2008 DODGE MAGNUM SRT suspension

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity
than what was originally equipped on your vehicle.
Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in
tire overloading and failure. You could lose control
and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
If driving conditions require tire chains for your vehicle,
use only chains that meet SAE type “Class S” specifica-
tions. In addition, only install tire chains on 245/45ZR20
size tires. Contact you local dealership or tire dealer for
these size tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the following
precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that
could indicate chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of
the chain before further use.
•Install chains on the rear wheels as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about
12mi (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Use on rear wheels only.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on the
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for
use. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the
chain manufacturer if different from the speed recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instruc-
tions on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer sug-
gest a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
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▫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

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

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the rear axle fluid. 18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing.48,000 80 000 48
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
438 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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