2008 DODGE MAGNUM engine overheat

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
²Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start
or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If
you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
362 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
²Racing 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 some-
one. 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.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 377
6

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
7

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine off, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
10

Oil Change Interval...............179,188,393
Oil Filler Cap......................393,394
Oil Filter............................ 395
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 395
Oil Selection.......................393,436
Oil Synthetic......................... 394
Operation............................ 75
Overheating.......................... 361
Starting............................. 267
Temperature Gauge..................... 175
Engine Oil Viscosity...................393,394
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 333
Event Data Recorder...................... 64
Exhaust Gas Caution..............40,77,335,405
Exhaust System.......................77,404
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 87
Exterior Lighting........................ 124Exterior Lights.......................... 79
Filler Location Fuel...................... 336
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 396
Air Conditioning....................258,401
Engine Fuel.......................... 396
Engine Oil........................395,438
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 395
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 360
Turn Signal......................79,128,176
Flash-To-Pass........................... 128
Flat Tire Changing....................... 362
Flooded Engine Starting................... 270
Floor Console.......................... 154
Fluid, Brake........................... 440
Fluid Capacities......................... 436
Fluid Leaks............................. 79
466 INDEX

Navigation System....................... 219
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 75
Occupant Restraints....................... 41
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............332,438
Odometer..........................174,179
Trip .............................174,179
Oil Change Indicator..................179,188
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............179,188
Oil, Engine.........................391,438
Capacity............................ 436
Change Interval..................179,188,393
Checking.........................391,392
Dipstick..........................391,392
Disposal............................ 395
Filter............................395,438
Filter Disposal........................ 395
Identification Logo..................... 393
Materials Added to..................... 394Recommendation...................393,436
Synthetic............................ 394
Viscosity.......................393,394,436
Oil Filter, Change........................ 395
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 395
Onboard Diagnostic System..............387,388
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 140
Operating Precautions.................... 387
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 86
Overdrive............................. 277
Overhead Console....................... 139
Overheating, Engine...................176,361
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 454
Paint Care............................. 416
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Parking Brake.......................... 290
Parking On Hill......................... 291
Passing Light........................... 128
INDEX 473
10