2006 DODGE MAGNUM check engine

9. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light illuminates, and will be accompanied
by a single chime to warn of an overheated
engine condition. The engine temperature is
critically hot, and the vehicle should be turned off
immediately. The vehicle should be serviced as soon
as possible.
10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
—If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS
—if equipped. (See page 107 for more information.)
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light/Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light—
If Equipped
The yellow ESP/BAS warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the“ON”position.The light should go out with the engine running. If the
light comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or
the BAS system. If this light stays illuminated, have
the ESP and BAS checked at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. (See page 109 for more information.)
12. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A single chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 291 for more information.)
13. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the Multi-Function lever away from
the steering wheel to switch the headlights to high
beam.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143
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14. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
15. Front Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
(See page 100 for more information.)
16. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on
while driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.
17. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the PARK position. The lightshould turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, how-
ever, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does
not come on during starting, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’sor
front passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will
sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the
driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt remains unbuck-
led, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. (See page 35 for more information.)
144 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
21. Vehicle Theft Alarm (VTA) Indicator Light
The VTA indicator Light flashes rapidly when the VTA is
arming, and slowly when the VTA is armed. (See page 24
for more information.)
22. Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Light—If
Equipped
This light will turn on continuously when
there is a Low tire pressure condition. The
light will also turn on if a problem exist with
any tire sensor. When a system fault isdetected, the indicator light will flash repetitively for
ten seconds. The flash cycle will repeat every ten
minutes or until the fault condition is removed and
reset. The light will remain on or flashing until the tire
pressure is properly set or the problem with the sensor
is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the Tire and Loading Information Placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla-
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the tire and loading information
placard.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

23. Anti-Lock Brake Light—If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position and may stay on for as
long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
24. Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly. (See page 288 for more
information.)
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 147
4

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 under“Tem-
porary Transmission Limp Home Mode”in this section.
In Permanent Limp Home Mode, PARK (P), REVERSE
(R) and NEUTRAL (N) will continue to operate. SEC-
OND gear will operate in the DRIVE (D) shifter position.
The malfunction indicator light may illuminate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5

CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle
“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
NOTE:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a“clicking”sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP”message will display in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—if equipped.
Refer to“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in Section 4 of this manual. Tighten the fuel filler capproperly and press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. Refer to
“Onboard Diagnostic System”in Section 7 of this manual
for more information.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

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. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
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:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips—Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips—Autostick (If Equipped)

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.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
Towing Tips—Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.7L Engine..........................285

3.5L Engine..........................286

5.7L Engine..........................287

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......288

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................289

Replacement Parts.....................290

Dealer Service........................290

Maintenance Procedures.................291
▫Engine Oil..........................291
▫Engine Oil Filter......................296▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................296
▫Spark Plugs.........................296
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................297
▫Fuel Filter..........................297
▫Catalytic Converter....................297
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................299
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............300
▫A/C Air Filter—If Equipped............301
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............302
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........302
▫Steering Linkage......................302
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