2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT check engine

Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise yourservice attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
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•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 435
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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

Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)......................... 382
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 74
Checks, Safety........................... 74
Child Restraint.................... 63,65,69,70
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 67,69
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 338
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 410
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 395
Climate Control......................... 258
Clock ........................207,210,226,231
CoinHolder ........................... 157
Cold Weather Operation................... 279
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 257
Compass.............................. 195
Compass Calibration..................... 195
Compass Variance....................... 196Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 189
Connector
UCI ................................ 251
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 251
Console, Floor.......................... 157
Console, Overhead....................... 142
Contract, Service........................ 445
Converter, Catalytic...................... 389
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 400
Cooling System......................... 397
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 399
Coolant Capacity...................... 429
Coolant Level......................398,401
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 401
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 398
Inspection........................... 401
Points to Remember.................... 401
Pressure Cap......................... 400
Radiator Cap......................... 400
INDEX 455
10

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 303
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 176
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 185
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 374
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 364
Jump Starting......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 364
Towing ............................. 375
Emission Control System Maintenance......382,434
Engine............................... 380
Air Cleaner.......................... 388
Block Heater......................... 281
Break-In Recommendations................ 73
Checking Oil Level..................... 385
Compartment......................... 380
Coolant (Antifreeze).................398,430
Cooling ............................. 397
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 37,74,340Fails to Start.......................... 280
Flooded, Starting...................... 280
Fuel Requirements..................... 337
Jump Starting......................... 371
Oil ...........................385,429,430
Oil Change Interval.................... 386
Oil Filler Cap......................... 386
OilFilter ............................ 387
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 387
Oil Selection.......................386,429
Overheating.......................... 364
Starting............................. 277
Temperature Gauge..................... 176
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 386
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 60
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Ethanol............................... 338
Event Data Recorder...................... 61
Exhaust Gas Caution............ 37,74,75,340,397
INDEX 457
10

Exhaust System....................... 74,396
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 85
Exterior Lighting........................ 126
Exterior Lights.......................... 77
Filler Location Fuel...................... 341
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 388
Air Conditioning....................267,393
Engine Fuel.......................... 389
Engine Oil........................387,430
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 387
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 364
Turn Signal...................... 77,130,177
Flash-To-Pass........................... 131
Flooded Engine Starting................... 280
Floor Console.......................... 157
Fluid, Brake........................... 431Fluid Capacities......................... 429
Fluid Leaks............................. 77
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 406
Brake............................... 405
Cooling System....................... 398
Engine Oil........................... 385
Power Steering........................ 394
Fluids ................................ 430
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 430
Fog Lights..........................129,179
Folding Rear Seat........................ 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 374
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 394
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 407
Fuel................................. 337
Adding............................. 341
Additives............................ 339
CleanAir ............................ 338
458 INDEX