2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT service

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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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
7

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.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and quick connect fittings have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses with quick connect fittings, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing. It
is mandatory to replace any damaged hoses or quick
connect fittings that have been removed during service.Care should be taken with installing quick connect
fittings to ensure they are properly installed and fully
connected. See your authorized dealer for service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

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

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

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
34 — — —
35 — 5 Amp
OrangeAntenna Module - if
equipped/Power Mir-
rors
36 — 20 Amp
YellowHands-Free Phone - if
equipped/Video Moni-
tor - if equipped/Radio
37 — 15 Amp
BlueTransmission
38 — 10 Amp
RedCargo Light/Satellite
Receiver (SDARS) Video
- if equipped/Vehicle
Information Module - if
equipped
39 — 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirrors - if
equippedCavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
40 — 5 Amp
OrangeAuto Inside Rearview
Mirror/Heated Seats - if
equipped/Switch Bank
41 — 10 Amp
RedAC Heater Control/
Headlights/Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring - if
equipped
42 30 Amp
Pink— Front Blower Motor
43 30 Amp
Pink— Rear Window Defroster
44 20 Amp
Blue— Amplifier - if equipped/
Sunroof - if equipped
*Cavities 11, 12, and 13 contain self-resetting fuses
(circuit breakers) that are only serviceable by an autho-
rized dealer. The cluster and the driver SEAT switch are
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

fused by the 25-amp circuit breaker in cavity 11. The
passenger SEAT switch is fused by the 25-amp circuit
breaker in cavity 12. The door modules, the driver power
WINDOW switch, and the passenger power WINDOW
switch are fused by the 25-amp circuit breaker in cavity
13. If you experience temporary or permanent loss of
these systems, see your authorized dealer for service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days, you may want to take these steps to protect your
battery.
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime 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 willensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb Number
Rear Courtesy/Reading Lights.............. W5W
Rear Compartment (Liftgate) Light............ 578
Overhead Console Reading Lights............. 578
Visor Vanity Lights.....................A6220
Glove Box Light......................... 194
Door Courtesy.......................... 562
Shift Indicator Light................. JKLE14140
Optional Door Map Pocket / Cupholder
Lighting........ LED(ServicedatAuthorized Dealer)
NOTE:For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions.
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE