engine DODGE MAGNUM SRT 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

7. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control system.
If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the shift lever in PARK, and cycle the ignition key.
The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the
engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable.
However, see your authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting.
8. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
9. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated. (See page 130
for more information.)
NOTE:A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mi (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
4

NOTE:Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
10. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for six to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,
then have the system inspected at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 61 for more information.)
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned OFF
immediately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page
364 for more information.)12. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the ESP. (See page 300 for more
information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the key in the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. The light
should go out with the engine running. If the
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected. (See page 300 for more infor-
mation.)
14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut OFF the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in Section 7. (See page 385 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the multifunction leveraway from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 129 for more information.)
16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for five to eight seconds as
a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. A chime will sound if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt
Warning Light will flash or remain on continuously if the
driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check
or when driving. (See page 46 for more information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 129 for more information.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
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23. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 297 for
more information.)24. Low Fuel Indicator Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. (See
page 341 for more information.)
25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD. The OBD system monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems. The
MIL will turn on when the key is in the ON position
before engine start. If the MIL does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Instructions — Voice Recognition
System (VR) (If Equipped)
For the radio, refer to “Voice Recognition System (VR)” in
Section 3.
For UConnect“Voice Recognition System (VR),” refer to
“Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)” in Section 3.
Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone
(UConnect) (If Equipped)
Refer to “Hands-Free Communication (UConnect)” in
Section 3.
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio Mode (If
Equipped)
Refer to “Satellite Radio” in this section.
Operating Instructions - Video Entertainment
System (VES™) (If Equipped)
Refer to separate “Video Entertainment System (VES™)
Guide.”Dolby
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Dolbyand the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories.
Macrovision
This product incorporates copyright protection technol-
ogy that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellec-
tual property rights. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is
intended for home and other limited viewing uses only,
unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited
DTS™
DTSandDTS 2.0are trademarks of Digital Theater
Systems, Inc.
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take into account
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Operation of the system is quite simple. Begin by turning
the mode control knob (on the right) to AUTO, and place
the blower control knob (on the left) to either LO AUTOor HI AUTO. The LO AUTO position should be used for
front seat occupants only. The HI AUTO position should
be used when more airflow is desired, or when rear seat
occupants are present. Then, dial in the temperature you
would like the system to maintain by rotating the driver
or passenger temperature control knob. Once the comfort
level is selected, the system will maintain that level
automatically using the heating system. Should the de-
sired comfort level require air conditioning, the system
will automatically make the adjustment.
You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the OFF position on the fan control stops the system
completely and closes the outside air intake.
72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person; however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
4

Press this button a second time to turn off the air
conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
•Recirculation Control
This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 for proper
coolant selection.
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and rear window washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold 1 gal (4 l) of fluid
when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................277
▫Automatic Transmission................278
▫Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............279
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................279
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................280
▫After Starting........................281

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........281

Automatic Transmission..................281▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................282
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 284
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission..........285

AutoStick...........................290
▫AutoStickOperation..................290
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........291

Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............292
▫Acceleration.........................292
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