2005 DODGE MAGNUM ECU

•Remove the spare tire.
•Remove the fastener securing the jack.
Spare Tire Stowage
The spare tire is stowed under an access cover under the
rear cargo floor. Follow these steps to access the spare
tire.
•Open the liftgate.
•Fold up the tri-fold floor by lifting the handle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 261
6

•Remove the fastener securing the spare tire.
Jacking and Changing a Tire
1. Block the wheel diagonally
opposite the flat tire. Passengers
should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.2. Remove the spare tire, jack and lug wrench.
3. Before raising the vehicle, use lug wrench to carefully
pry off center cap.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 263
6

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% ethylene glycol
antifreeze (minimum) in water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator and the front of the A/C
condenser clean.
•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 cooling performance.
•Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
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.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
7

License Lamp
1. Remove the screws securing the light to the rear fascia.
2. Remove the bulb and socket assembly and pull the
bulb from the socket.3. Replace the bulb and reinstall the bulb and socket
assembly.
4. Reattach the light to the rear fascia.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fuel.......................... 247
Adding Washer Fluid..................97,293
Additives, Fuel........................ 245
Adjustable Pedals....................... 88
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 290
Air Conditioning....................... 185
Air Conditioning Filter................194,291
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 195
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 291
Air Conditioning System................. 185
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 229
Airbag................................ 36
Airbag Deployment....................40,41
Airbag Light....................40,47,58,135
Airbag Maintenance...................... 43
Airbag, Side........................... 42
Airbag, Window......................37,42
Alarm System.......................... 24
Alignment and Balance.................. 235
All Wheel Drive.....................235,302
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 180
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 297Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........295,296,319
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 216
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 140
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 24
Appearance Care....................... 303
Auto Down Power Windows............... 28
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 62
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Temperature Control............ 188
Automatic Transaxle..................... 301
Adding Fluid........................ 321
Selection Of Lubricant................. 321
Automatic Transmission............201,206,302
Adding Fluid........................ 302
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 302
Fluid Change........................ 302
Fluid Level Check..................... 301
Gear Ranges......................... 202
Torque Converter..................... 204
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 205
Autostick..........................208,213
Ball Joints............................ 292
350 INDEX

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 58
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 344
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 26
Safety Information, Tire.................. 220
Safety Tips............................. 57
Satellite Radio......................... 178
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 180
Schedule, Maintenance................... 324
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 306
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 34
Seat Belts.............................. 29
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 33
And Pregnant Women.................. 35
Child Restraint....................48,49,54
Extender............................ 36
Front Seat............................ 30
Operating Instructions.................. 30
Reminder........................... 137
Seats................................. 84
Heated.............................. 85
Lumbar Support....................... 85
Power.............................. 84
Rear Folding......................... 87Reclining............................ 85
Security Alarm......................... 24
Selection of Coolant..................... 320
Self-Sealing Tires....................... 236
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 340
Service Contract........................ 342
Service Engine Soon Light................ 140
Service Manuals........................ 344
Setting the Clock.................152,157,167
Settings, Personal....................... 148
Shift Speeds........................... 201
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 33
Side Airbag............................ 42
Signals, Turn.......................... 135
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 269
Snow Chains.......................... 240
Snow Tires............................ 241
Spare Tire.......................231,232,261
Spark Plugs........................... 287
Speed Control......................... 103
Speedometer.......................... 134
Starting.............................. 199
INDEX 359
10