ECU DODGE MAGNUM 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

21. Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
The VSA indicator Light flashes rapidly when the VSA is
arming, and slowly when the VSA is armed. (See page 18
for more information.)
22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light Ð If
Equipped
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires are significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

²The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt or soft until after the
break-in period. This is a normal condition, and pre-
cision shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.
The selector lever is automatically locked while in the
ªPº (Park) position. To move the selector lever out of the
ªPº (Park) position, the brake pedal must be firmly
depressed before the shift lock will release.
Shift the selector lever to the desired position only when
the engine is idling normally and the brake pedal is
applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The
vehicle may otherwise accelerate quickly when the selec-
tor lever is in ªDº (Drive) or ªRº (Reverse) position.WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into ªPº (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
selector lever is locked in the ªPº (Park) position,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
Furthermore, you should never leave children unat-
tended inside a vehicle.
Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission exceeds
normal operating temperature, the transmission will
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Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could cause damage, the
transmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. ªPº (Park), ªRº (Reverse), and ªNº (Neu-
tral) will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows
the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
²Stop the vehicle and shift into ªPº (Park).
²Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
²Shift into ªDº (Drive) and resume driving.NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
5 Speed Automatic Transmission
Shifting from ªDº (Drive) to ªPº (Park) or ªRº (Reverse)
(or from ªPº or ªRº to ªDº) should be done only after the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake when moving the
selector lever between these gears.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, ªPº
(Park), ªRº (Reverse), and ªNº (Neutral) will continue to
operate. Second gear will operate in the ªDº (Drive)
shifter position. The Malfunction Indicator Light may be
illuminated.
A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to a dealer for service. To reset the transmission,
use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the ªPº (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the selector lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
Permanent Transmission Limp Home Mode
Permanent Limp Home Mode will be activated if the
transmission enters temporary Limp Home Mode three
times. Follow the reset procedure described under ªTem-
porary Transmission Limp Home Modeº in this section.
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5

WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A 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.
NOTE:
²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightenedproperly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº 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
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
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
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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.
²When 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.
²Safety 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.
²Vehicles 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 or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total 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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5

3. Lift the access cover using the pull strap. 4. Remove the fastener securing the spare tire.
5. Remove the spare tire.
Lifting The Access CoverSpare Tire Fastener
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 365
6

6. Remove the fastener securing the jack.WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
2. Remove the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.
Jack Fastener
366 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system's
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that 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.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
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