2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT steering

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and DRIVE. Usually, the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program,” or “Traction Control” in Section 5.CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “1st” and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
374 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............394
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......394
▫Steering Linkage......................395
▫Body Lubrication.....................395
▫Wiper Blades........................395
▫Windshield Washers/Rear Window Washer . . . 396
▫Exhaust System......................396
▫Cooling System.......................397
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......402
▫Fuel System.........................403
▫Brake System........................403
▫Automatic Transmission................406
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........407▫Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................408
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cupholders....412

Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........413
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....413
▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......415

Vehicle Storage........................420

Replacement Light Bulbs.................420

Bulb Replacement......................421
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight, And
Park/Turn Light — Models With Halogen
Headlights..........................421
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight, And
Park/Turn Light — Models With High Intensity
Discharge Headlights (HID)..............423
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

6.1L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post 6 — Power Steering Fluid
2 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Coolant Pressure Cap 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Coolant Bottle 10 — Washer Fluid Bottle 380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

filter. Install the new filter with arrows pointing in the
direction of airflow, which is toward the rear of the
vehicle (text and arrows on the filter indicate this).
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for the
recommended air conditioning filter replacement inter-
vals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer. No chemical flushes should be used in any
power steering system; only the approved lubricant may
be used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine OFF to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front and Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, liftgate hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a smallamount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield and rear window periodically with a sponge
or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield or rear window.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield or rear window. Keep the blade rubber
out of contact with petroleum products such as engine
oil, gasoline, etc.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
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Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is notnecessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place, resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
16 — 20 Amp
YellowRear Power Outlet
17 — 20 Amp
YellowCluster
18 — 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 — 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20 — 20 Amp
YellowRear Wiper Motor
21 — — —
22 — — —
23 — — —
24 — — —
25 — — —Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
26 — — —
27 — 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC)
28 — 10 Amp
RedIgnition Run
29 — 5 Amp
OrangeCluster/Electronic Sta-
bility Program (ESP)/
Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)/STOP
LIGHT Switch
30 — 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power
Mirrors/Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
31 — — —
32 — — —
33 — — —
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid + 4, MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Rear Axle API GL-5 SAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7