checking oil DODGE MAGNUM SRT 2007 1.G Owners Manual

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
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!
²Exhaust 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 breath-
ing (CO) follow the safety tips below.
²If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the ªSAFEº range. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0L)
of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the ªSAFEº
range will result in an oil level at the top of the ªSAFEº
range on these engines.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295
7

Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this manual for
the recommended air conditioning filter replacement
intervals.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from allsurfaces. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, liftgate hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
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 ªBº 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 ªBº in this
section.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B.9
Second is ScheduleªA.ºIt is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B.9
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
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.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 337
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Data Recorder, Event..................... 47
Daytime Running Lights.................. 95
Dealer Service......................... 294
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 198
Defroster, Windshield...............59,188,193
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers.............99,197
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 292
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 96
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 310
Door Locks............................ 21
Door Locks, Automatic................... 22
Door Opener, Garage.................... 107
Drive Belts............................ 298
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 216
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 177
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 66
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 115
Electronic Brake Control System............ 222
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 103
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 224Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..... 135
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 143
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 285
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 276
Jump Starting........................ 282
Overheating......................... 276
Towing............................. 286
Emission Control System Maintenance....293,336
Engine............................... 291
Air Cleaner.......................... 299
Block Heater......................... 207
Break-In Recommendations............... 56
Checking Oil Level.................... 295
Compartment........................ 291
Coolant (Antifreeze)................307,332
Cooling............................ 307
Exhaust Gas Caution..............30,57,256
Fails to Start......................... 205
Flooded, Starting..................... 205
Fuel Requirements.................253,331
Oil ..........................295,331,332
Oil Change Interval................... 296
INDEX 367
10

Child Protection....................... 23
Door............................... 21
Power Door.......................... 22
Low Tire Pressure System................ 246
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................51,53
Lubrication, Body....................... 304
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................ 126
Lumbar Support........................ 89
Maintenance Free Battery................. 301
Maintenance Procedures.................. 295
Maintenance Schedule................... 336
Schedule ªAº........................ 349
Schedule ªBº........................ 339
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check
Engine)...........................142,293
Manual, Service........................ 359
Methanol............................. 254
Mini-Trip Computer..................... 145
Mirrors............................... 64
Automatic Dimming.................... 64
Electric Remote....................... 66Exterior Folding....................... 65
Heated.............................. 66
Outside............................. 65
Rearview............................ 64
Vanity.............................. 66
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 246
Mopar Parts........................294,358
MTBE/ETBE.......................... 254
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 96
Navigation Radio....................... 173
Navigation System...................... 173
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 56
Occupant Restraints...................... 30
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 253
Odometer............................ 135
Trip ............................... 135
Oil, Engine.........................295,332
Capacity............................ 331
Change Interval...................... 296
Checking........................... 295
372 INDEX