warning DODGE MAGNUM SRT 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load
over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you
do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on
the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be
less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
Frontal area is the maximum height and maximum width
of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
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Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturers directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration / loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in an accident.
•Weight distributing systems may not be compat-
ible with surge brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable rec-
reational vehicle dealer for additional
information.
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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 that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring 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, suspen-
sion, chassis 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.
•Vehicles 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
PARK. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total 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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actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher..................364

If Your Engine Overheats.................364

TIREFIT Tire Repair.....................365

Jump-Starting Procedures.................371

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................374

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................375▫Without The Ignition Key...............375
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................375
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
WithATowDolly .....................376
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The HAZARD switch is located in the switch bank
near the top center of the instrument panel. De-
press the switch to activate the flashers. When
activated, all directional turn signals will flash on and off
to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the
switch a second time to turn off the flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
hazard warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
NOTE:With extended use, the hazard earning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the temperature
control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor, and
the Fan control to HI. This allows the heater core to act as
a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
364 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads 240°F
(116°C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–
230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F
(116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
TIREFIT TIRE REPAIR
Small punctures, particularly those in the tread, can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4°F (-20°C).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 365
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WARNING!
•Do not attempt to repair a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit when operating the jack or repairing a tire.
•Cuts or punctures larger than approximately 0.16 in. (4 mm),
tire damage caused by driving with extremely low tire pres-
sure or on a flat tire, or a damaged wheel can pose a hazard
while driving. TIREFIT should not be used in such circum-
stances. Do not drive the vehicle under such circumstances.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer for assistance.
•Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to come in
contact with hair, eyes or clothing. TIREFIT is harmful if
inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin: It causes
skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Any contact with eyes or
skin should be flushed immediately with plenty of water. If
clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT, change clothing as
soon as possible.
•In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician imme-
diately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children. If swallowed,
rinse mouth immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting! Consult a physician
immediately.
•Keep away from open flame or heat source.
Sealing tire with TIREFIT
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
1. Move the transmission shift lever to the PARK posi-
tion, turn off the engine, and set the parking brake.
2. Open the hinged cover in the load floor in the cargo
area and remove the TIREFIT kit from its storage bin.
Close the load floor cover.
3. Pull the power plug (2) and the TIREFIT sealant hose
(6) out from the TIREFIT kit.
4. Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated
tire.
5. Screw the fitting at the end of TIREFIT sealant hose (6)
coming from the sealant bottle (5) onto the tire valve.
6. Insert the power plug (2) into the power point on the
instrument panel.
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7. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.
8. Press the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON). The air
pump should start to inflate the tire and the tire sealant
(white fluid) will flow from the sealant bottle (5) through
the TIREFIT sealant hose (6) and into the tire.
9. Allow the air pump to run for five minutes and then
read the pressure gauge (4). If the tire inflates to 26 psi
(1.8 bar) or greater, proceed to Step 19 of this procedure.
If not, proceed to the following step.
10. Press the AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF). Then,
disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and place it
back in the vehicle.
11. Release the parking brake and drive the vehicle back
and forth approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) to distribute the
sealant more evenly within the tire.
12. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.13. Move the shift lever to the PARK position, turn off
the engine, and set the parking brake.
14. Disconnect the air pump hose (1) from the underside
of the sealant bottle (5) by flipping the hose valve open.
15. Connect the air pump hose valve to the tire valve and
flip the hose valve closed.
16. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.
17. Press the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON). The air
pump should inflate the tire to at least 26 psi (1.8 bar)
within five minutes. If the tire inflates to this level,
proceed to the following step.NOTE:If a tire pressure of
26 psi (1.8 bar) is not obtained within five minutes, the
tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to drive the
vehicle further. Call for assistance.
368 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

18. With a tire pressure of no less than 26 psi (1.8 bar)
press the AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF) and turn off the
engine. Then, disconnect the TIREFIT system from the
tire and place it back in the vehicle.
19. Release the parking brake and drive the vehicle for
approximately 10 minutes to ensure optimum distribu-
tion of the tire sealant within the tire.
20. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
21. Move the shift lever to the PARK position, turn off
the engine, and set the parking brake.
22. Disconnect the air pump hose (1) from the underside
of the sealant bottle (5) by flipping the hose valve open.
23. Connect the air pump hose valve to the tire valve and
flip the hose valve closed.
24. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the pressure
gauge (4). If the pressure is 19 psi (1.3 bar) or greater,proceed to the following step.NOTE:If the pressure is
less than 19 psi (1.3 bar), the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further. Call for
assistance.
25. Leave the parking brake set and the shift lever in
PARK and start the engine.
26. Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar by pressing
the switch (3) on the air pump to I (ON) and watching the
pressure gauge. When the tire pressure is set to the
pressure indicated on the tire pressure label, press the
AIR PUMP switch (3) to 0 (OFF) and turn off the engine.
27. Disconnect the TIREFIT system from the tire and
reinstall the valve cap.
28. Open the hinged access cover in the load floor in the
cargo area and place the sealant kit back in its storage bin.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 369
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