2005 DODGE MAGNUM service reset

•If the rear seat back is properly latched and the rear
center lap/shoulder belt still can not be pulled out, the
Automatic-Locking Retractor (ALR) system may be
activated. To reset this feature you must let all of the
belt webbing return into the retractor. You will not be
able to pull out more webbing until all of the webbing
has been returned back into the retractor.
WARNING!
The rear center lap/shoulder belt is equipped with a
lock-out feature to ensure that the rear seat back is in
the fully upright and locked position when occu-
pied. If the rear seat back is not fully upright and
locked and the rear center lap/shoulder belt can be
pulled out of the retractor, the vehicle should imme-
diately be taken to your dealer for service. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious or fatal
injury.
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
In the driver and front passenger seats, the shoulder belt
can be adjusted upward or downward to position the beltaway from your neck. Push and fully depress the button
above the webbing to release the anchorage, and then
move it up or down to the position that serves you best.
As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,
you’ll prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that
it is locked in position.
In the rear seat, move toward the center of the seat to
position the belt away from your neck.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33
2

NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant is warm (usu-
ally after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into“Overdrive”when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pulling the shift lever
into the“3”position will show that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of“Overdrive.”
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could cause damage, thetransmission automatically shifts into second gear. The
transmission remains in second gear despite the forward
gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will
continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle
to be driven to a dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
•Turn the key to LOCK then start the engine.
•Shift into“D”and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
STARTING AND OPERATING 205
5

A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to a dealer for service. To reset the transmission,
use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
Permanent Transmission Limp Home Mode
Permanent Limp Home Mode will be activated if the
transmission enters temporary Limp Home Mode three
times. Follow the reset procedure described in the previ-
ous section. In Permanent Limp Home Mode, PARK(P),
REVERSE(R) and NEUTRAL(N) will continue to operate.
SECOND gear will operate in the DRIVE(D) shifter
position. The malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

Safety...........................220,228
Self-Sealing.......................... 236
Sizes............................... 221
Snow Tires.......................... 241
Spare Tire........................... 261
Spinning............................ 232
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 233
Torque Converter Clutch................. 204
Towing.............................. 251
Disabled Vehicle...................... 271
Trailering........................... 251
Traction Control......................... 98
Traction Control Switch................... 98
Trailer Towing......................... 251
Minimum Requirements................ 251
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 251
Transaxle............................. 301
Automatic.......................... 301
Autostick........................... 213
Selection of Lubricant.................. 321
Transmission
Automatic........................201,206
Shifting............................ 201Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 107
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 20
Transporting Pets........................ 56
Tread Wear Indicators................... 233
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 134
Turn Signals........................94,135
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 346
Universal Joints........................ 292
Universal Transmitter.................... 107
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 243
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 64
Variance, Compass...................... 145
Vehicle Certification Label................ 249
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................225,249,250
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................194,313
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 24
INDEX 361
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