2008 DODGE MAGNUM instrument panel

turn off the air conditioning. An LED in the button
illuminates when manual compressor operation is
selected.
NOTE:To control the air conditioning manually, the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
²Recirculation Control
This button can be used to block out smoke,
odors, dust, high humidity, or if rapid cooling
is desired. The recirculation mode should only
be used temporarily. An LED in the button
illuminates when the recirculation mode is active. You
may use this feature separately.
NOTE:Extended use of recirculation may cause the
windows to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to
fog, press the Recirculation button to return to outside
air. Some temp/humidity conditions will cause capturedinterior air to condense on windows and hamper visibil-
ity. For this reason, the system will not allow Recircula-
tion to be selected while in defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these modes
will cause the LED in the control button to blink and then
turn off.Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257
4

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in
Section 7 of this manual for filter replacement instruc-
tions.
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 259
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Wiper Operation
The rear wiper is operated by the rear wiper/
washer switch. The switch is located near the top
center of the instrument panel. An indicator in the switch
illuminates when the rear wiper is on.To use the rear wiper, push the left side of the rear
wiper/washer switch in and release.
The rear wiper system is intermittent, and is not adjust-
able. The delay is approximately 8 to 9 seconds between
cycles.
CAUTION!
Turn the rear wiper off when driving through an
automatic car wash. Damage to the rear wiper may
result if the wiper switch is left in any position other
than OFF.
Rear Washer Operation
The rear washer is operated by the rear wiper/
washer switch. The switch is located near the top
center of the instrument panel.
Rear Wiper/Washer Switch
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To use the rear washer, push the right side of the rear
wiper/washer switch in and hold while spray is desired
(maximum spray of 10 seconds). The rear wiper operates
for 2 wipe cycles after the switch is released.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and rear window washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gallon (4 liters) of
washer fluid when the message ªLow Washer Fluidº
appears in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Ð if equipped.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
4

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately 5 minutes for the second
push of the button.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
262 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Never use ªPº (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a flat surface, place the gear selector in
the ªPº (Park) position first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in ªPº (Park),
otherwise the load on the transmission locking mecha-
nism 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.WARNING!
Never use ªPº (Park) position on an automatic trans-
mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the selector lever into the ªPº (Park)
position:
²When shifting into ªP' (Park) move the lever all the
way forward until it stops, and is fully seated.
²Look at the shift indicator display on the instrument
panel to ensure it is in the ªPº (Park) position.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Never use ªPº (Park) position on an automatic trans-
mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the selector lever into the ªPº (Park)
position:
²When shifting into ªPº (Park) move the lever all the
way forward until it stops, and is fully seated.
²Look at the shift indicator display on the instrument
panel to ensure it is in the ªPº (Park) position.
CAUTION!
Damage to the shifter could result if the selector lever
is moved out of ªPº (Park) before the ignition is
turned from the LOCK to ON position.
ªRº (Reverse)
Shift into ªRº (Reverse) gear only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
ªNº (Neutral)
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage ªNº
(Neutral) position while driving except to coast when the
vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
The engine may be started in this range. Use this range
for starting your vehicle if it is moving or being towed.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING