2005 DODGE MAGNUM engine overheat

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 30 miles (48 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 30 miles
(48 km), the vehicle must be transported using a flat bed
or the drive shaft disconnected at the rear axle drive
flange.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 271
6

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the coolant pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant to the cooling system when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
coolant pressure cap to cool an overheated engine.
Heat causes pressure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not
remove the coolant 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
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on theground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the coolant level should be between
the ranges indicated on the bottle. Some darkening of the
coolant bottle will occur over time. This is normal.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. See your authorized dealer to properly fill
the cooling system.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to enter the
radiator.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
7

Electrical Power Outlets.................. 115
Electronic Speed Control................. 103
Electronic Stability Program............... 101
Electronic Vehicle Information Center........ 141
Emergency, In Case of
Overheating......................... 256
Emission Control System Maintenance....279,324
Engine............................276,277
Air Cleaner.......................... 287
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 287
Block Heater......................... 201
Break-In Recommendations............... 56
Checking Oil Level.................281,282
Compartment.....................276,277
Coolant............................ 320
Cooling............................ 295
Exhaust Gas Caution................26,246
Fails to Start......................... 200
Fuel Requirements.................243,319
Oil ..........................281,319,320
Oil Change Interval................... 283
Oil Selection......................284,319
Oil Synthetic......................... 286Overheating......................... 256
Temperature Gauge................... 134
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 42
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution.............26,57,246,294
Exhaust System........................ 294
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 63
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 287
Air Conditioning..................194,291
Engine Fuel......................... 287
Engine Oil.......................286,320
Engine Oil Disposal................... 286
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 256
Turn Signal.......................... 135
Flash-To-Pass........................... 95
Flat Tire Changing...................... 257
Floor Console.......................... 118
Fluid Capacities........................ 319
Fluid Leaks............................ 58
INDEX 353
10

Mirrors............................... 62
Automatic Dimming.................... 62
Electric Remote....................... 64
Exterior Folding....................... 63
Heated.............................. 64
Outside............................. 63
Rearview............................ 62
Vanity.............................. 64
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............. 236
Mopar Parts........................280,344
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 93
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 56
Occupant Classification System............. 43
Occupant Restraints...................... 28
Octane Rating, Gasoline.................. 243
Oil, Engine.........................281,320
Capacity............................ 319
Change Interval...................... 283
Checking........................281,282
Disposal............................ 286Filter...........................286,320
Filter Disposal....................... 286
Identification Logo.................... 284
Materials Added to.................... 286
Recommendation..................284,319
Synthetic........................... 286
Viscosity.........................285,319
Onboard Diagnostic System............278,279
Opener, Garage Door.................... 107
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Overhead Console...................... 106
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 106
Overheating, Engine..................135,256
Owner’s Manual......................4,344
Panic Alarm........................... 22
Parking Brake......................... 214
Parking On Hill........................ 215
Passing Light........................... 95
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 88
Personal Settings....................... 148
Pets.................................. 56
Phone, Cellular......................... 65
INDEX 357
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