ECU DODGE MAGNUM SRT 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
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 or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
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 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.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety 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.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section 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.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283
7

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.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
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.
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

9. Replace the bulb, reinstall the socket, and reattach the
tail light assembly.
10. Close the liftgate.
License Lamp
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly and pull the
bulb from the socket.3. Replace the bulb and reinstall the bulb and socket
assembly.
4. Reattach the light to the rear fascia.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 202
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 280
Adding Fuel.......................... 233
Adding Washer Fluid..................98,277
Additives, Fuel........................ 231
Adjustable Pedals....................... 90
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 274
Air Conditioning....................... 176
Air Conditioning Filter................185,275
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 186
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 275
Air Conditioning System................. 176
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 216
Airbag................................ 35
Airbag Deployment....................39,40
Airbag Light..................39,40,47,58,136
Airbag Maintenance...................... 42
Airbag, Side........................... 42
Airbag, Window......................36,42
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 221
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 171Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............279,302
Disposal............................ 281
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...........99,202
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 139
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 287
Auto Down Power Windows............... 24
Auto Up Power Windows................. 24
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Temperature Control............ 179
Automatic Transmission...............192,286
Adding Fluid.....................286,303
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 286
Fluid Change........................ 286
Fluid Level Check..................... 286
Fluid Type.......................... 303
Autostick..........................194,199
Ball Joints............................ 276
Battery............................... 273
Jump Starting........................ 255
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 21
330 INDEX

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 58
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 325
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 27
Safety Information, Tire.................. 206
Safety Tips............................. 57
Satellite Radio......................... 168
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 171
Schedule, Maintenance................... 306
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 290
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 33
Seat Belts.............................. 28
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 32
And Pregnant Women.................. 34
Child Restraint....................49,50,54
Extender............................ 35
Front Seat............................ 29
Operating Instructions.................. 29
Reminder........................... 137
Seats................................. 85
Heated.............................. 87
Lumbar Support....................... 87
Power.............................. 85
Rear Folding......................... 89Reclining............................ 86
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 22
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........279,303
Selection of Oil........................ 269
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 322
Service Contract........................ 324
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 140
Service Manuals........................ 325
Setting the Clock....................152,158
Settings, Personal....................... 148
Shift Speeds........................... 192
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 32
Side Airbag............................ 42
Signals, Turn.......................... 136
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 257
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 226
Snow Tires............................ 227
Spark Plugs........................... 270
Speed Control......................... 104
Speedometer.......................... 134
Starting.............................. 190
INDEX 339
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