2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT ABS

If the alarm system is armed and the battery becomes
disconnected the system will remain armed when the
battery is reconnected. The exterior lights will flash, the
horn will sound, and the ignition will not start the
vehicle. If this occurs, disarm the system.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the system in your absence,
the horn will sound three times when you disarm the
system. Check the vehicle for tampering.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open the
doors or liftgate.
The lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds or they
will immediately fade to off once the ignition switch is
turned ON from the LOCK position.NOTE:
•None of the courtesy lights will operate if the dimmer
control is in the “defeat” position (extreme downward
position), unless the overhead map/reading lights are
turned on manually.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors or
activate the Panic Alarm from distances up to about 35 ft
(11 m) using a hand-held radio transmitter. The transmit-
ter need not be pointed at the vehicle to activate the
system.
NOTE:Inserting the Fob with Integrated Key into the
ignition switch disables all buttons on that transmitter;
however, the buttons on the remaining transmitters will
continue to work. Driving at speeds 5 mph (8 km/h) and
above disables all transmitter buttons for all fobs.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The lower load floor is hinged to provide access to the
spare tire (if equipped), battery, and rear electrical power
distribution center.
The 60/40 split-folding rear seat provides cargo-carrying
versatility. The seatbacks fold down easily by pulling
nylon tabs between the seatbacks and the bolsters. When
the seats are folded down, they provide a continuous,
nearly-flat extension of the removable tri-fold load floor.
Tri-Fold Upper Load Floor
The removable tri-fold upper load floor has two different
surfaces for increased utility. One side is carpeted for a
plush appearance and the other side is covered with
vinyl for easy cleaning. The panel, sandwiched between
the carpet and the washable-vinyl, is constructed from a
strong lightweight material that gives the floor its load-
bearing strength.
You can place the load floor in a partially folded position,
a fully folded position, or a flat position. You can alsoremove it from the vehicle. Folding and/or removing the
load floor will add four inches to the height of the cargo
area for increased utility. Use the handle to adjust the
position of the load floor. The load floor positions are
shown in the following illustrations.
Load Floor Handle
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
3

LOAD LEVELING SYSTEM
The automatic load leveling system will provide a level-
riding vehicle under most passenger and cargo loading
conditions.
A hydraulic pump contained within the shock absorbers
raises the rear of the vehicle to the correct height. It takes
approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) of driving for the leveling to
complete depending on road surface conditions.If the leveled vehicle is not moved for approximately 15
hours, the leveling system will bleed itself down. The
vehicle must be driven to reset the system.
168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

19. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
This display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (See page 185 for more information.)
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the EVIC.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
(See page 381 for more information.)20. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity to a portion of the hydraulic system in the event of a
failure. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops
below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which could change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service performed,
and the brake fluid level checked.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Immediate repair is necessary if brake failure is indicated.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with ABS are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Both the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Light will turn on in the
event of an EBD failure. Immediate repair of the ABS is
required in the event of an EBD failure.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK position tothe ON position. The light should turn on for approxi-
mately two seconds and then turn off. The light will
remain on if the parking brake is applied or if a brake
fault is detected. If the parking brake is not applied and
the light remains on, or if the light does not turn on, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:The light will turn on when the ignition switch
is in the ON position and the parking brake is applied.
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It
does not show the degree of brake application. (See page
297 for more information.)
21. Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
The VSA Indicator Light flashes rapidly when the VSA is
arming, and slowly when the VSA is armed. (See page 18
for more information.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
4

23. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 297 for
more information.)24. Low Fuel Indicator Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound when the fuel level drops to 1/8 tank. (See
page 341 for more information.)
25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD. The OBD system monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems. The
MIL will turn on when the key is in the ON position
before engine start. If the MIL does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Traction............................292

Driving Through Water..................293
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................293
▫Shallow Standing Water.................293

Parking Brake.........................295

Brake System..........................297
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................297

Power Steering........................299

Electronic Brake Control System............300
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............301
▫TCS (Traction Control System)............302
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............302
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........303▫Synchronizing ESP....................306
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................307

Tire Safety Information...................308
▫Tire Markings........................308
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........311
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........312

Tires — General Information...............316
▫Tire Pressure.........................316
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................317
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................319
▫Tire Spinning........................320
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................320
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

When frequent transmission shifting occurs when using
the Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong head winds, or while towing heavy trailers, use
the AutoStickmode and select the “3” range.
AutoStickGear Selection
The AutoStickfeature can be selected by pressing the
shift lever to the right or the left with the lever in the
DRIVE position. The gear currently selected is indicated
in the instrument cluster display. Briefly, press the shift
lever in the “D -” direction and the transmission will shift
from the current gear to the next lower gear.
Press and hold the shift lever in the “D-” direction and
the transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to the next lowest gear for best acceleration.
NOTE:To avoid overrevving the engine when the shift
lever is moved in “D -” direction, the transmission willnot shift to a lower gear if the engine’s revolutions per
minute (RPM) limit would be exceeded.
Briefly press the shift lever in the “D +” direction and the
transmission will shift from the current gear to the next
higher gear.
Press and hold the shift lever in the “D +” direction and
the transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to gear “D.”
WARNING!
On slippery road surfaces never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehi-
cle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING