 125
Fluid Capacities........................ 331
Fluid Leaks............................ 60
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 311
Cooling System....................... 305
Engine Oil.......................291,292
Power Steering....................... 302
Fluids............................... 332
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 332
Fog Lights.........................100,144
Folding Rear Seat....................... 92
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 280
Fuel................................. 246
Adding............................. 250
Additives........................... 248
Clean Air........................... 247
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 250
Filter.............................. 297
Gasoline............................ 246
Gauge............................. 141Hoses.............................. 312
Octane Rating.....................246,332
Requirements.....................246,331
Tank Capacity........................ 331
Fueling.............................. 250
Fuses................................ 318
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .......... 113
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)................. 250
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 247
Gasoline (Fuel)........................ 246
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 247
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 141
Fuel............................... 141
Speedometer......................... 141
Tachometer.......................... 141
Gear Ranges.......................... 205
General Information.................15,23,243
Glass Cleaning......................... 317
Gross Axle Weight Rating..............252,254
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............252,254
364 INDEX

Key-In Reminder........................ 12
Keyless Entry System..................... 20
Keys................................. 11
Knee Bolster........................... 38
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 31
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)..... 55
Latch Plate............................ 32
Latches
Hood............................... 94
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 246
Life of Tires........................... 237
Liftgate............................... 26
Lights..............................60,95
Airbag.......................42,49,59,142
Anti-Lock........................... 147
Automatic Headlights................... 98
Brake Warning....................... 145
Bulb Replacement..................... 325
Courtesy/Reading..................... 95
Daytime Running...................... 99
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 97Engine Temperature Warning............ 143
Fog .............................100,144
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 268
Headlight Switch...................... 98
Headlights........................... 98
Headlights On With Wipers...........99,101
High Beam Indicator................... 143
Illuminated Entry...................... 15
Instrument Cluster..................... 98
Interior.............................. 96
License............................. 330
Lights On Reminder.................... 99
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 147
Oil Pressure......................... 143
Reading............................ 112
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 144
Service..........................325,326
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 147
Turn Signal........................97,100
Voltage............................. 144
Load Leveling System................... 133
Loading Vehicle.....................252,253
366 INDEX