2005 DODGE MAGNUM steering

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the“Maintenance Schedules”Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
The suggested rotation method is the“forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
—if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS)—if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to Electronic
Stability Program, or Traction Control System in your
Owner’s Manual for Details.
270 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.7L Engine..........................275

3.5L Engine..........................276

5.7L Engine..........................277

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......278

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................279

Replacement Parts.....................280

Dealer Service........................280

Maintenance Procedures.................281
▫Engine Oil..........................281
▫Engine Oil Filter......................286▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................286
▫Spark Plugs.........................287
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................287
▫Fuel Filter..........................287
▫Catalytic Converter....................287
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................289
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............290
▫A/C Air Filter.......................291
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............292
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........292
▫Steering Linkage......................292
7

Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
Continued operation could result in failure of the univer-
sal joint due to water and dirt contamination of the
grease. This would require complete replacement of the
joint assembly.
292 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

Rear Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 60 Amp
ClearIgnition Off Draw
2 40 Amp
GreenBattery
3——
4 40 Amp
GreenBattery
5 30 Amp
PinkHeated Seat/Steering Column
6 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump
7——
8 15 Amp
Dk. BlueIgnition Start/Run - Start
9 20 Amp
YellowConsole Power Outlet
10 10 Amp
RedRear Fog Lamp—If Equipped
11 25 Amp
C/BRKRMemory Module/Door Locks
Cavity Fuse Circuits
12 25 Amp
C/BRKRPassenger Power Seat
13 30 Amp
C/BRKRDoor Module Run/Acc/Delay
14 10 Amp
RedSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Cluster
15 20 Amp
YellowBrake Light (5.7L)
16 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet Trunk - if
equipped
17——
18 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp
RedStop Lamp
20 20 Amp
YellowRear Wiper—If Equipped
21——
22——
23——
24——
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 311
7

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