cooling DODGE MAGNUM SRT 2008 1.G User Guide

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 “Exhaust Gas” under “Safety Tips” in Section 2.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When 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.
•You 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 397
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 — Drain, Flush, and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in Sec-
tion 8.
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 “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct coolant type.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Mixing 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.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol-based
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.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based coolants. Use of propylene
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 five years or 100,000 mi (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:
•The manufacturer recommends using Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below
34°F (
37°C) are
anticipated.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

•Use 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 ensure 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!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” 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.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check 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.
•If 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.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do 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.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
6.1 Liter Engine 19 gal 72 l
Engine Oil with Filter
6.1 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 7 qts 6.6 liters
Cooling System *
6.1 Liter Engine (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent15.2 qts 14.4 l
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429
7

Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................... 382
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 74
Checks, Safety........................... 74
Child Restraint.................... 63,65,69,70
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 67,69
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 338
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 410
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 395
Climate Control......................... 258
Clock ........................207,210,226,231
CoinHolder ........................... 157
Cold Weather Operation................... 279
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 257
Compass.............................. 195
Compass Calibration..................... 195
Compass Variance....................... 196Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 189
Connector
UCI ................................ 251
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 251
Console, Floor.......................... 157
Console, Overhead....................... 142
Contract, Service........................ 445
Converter, Catalytic...................... 389
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 400
Cooling System......................... 397
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 399
Coolant Capacity...................... 429
Coolant Level......................398,401
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 401
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 398
Inspection........................... 401
Points to Remember.................... 401
Pressure Cap......................... 400
Radiator Cap......................... 400
INDEX 455
10

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 303
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 176
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 185
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 374
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 364
Jump Starting......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 364
Towing ............................. 375
Emission Control System Maintenance......382,434
Engine............................... 380
Air Cleaner.......................... 388
Block Heater......................... 281
Break-In Recommendations................ 73
Checking Oil Level..................... 385
Compartment......................... 380
Coolant (Antifreeze).................398,430
Cooling ............................. 397
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 37,74,340Fails to Start.......................... 280
Flooded, Starting...................... 280
Fuel Requirements..................... 337
Jump Starting......................... 371
Oil ...........................385,429,430
Oil Change Interval.................... 386
Oil Filler Cap......................... 386
OilFilter ............................ 387
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 387
Oil Selection.......................386,429
Overheating.......................... 364
Starting............................. 277
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 386
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 338
Event Data Recorder...................... 61
Exhaust Gas Caution............ 37,74,75,340,397
INDEX 457
10

Exhaust System....................... 74,396
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 85
Exterior Lighting........................ 126
Exterior Lights.......................... 77
Filler Location Fuel...................... 341
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 388
Air Conditioning....................267,393
Engine Fuel.......................... 389
Engine Oil........................387,430
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 387
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 364
Turn Signal...................... 77,130,177
Flash-To-Pass........................... 131
Flooded Engine Starting................... 280
Floor Console.......................... 157
Fluid, Brake........................... 431Fluid Capacities......................... 429
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 406
Brake............................... 405
Cooling System....................... 398
Engine Oil........................... 385
Power Steering........................ 394
Fluids ................................ 430
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 430
Fog Lights..........................129,179
Folding Rear Seat........................ 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 374
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 394
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 407
Fuel................................. 337
Adding............................. 341
Additives............................ 339
CleanAir ............................ 338
458 INDEX

High Speed.......................... 319
Inflation Pressures..................... 317
LifeofTires .......................... 321
Load Capacity.....................312,313
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 327
Quality Grading....................... 448
Radial.............................. 319
Replacement......................... 322
Rotation............................. 325
Safety...........................308,316
Sizes ............................... 309
Snow Tires........................... 324
Spinning ............................ 320
TrailerTowing ........................ 356
Tread Wear Indicators................... 320
To Open Hood.......................... 124
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 353
Towing ............................... 347
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 100Behind a Motor Home.................. 361
Disabled Vehicle....................... 375
Guide .............................. 352
Recreational.......................... 361
Weight .............................. 352
Towing Assistance....................... 100
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 361
Traction Control......................... 302
TrailerTowing .......................... 347
Cooling System Tips.................... 360
Hitches............................. 351
Minimum Requirements................. 354
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 353
Wiring .............................. 358
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 352
TrailerWeight .......................... 352
Transmission........................... 406
Automatic......................281,285,406
Fluid ............................... 431
470 INDEX