2007 DODGE MAGNUM SRT suspension

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
²Do 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.
²Never 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.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

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:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle 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.
TIRE CHAINS
If driving conditions require tire chains for your vehicle,
use only chains that meet SAE type ªClass Sº specifica-
tions. In addition, only install tire chains on 245/45ZR20
size tires. Contact you local dealership or tire dealer for
these size tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
²Because of restricted chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important that
only chains in good condition are used. Broken chains
can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle immedi-
ately if noise occurs that could indicate chain break-
age. Remove the damaged parts of the chain before
further use.
²Install chains on the rear wheels as tightly as possible
and then retighten after driving about1¤2mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
²Use on Rear Wheels only.
²Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on
the method of installation, operating speed, and con-
ditions for use. Always use the lower suggested oper-
ating speed of the chain manufacturer if different
from the speed recommended by the manufacture.
NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer's
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

²Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's
GVWR.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m6.1L Engine Compartment...............291
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......292
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap..................292
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................293
mReplacement Parts.....................294
mDealer Service........................294
mMaintenance Procedures.................295
NEngine Oil..........................295
NEngine Oil Filter......................298
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 298
NSpark Plugs.........................298NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................299
NFuel Filter..........................299
NCatalytic Converter....................299
NMaintenance-Free Battery................301
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............302
NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............303
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............304
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........304
NSteering Linkage......................304
NBody Lubrication.....................304
NWiper Blades........................305
7

Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this manual for
the recommended air conditioning filter replacement
intervals.
Power Steering Ð 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 manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from allsurfaces. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the 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,
door 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
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery, and clean, and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
338 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Oil Filler Cap........................ 297
Oil Selection......................297,331
Overheating......................... 276
Temperature Gauge................... 136
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 46
Ethanol.............................. 254
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution...........30,57,58,256,306
Exhaust System......................57,306
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 65
Exterior Lighting........................ 93
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 299
Air Conditioning..................195,303
Engine Fuel......................... 299
Engine Oil.......................298,332
Engine Oil Disposal................... 298
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 276
Turn Signal........................96,137
Flash-To-Pass........................... 96
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 205Floor Console.......................... 118
Fluid Capacities........................ 331
Fluid Leaks............................ 59
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 313
Cooling System....................... 307
Engine Oil.......................... 295
Power Steering....................... 304
Fluids............................... 332
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 332
Fog Lights..........................95,138
Folding Rear Seat....................... 91
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 285
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 304
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 315
Fuel................................. 253
Adding............................. 257
Clean Air........................... 254
Ethanol............................. 254
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 257
Filter.............................. 299
Gasoline............................ 253
Gauge............................. 135
368 INDEX