2006 DODGE MAGNUM SRT Owners Manual

of the vehicle with the discharged battery.Make sure
you have a good contact on the engine ground. Refer to
the following illustration for jump starting connections.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
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
Jump Starting
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 257
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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.
258 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 259
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 DOLLEY
The manufacturedoes not recommendthat you tow this
vehicle on a tow dolley. Vehicle damage may occur.
260 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

6.1L Engine..........................263

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......264

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................265

Replacement Parts.....................266

Dealer Service........................266

Maintenance Procedures.................267
▫Engine Oil..........................267
▫Engine Oil Filter......................270
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................270
▫Spark Plugs.........................270▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................271
▫Fuel Filter..........................271
▫Catalytic Converter....................271
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................273
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............274
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............275
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............276
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........276
▫Steering Linkage......................276
▫Body Lubrication.....................276
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................277
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▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers.....277
▫Exhaust System......................277
▫Cooling System.......................278
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......283
▫Brakes.............................283
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................284
▫Fuel System Hoses....................285
▫Automatic Transmission................286
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........287
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................287
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 290

Power Distribution Centers...............290
▫Front Power Distribution Center...........290▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........293

Vehicle Storage........................296

Replacement Light Bulbs................296

Bulb Replacement......................297
▫Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
And Park/Turn Lamp..................297
▫Tail/Stop, Turn Signal Lamp, And Backup
Lamp..............................299
▫License Lamp........................301

Fluids And Capacities...................302

Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts.......303
▫Engine.............................303
▫Chassis............................303
262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

6.1L ENGINE
6.1L Engine Compartment
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE