2008 DODGE MAGNUM automatic transmission

Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is on each front door trim
panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
If you press the power door lock switch while the key is
in the ignition, and any front door is open, the powerlocks will not operate. This prevents you from acciden-
tally locking the key in the vehicle. Removing the key or
closing the door will allow the locks to operate. If a door
is open, the key is in the ignition, and the ignition is in the
LOCK or ACC position, a chime will sound as a reminder
to remove the key.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically on vehicles with power
door locks if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The Automatic Door Locks feature is enabled.
2. The transmission is in gear.
3. All doors are closed.
4. The throttle is pressed.
5. The vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h).
Power Door Lock Switch
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. The transmission was in gear and the vehicle speed
returned to 0 mph (0 km/h).
3. The transmission is in ªNº (Neutral) or ªPº (Park).
4. The driver door is opened.
5. The doors were not previously unlocked.
6. The vehicle speed is 0 mph (0 km/h).
Automatic Unlock Doors on Exit Programming
The Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature can be
enabled or disabled as follows:
²For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), refer to ªPersonal Settings
(Customer Programmable Features)º under ªElec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Section 4
of this manual for details.
²For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, performing
the following procedure:1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between LOCK and ON and
then back to LOCK 4 times ending up in the LOCK
position.
3. Depress the power door unlock switch to unlock the
doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE:Use the Automatic Unlock Doors On Exit feature
in accordance with local laws.
32 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
The automatic transmission will downshift while climb-
ing uphill or descending downhill. This downshift is
necessary to maintain vehicle set speed.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLinkt),
storage for sunglasses, and an optional power sunroof
switch.
Overhead Console
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
3

14. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 391 for more information.)
15. High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are ON. Push the Multi-Function lever
away from the steering wheel to switch the headlights to
high beam. (See page 127 for more information.)16. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
A chime will sound if the driver's seat belt is
unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt Warning
Light will flash or remain on continuously if the driver's
seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check or when
driving. (See page 49 for more information.)
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 127 for more information.)
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 293 for
more information.)
24. Low Fuel Indicator Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. (See
page 336 for more information.)25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD. The OBD system monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will turn on when the key is in the ON position
before engine start. If the light does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 387 for more information.)
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The EVIC will not change the UConnectŸ
language selection. Please refer to ªLanguage Selectionº
in the HANDS±FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnectŸ)
section of this manual for details.
ªLock Doors Automatically at 15 mph (24 Km/h)º
When ON is selected, all doors will lock automatically
when the vehicle reaches a speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until ªONº or ªOFFº appears.
ªUnlock Doors Automatically on Exitº
When ON is selected, all doors will unlock when the
vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in the ªPº
(Park) or ªNº (Neutral) position and the driver's door is
opened. To make your selection, press and release the
FUNCTION SELECT button until ªONº or ªOFFº ap-
pears.
ªRemote Key Unlockº
WhenDriver Door 1st Pressis selected, only the driver's
door will unlock on the first press of the remote keyless
entry unlock button. When Driver Door 1st Press is
selected, you must press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button twice to unlock the passenger's doors.
WhenAll Doors 1st Pressis selected, all of the doors will
unlock on the first press of the remote keyless entry
unlock button. To make your selection, press and release
the FUNCTION SELECT button until ªDriver Door 1st
Pressº or ªAll Doors 1st Pressº appears.
ªSound Horn with Remote Key Lockº
When ON is selected, a short horn sound will occur when
the remote keyless entry ªLockº button is pressed. This
feature may be selected with or without the flash lights
on lock/unlock feature. To make your selection, press
and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until ªONº
or ªOFFº appears.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197
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

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