2005 DODGE MAGNUM automatic transmission

•The“D”range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the“3”
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire, except for emergency use only. Do not
exceed 50 mph (80km/h), and repair the damaged tire
immediately.
•When towing a trailer greater than 2000 lbs. (907 kg)
you should carry a full-size wheel and tire as a spare in
the event of a flat. If the compact spare tire is used it
may adversely affect vehicle handling.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B”in section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:
•
For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the
Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose“4”if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from
another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous
if done improperly, so follow this procedure care-
fully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immedi-
ately with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from
the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output that exceeds 12
volts.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that
should not be disconnected and should only be
replaced with a battery of the same type (vented).
NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover
under the rear cargo floor. Remote battery terminals are
located in the engine compartment for jump starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach and
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the
ignition switch to the OFF (or LOCK) position for both
vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the remote
jump start positive battery post (A) in the engine com-
partment. Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the booster battery. Refer to the
following illustration for jump starting connections.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery andthen to the engine ground (B)
268 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•The only approved method of towing is with a flat
bed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE WITH A TOW DOLLEY
The manufacturedoes not recommendthat you tow this
vehicle on a tow dolley. Vehicle damage may occur.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............292
▫Body Lubrication.....................293
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................293
▫Windshield Washers...................293
▫Exhaust System......................294
▫Cooling System.......................295
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......298
▫Brakes.............................299
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................300
▫Fuel System Hoses....................301
▫Automatic Transmission................301
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped.....302
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........303
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................303
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 306
Power Distribution Centers...............307
▫Front Power Distribution Center...........307
▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........309

Vehicle Storage........................313

Replacement Light Bulbs................313

Bulb Replacement......................314
▫Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
And Park/Turn Lamp..................314
▫Tail/Stop, Turn Signal Lamp, And Backup
Lamp..............................315
▫License Lamp........................318

Fluids And Capacities...................319

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts
...............................320
▫Engine.............................320
▫Chassis............................321
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM—OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the“Malfunction Indicator Light.”It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the“Malfunction Indicator
Light”on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the“Malfunction Indicator Light”is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and quick connect fittings which
have unique material characteristics to provide adequate
sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacture specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.
Care should be taken in installing quick connect fittings
to insure they are properly installed and fully connected.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301
7

CAUTION!
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to the
transmission may occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to accurately adjust the fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule“A”—No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule“B”–Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped
The all wheel drive system consists of a Transfer Case,
and Front Differential. The exterior surface of these
components should be inspected for evidence of fluid
leaks. Confirmed leaks should be repaired as soon as
possible.
The transfer case fill plug is located on the rear housing
near the output shaft. The level can be verified by the
service plug in the middle of the rear housing, even with
the bottom of the hole. The front differential drain plug is
on the outer cover near the halfshaft attachment. This
unit can only be filled by removing the halfshaft and
filling through that opening.
Fluid Changes
The fluid should be changed as follows:
Normal UsageNo Service Required
Severe Usage
Front Differential 48,000 miles (77 000 km)
Transfer Case 48,000 miles (77 000 km)
302 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Fuse Circuits
25——
26——
27 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
28 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if equipped
29 5 Amp
OrangeSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Powertrain Control
Module Ignition Feed
30 10 Amp
RedSteering Column Module/
Power Mirrors - if equipped
31——
32——
33——
34——
35 5 Amp
OrangePower Antenna/Garage Door
Opener/Ignition Delay
36 20 Amp
YellowRadio/Navigation
37 15 Amp
Dk. BlueTransmissionCavity Fuse Circuits
38 5 Amp
OrangeAnalog Clock/Garage Door
Opener
39 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirror
40 5 Amp
OrangePower Mirror
41 10 Amp
RedClimate Control Module/
Headlamp Leveling—if
equipped/Rear Park Assist—
if equipped/Tire Pressure
Monitoring—if equipped
42 30 Amp
PinkAutomatic Temperature Con-
trol (ATC) Blower Motor
43 30 Amp
PinkRear Defroster
44 20 Amp
Lt. BlueAudio Amplifier
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE