2006 DODGE MAGNUM key

gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
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, the
transmission 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.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

5 Speed Automatic TransmissionWARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle you should shift
the transmission into Park, remove the key from the
ignition, and apply the park brake. Once the key is
removed from the ignition the transmission shift
lever is locked in the Park position, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore,
you should never leave children unattended inside a
vehicle. The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the transmission shift
lever into the“Park”position:
•When shifting into Park move the lever all the
way forward until it stops, and is fully seated.
•Look at the shift indicator window on the console
to ensure it is in the“P”position.
Gear Selector
STARTING AND OPERATING 209
5

Park Position
The PARK position is to be used when parking the
vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped. The PARK
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever
in PARK to secure the vehicle.
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion.
NOTE:
•
If the key is in the ACC or ON position, you must press
the brake pedal to shift out of the PARK position.
•The key can be removed from the ignition switch only
with the selector lever in the PARK position. With the
key removed, the selector lever is locked in the PARK
position.
For electrical system malfunctions there is an override for
the interlock system. In order to override this system the
key must be in the ignition with the switch in the ACC orON positions. Remove the rubber storage tray from the
bin located to the right of the shifter lever. The override
can be activated by pressing the pink-colored tab, which
can be accessed through a hole inside the bin. While the
override is pressed, the shifter can be moved out of the
park position without pressing the brake. After operation
return rubber storage tray to its original position.
Reverse
Shift into REVERSE gear only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Brake Interlock Override
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission—General Information
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the
engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
The automatic transmission selects individual gears au-
tomatically, dependent upon:
•Altitude
•Vehicle Loading
•Driving Style
•Selector lever position
•Accelerator position
•Vehicle speed
The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, de-
pendent on the driving style, the driving situation and
the road characteristics.
NOTE:
•
After selecting any driving position, wait a moment to
allow the gear to fully engage before accelerating,
especially when the engine is cold.
•If there is a need to restart your engine be sure to cycle
the key to the LOCK position before restarting. Trans-
mission engagement may be delayed up to 10 seconds
after restart if the key is not cycled to the LOCK
position first.
•The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector lever. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving: failure to do so can lead to brake
failure, and an accident.Parking Brake Release
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................268

If Your Engine Overheats................268

Jacking And Tire Changing...............269
▫Preparations For Jacking................270
▫Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage..........271
▫Jacking And Changing a Tire.............273
▫Compact Spare Tire-For Temporary Emergency
Use Only...........................276
▫Wheel Cover Installation (If Required)......277

Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low...277

Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............279▫Acceleration.........................279
▫Traction............................279

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................280

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............281
▫With Ignition Key.....................281
▫Without The Ignition Key...............282
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................282
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly.....................2826

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be traveled must not exceed 30 miles (48 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 30 mph (48
km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a trans-
mission geartrain failure. If the transmission is not op-
erative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 30 miles
(48 km), the vehicle must be transported using a flat bed
or the drive shaft disconnected at the rear axle drive
flange.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 281
6

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 DOLLY
The manufacturedoes not recommendthat you tow this
vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES