2008 DODGE MAGNUM engine

Automatic Temperature Control Ð If Equipped
Automatic Operation
The Infrared Dual-Zone Climate Control System auto-
matically maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle
at the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.
To accomplish this, the system gathers information fromthe controls on the climate control, from a dual sun-
sensor located in the top of the instrument panel, from an
infrared sensor located in the face of the climate control,
and from various sensors located throughout the vehicle.
The controls on the climate control provide the system
with operator input. The dual sun-sensor monitors sun
load coming through the windshield. The infrared sensor
independently measures the surface temperature of the
driver and passenger. Other sensors take account of
vehicle-speed, A/C pressure, outside temperature, and
engine cooling temperature. Using all of these inputs, the
system automatically adjusts airflow temperature, air-
flow distribution, airflow volume, and the amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Automatic Temperature Controls
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR 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

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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................267
NAutomatic Transmission................268
NNormal Starting (Tip Start)..............269
NExtremely Cold Weather (Below220ÉF Or
229ÉC).............................269
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................270
NAfter Starting........................271
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........271
mAutomatic Transmission..................271NAutomatic Transmission Ð General
Information.........................272
NBrake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 274
N4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........275
N5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........280
mAutoSticktÐ If Equipped................286
NAutoSticktOperation..................286
mAll Wheel Drive Ð If Equipped............287
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............287
5

NAcceleration.........................287
NTraction............................288
mDriving Through Water..................288
NFlowing/Rising Water..................288
NShallow Standing Water.................289
mParking Brake.........................290
mBrake System..........................292
NAnti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped.....293
mPower Steering........................295
mMulti Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................296
mTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . . 296
mBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....298mElectronic Stability Program (ESP) Ð
If Equipped...........................299
NSynchronizing ESP....................301
NESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights......................301
mTire Safety Information...................302
NTire Markings........................302
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........306
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........307
mTires Ð General Information...............311
NTire Pressure.........................311
NTire Inflation Pressures.................312
NRadial-Ply Tires......................314
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........315
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........315
NTire Spinning........................316
NTread Wear Indicators..................317
NLife Of Tire.........................317
NReplacement Tires.....................318
NAlignment And Balance.................319
mSelf-Sealing Tires Ð If Equipped............320
mTire Chains...........................320
mSnow Tires...........................321
mTire Rotation Recommendations............321
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................322
NBase System Ð If Equipped..............325NPremium System Ð If Equipped..........327
NGeneral Information...................331
mFuel Requirements......................332
N2.7L Engine.........................332
N3.5L And 5.7L Engines..................332
NReformulated Gasoline.................333
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............333
NMMT In Gasoline.....................334
NMaterials Added To Fuel................334
NFuel System Cautions..................334
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............335
mAdding Fuel..........................336
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............336
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever. Accidents can also
be caused by pressing the accelerator pedal. This
may cause excessive heat in the exhaust system,
resulting in overheating and vehicle fire, which may
cause serious or fatal injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the ªNº (Neutral) or ªPº
(Park) position before you can start the engine. Apply the
brakes before shifting into any driving gear.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
²Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
²Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING