2008 DODGE MAGNUM check engine light

damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, ªPº
(Park), ªRº (Reverse), and ªNº (Neutral) will continue to
operate. Second gear will operate in the ªDº (Drive)
shifter position. The Malfunction Indicator Light may be
illuminated.
A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to a dealer for service. To reset the transmission,
use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the ªPº (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the selector lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
Permanent Transmission Limp Home Mode
Permanent Limp Home Mode will be activated if the
transmission enters temporary Limp Home Mode three
times. Follow the reset procedure described under ªTem-
porary Transmission Limp Home Modeº in this section.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightenedproperly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªCheck Gascapº message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Ð if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð 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 ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º 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 ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.
If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªCheck Gascapº message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Ð if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
7

odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
ªFULLº mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct fluid type.
WARNING!
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
²Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7

²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 403
B-Pillar Location........................ 307
Brake Assist System...................... 298
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 298
Brake Fluid............................ 440
Brake, Parking.......................... 290
Brake System........................292,411
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 293
Fluid Check.......................413,440
Hoses.............................. 412
Master Cylinder....................... 413
Parking............................. 290
Warning Light.....................180,292
Brakes.............................292,411
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 274
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 129
Bulb Replacement.....................429,430
Bulbs, Light..........................79,429Calibration, Compass..................... 192
Capacities, Fluid........................ 436
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 336
Oil (Engine).......................393,394
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 408
Car Washes............................ 417
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............77,335
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 163
Cargo Management System................. 155
Cargo Organizer....................... 161
Rollaway Tonneau Cover................. 158
Tri-Fold Load Floor..................... 156
Waterproof Liner...................... 160
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 161
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................155,339
Catalytic Converter...................... 397
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............201,219
462 INDEX

Cellular Phone.....................89,219,221
Certification Label....................... 339
Chains, Tire............................ 320
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 362
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 304
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 388
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint..................66,67,68,71,73
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............70,71
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 333
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 418
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 403
Climate Control......................... 249
Clock........................202,206,221,225
Coin Holder........................... 154Cold Weather Operation................... 269
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 248
Compact Spare Tire...................... 315
Compass.............................. 191
Compass Calibration..................... 192
Compass Variance....................... 192
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 188
Connector
UCI ................................ 242
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 242
Conserving Fuel........................ 188
Console, Floor.......................... 154
Console, Overhead....................... 139
Contract, Service........................ 452
Converter, Catalytic...................... 397
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 408
Cooling System......................... 405
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 407
Coolant Capacity...................... 436
INDEX 463
10