2008 DODGE MAGNUM check oil

Checking Oil Level Ð 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the ªSAFEº range. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0L)
of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the ªSAFEº
range will result in an oil level at the top of the ªSAFEº
range on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected periodically and replaced if re-
quired. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and
failure. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure.
Inspect belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or
frayed cords and replaced if there is indication of dam-
age, which could result in belt failure. Also, check belt
routing to make sure there is no interference between the
belts and other engine components. See your authorized
dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
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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
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NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled
oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº under ªElec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Section 3 ofthis manual or under ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº under
ªInstrument Cluster Descriptionsº in Section 3 of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 443
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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
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Audio Systems (Radio).................201,219
Auto Down Power Windows................ 35
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 36
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 86
Automatic Door Locks...................30,31
Automatic Headlights.................... 125
Automatic Oil Change Indicator..........179,188
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 252
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 415
Automatic Transmission...........275,280,414,415
Adding Fluid......................415,440
Autostick.........................283,286
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 415
Fluid Change......................... 415
Fluid Level Check...................... 414
Fluid Type........................... 440
Gear Ranges.......................275,281Overdrive........................... 277
Shifting..........................275,280
Special Additives...................... 415
Torque Converter...................... 279
Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode...........................280,284,285
Autostick...........................283,286
Axle Fluid............................. 440
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 440
Ball Joints............................. 402
Battery............................... 398
Emergency Starting..................... 373
Jump Starting......................... 373
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Location..........................374,398
Bearings.............................. 416
Belts, Drive............................ 395
Belts, Seat............................42,78
INDEX 461
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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

Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 288
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 240
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 87
Electrical Power Outlets................... 150
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 298
Electronic Stability Program............... 299
Traction Control System................. 296
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 421
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 136
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 299
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 175
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 185
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 376
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 360
Jacking............................. 362Jump Starting......................... 373
Overheating.......................... 361
Towing............................. 377
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,442
Engine........................75,384,385,386
Air Cleaner.......................... 396
Block Heater......................... 271
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................391,392
Compartment...................384,385,386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................406,438
Cooling............................. 405
Exhaust Gas Caution................40,77,335
Fails to Start.......................... 270
Flooded, Starting...................... 270
Fuel Requirements..................... 332
Jump Starting......................... 373
Multi-Displacement..................... 296
Oil ...........................391,436,438
INDEX 465
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