2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT catalytic converter

The MIL 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 381 for more information.)
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located in the
instrument cluster below the speedometer. Vehicles
equipped with steering wheel-mounted buttons (de-
scribed in this section) are also equipped with the EVIC.
The EVIC consists of the following:
•System status,
•Vehicle information warning message displays,
•Tire Pressure Monitor System,
•Personal settings (customer programmable features),
•Compass display,
•Outside temperature display,
•Trip computer functions,
•UConnecthands-free communication system dis-
plays (if equipped),
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
4

If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 for
proper jump-starting procedures and follow them
carefully.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

•An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition mal-
functions can cause the catalytic converter to overheat.
If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light
smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunc-
tioning and may require immediate service. Contact
your authorized dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as
octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with the emissions con-
trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised.
It can start anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the
fan.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this way.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle
has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done
improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid to
contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with large quantities
of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output
that exceeds 12 Volts.
•The battery in this vehicle has a vent hose that should not be discon-
nected and should only be replaced with a battery of the same type
(vented).
NOTE:The battery is stored under a hinged access
cover in the load floor in the cargo area. Remote battery
terminals are located in the engine compartment for
jump-starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
do not allow the vehicles to touch one another.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 371
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

6.1L Engine Compartment................380

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........381
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap..................382

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................382

Replacement Parts......................384

Authorized Dealer Service................384

Maintenance Procedures..................384
▫Engine Oil..........................385▫Engine Oil Filter......................387
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 387
▫Spark Plugs.........................388
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................388
▫Fuel Filter..........................389
▫Catalytic Converter....................389
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................390
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............392
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............393
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — 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 Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). 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 authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “MIL” on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
If the “MIL” is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, filter replacement may be necessary. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emissions 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 389
7

Brake, Parking.......................... 295
Brake System........................297,403
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................297,301
Fluid Check.......................405,431
Hoses.............................. 404
Master Cylinder....................... 405
Parking............................. 295
Warning Light.....................180,297
Brakes.............................297,403
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 284
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 73
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 132
Bulb Replacement.....................420,421
Bulbs,Light .......................... 77,420
Calibration, Compass..................... 195
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 341Oil (Engine).......................... 386
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 400
Car Washes............................ 408
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 74,340
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 165
Cargo Management System................. 158
Cargo Organizer....................... 163
Rollaway Tonneau Cover................. 161
Tri-Fold Load Floor..................... 159
Waterproof Liner...................... 163
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 164
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................158,344
Catalytic Converter...................... 389
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............205,225
Cellular Phone..................... 87,225,226
Certification Label....................... 344
Chains, Tire............................ 323
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 309
454 INDEX