automatic transmission DODGE MAGNUM 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

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

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the converter and
vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from another
vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immedi-
ately with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from
the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output that exceeds 12
volts.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover
under the rear cargo floor. Remote battery terminals are
located in the engine compartment for jump starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF (or LOCK) position for both
vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the remote
jump start positive battery post (A) in the engine com-
partment. Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the booster battery. Refer to the
following illustration for jump starting connections.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery andthen to the engine ground (B)
278 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•The only approved method of towing is with a flat
bed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLY
The manufacturedoes not recommendthat you tow this
vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫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

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM—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“Malfunction Indicator Light.”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“Malfunction Indicator
Light”on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the“Malfunction Indicator Light”is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and quick connect fittings which
have unique material characteristics to provide adequate
sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for
correct fluid type.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to the
transmission may occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to accurately adjust the fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Normal Usage—No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter)—Refer to Maintenance
Schedule“B”
Severe Usage is defined as:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped
The all wheel drive system consists of a Transfer Case,
and Front Differential. The exterior surface of these
components should be inspected for evidence of fluid
leaks. Confirmed leaks should be repaired as soon as
possible.
The transfer case fill plug is located on the rear housing
near the output shaft. The level can be verified by the
service plug in the middle of the rear housing, even with
the bottom of the hole. The front differential fill plug is on
the outer cover near the halfshaft attachment. The level
can be verified by removing the plug and inspecting the
level. The level should be even with or slightly below the
bottom of the hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent.
Rear Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Transfer Case MoparTransfer Case Lubricant LX, P/N 05170055EA, or equivalent.
Front Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W90 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
NOTE:
•
For 2.7L engines with Federal Certified Emission Con-
trol Systems, and all 6.1L engines, follow Schedule“A”
from 0 to 102,000 miles, or Schedule“B”from 0 to
105,000 miles.
•For 2.7L engines with California Certified Emission
Control Systems, and all 3.5L and 5.7L engines follow
Schedule“A”
or“B”from 0 to 120,000 miles.
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B.”It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually
operated under one or more of the conditions marked
with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
336 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow Schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated
under one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule“B”in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule“B”in this
section.
SCHEDULE“B”339
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