2007 DODGE MAGNUM steering wheel

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) — IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Enginepower may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light, located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The indicator light also flashes when the
TCS is active. If the indicator light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
5

CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise, the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction
indicator light should go out.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator and ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light and the
yellow ESP/TCS indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster both come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. They should go out with the
engine running.
The system will turn the ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and you have driven the vehicle several miles at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the ESP is synchro-
nized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
5

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause
a loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

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. For details, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program,” or “Traction Control Sys-
tem” in this manual.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “First” and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•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).
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 297
6

Flooded, Starting..................... 209
Fuel Requirements.................261,350
Oil ..........................309,350,351
Oil Change Interval................... 311
Oil Filler Cap........................ 312
OilSelection ...................... 311,350
Oil Synthetic......................... 313
Overheating......................... 284
Temperature Gauge................... 141
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 48
Ethanol.............................. 262
Event Data Recorder..................... 49
Exhaust Gas Caution............. 32,60,264,321
Exhaust System...................... 60,321
ExteriorFoldingMirrors .................. 68
ExteriorLighting ........................ 96
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 314
Air Conditioning..................199,319
Engine Fuel......................... 315
Engine Oil.......................314,351
Engine Oil Disposal................... 313Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 284
Turn Signal........................ 99,142
Flash-To-Pass........................... 99
Flat Tire Changing...................... 286
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 209
Floor Console.......................... 122
Fluid Capacities........................ 350
Fluid Leaks............................ 62
Fluid Level Checks
Brake .............................. 329
Cooling System....................... 322
Engine Oil.......................309,310
Power Steering....................... 319
Fluids ............................... 351
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 351
FogLights .......................... 98,144
Folding Rear Seat....................... 94
FreeingAStuckVehicle .................. 297
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 320
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 332
Fuel................................. 261
Adding............................. 265
386 INDEX

Starting .............................. 208
Automatic Transmission................ 209
Engine Fails to Start................... 209
Starting and Operating................... 208
Starting Procedures..................... 208
Steering
Column Controls...................... 99
Linkage............................ 320
Power...........................229,319
TiltColumn ......................... 104
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 104
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 187
Storage...........................122,344
Storage, Vehicle.....................198,344
StoringYourVehicle ..................... 344
Sun Roof............................. 115
Sunglasses Storage...................... 109
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 41
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 313
System, Navigation..................... 179
Tachometer........................... 140Telescoping Steering Column.............. 104
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)....... 193
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......141,285
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............. 54
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 15
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 15
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 128
TiltSteeringColumn .................... 104
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 240
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 239
TireMarkings ......................... 236
TireSafetyInformation ................... 236
Tires ........................... 61,244,378
Aging(LifeofTires) ................... 250
Air Pressure......................... 244
Alignment.......................... 251
Chains............................. 252
Changing........................286,289
Compact Spare....................... 247
Flat Changing........................ 286
General Information................... 244
High Speed......................... 246
Inflation Pressures.................... 245
394 INDEX