2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT Owners Manual

Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features, which consist of blower preferred automatic,
mode preferred automatic, or blower and mode preferred
automatic. This means the operator can override the
blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the blower control knob (on the left).
NOTE:Please read the automatic temperature control
operation chart that follows for details.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 263
4

264 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•Defrost
Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also
directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles.
•Defrost/Floor
Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air
is also directed to the front door windows
through the side window demister grilles.
•Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating
area through vents under the front seats.
•Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel and through the outlets located
on the floor. Air flows through the registers in the back
of the center console to the rear seat passengers. These
registers can be closed to block airflow.
•Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the in-
strument panel. Air flows through the registers in
the back of the center console to the rear seat passen-
gers. These registers can be closed to block airflow.
•Air Conditioning Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air con-
ditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air will flow
through the outlets selected with the Mode control dial.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 265
4

Press this button a second time to 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.
•Recirculation 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 “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 for proper
coolant selection.
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clearwindshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
Section 7 for filter replacement instructions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 267
4

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
268 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Wiper Operation
The rear wiper is operated by the rear wiper/
washer switch. The switch is located in the switch
bank near the top center of the instrument panel. An
indicator in the switch illuminates when the rear wiper is
on.
To use the rear wiper, push the left side of the rear
wiper/washer switch in and release.
The rear wiper system is intermittent, and is not adjust-
able. The delay is approximately eight to nine seconds
between cycles.
CAUTION!
Turn the rear wiper OFF when driving through an
automatic car wash. Damage to the rear wiper may
result if the wiper switch is left in any position other
than OFF.
Rear Washer Operation
The rear washer is operated by the rear wiper/
washer switch. The switch is located in the switch
bank near the top center of the instrument panel.
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 two wipe cycles after the switch is released.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
4

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 washer fluid reservoir will hold 1 gal (4 l) of fluid
when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL