cooling DODGE MAGNUM 2008 1.G User Guide

NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............400
NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............401
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............402
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........402
NSteering Linkage......................403
NBody Lubrication.....................403
NWiper Blades........................403
NWindshield Washers/Rear Window Washer . . . 404
NExhaust System......................404
NCooling System.......................405
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......410
NFuel System.........................411
NBrake System........................411NAutomatic Transmission................414
NAll Wheel Drive (AWD) Ð If Equipped.....415
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........416
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................416
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 420
mFuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........421
NFuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....421
NFuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......423
mVehicle Storage........................428
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................429
mBulb Replacement......................430
NLow Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light..................430
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to ªExhaust Gasº in the ªSafety Tipsº section of this
manual.
Cooling System
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The fan is tempera-
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator is hot.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for
any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by
gently spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin todrain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush, and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant. Re-
fer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct coolant type.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT
engine coolants, may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
²Do not use plain water alone or alcohol-base
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
²This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant:
²The manufacturer recommends using Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
²Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below234ÉF (237ÉC) are
anticipated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System *
2.7 Liter Engine (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula) or equivalent.9.9 qts 9.4 liters
3.5 Liter Engine without All Wheel Drive (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant
5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.11.1 qts 10.5 liters
3.5 Liter Engine with All Wheel Drive (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.11.4 qts 10.8 liters
5.7 Liter Engine without Severe Duty II Cooling System (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.14.7 qts 13.9 liters
5.7 Liter Engine with Severe Duty II Cooling System (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) or equivalent.15.1 qts 14.3 liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

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
10

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
10

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
10