check oil DODGE MAGNUM SRT 2008 1.G Owners Manual

2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. Reposition the access door panel over the battery
opening and snap into place.
General Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
NOTE:Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.If your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter fails to
operate from a normal distance, check for these two
conditions:
1. A weak battery in the transmitter. The expected life of
the battery is a minimum of three years.
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system uses the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter to start the engine conveniently from outside the
vehicle while still maintaining security. The system has a
targeted range of 328 ft (100 m).
NOTE:The vehicle must be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission to be equipped with Remote Start.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

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
4

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

6.1L Engine Compartment................380

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........381
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap..................382

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................382

Replacement Parts......................384

Authorized Dealer Service................384

Maintenance Procedures..................384
▫Engine Oil..........................385▫Engine Oil Filter......................387
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 387
▫Spark Plugs.........................388
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................388
▫Fuel Filter..........................389
▫Catalytic Converter....................389
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................390
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............392
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............393
7

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 five
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 “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 qt (1.0L) of
oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
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The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MoparEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected periodically and replaced if re-
quired. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and
failure. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
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.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 435
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Brake, Parking.......................... 295
Brake System........................297,403
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................297,301
Fluid Check.......................405,431
Hoses.............................. 404
Master Cylinder....................... 405
Parking............................. 295
Warning Light.....................180,297
Brakes.............................297,403
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 284
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 73
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 132
Bulb Replacement.....................420,421
Bulbs,Light .......................... 77,420
Calibration, Compass..................... 195
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 341Oil (Engine).......................... 386
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 400
Car Washes............................ 408
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 74,340
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 165
Cargo Management System................. 158
Cargo Organizer....................... 163
Rollaway Tonneau Cover................. 161
Tri-Fold Load Floor..................... 159
Waterproof Liner...................... 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 164
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................158,344
Catalytic Converter...................... 389
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............205,225
Cellular Phone..................... 87,225,226
Certification Label....................... 344
Chains, Tire............................ 323
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 309
454 INDEX

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
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