2006 DODGE MAGNUM power steering fluid

turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
222 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
7

Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
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 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.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
doors hinges, liftgate hinges, and hood hinges should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
302 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.
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid or equivalent.
Rear Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Transfer Case MoparTransfer Case Lubricant LX, P/N 05170055EA, or equivalent.
Front Axle API Certified GL-5 SAE 75W90 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
7

Flash-To-Pass.......................... 100
Flat Tire Changing...................... 269
Floor Console.......................... 125
Fluid Capacities........................ 331
Fluid Leaks............................ 60
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 311
Cooling System....................... 305
Engine Oil.......................291,292
Power Steering....................... 302
Fluids............................... 332
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 332
Fog Lights.........................100,144
Folding Rear Seat....................... 92
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 280
Fuel................................. 246
Adding............................. 250
Additives........................... 248
Clean Air........................... 247
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 250
Filter.............................. 297
Gasoline............................ 246
Gauge............................. 141Hoses.............................. 312
Octane Rating.....................246,332
Requirements.....................246,331
Tank Capacity........................ 331
Fueling.............................. 250
Fuses................................ 318
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .......... 113
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)................. 250
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 247
Gasoline (Fuel)........................ 246
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 247
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................. 141
Fuel............................... 141
Speedometer......................... 141
Tachometer.......................... 141
Gear Ranges.......................... 205
General Information.................15,23,243
Glass Cleaning......................... 317
Gross Axle Weight Rating..............252,254
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............252,254
364 INDEX