Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Instruction

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m 2.7L Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
m 3.5L Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
m 5.7L Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
m Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . . . . 387

▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

m Emissions Inspection And Maintenance

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388

m Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
m Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

m Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 395
▫ Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
▫ Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
▫ Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
▫ A/C Air Filter — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
▫ Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints . . . . . . . . 402
▫ Steering Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
▫ Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
▫ Windshield Washers/Rear Window Washer . . . 404
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 410
▫ Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414
▫ All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped . . . . . 415
▫ Front And Rear Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . 416
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416

▫ Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 420

m Fuses (Power Distribution Centers) . . . . . . . . . . 421

▫ Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) . . . . . 421
▫ Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center) . . . . . . 423

m Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
m Replacement Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429
m Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

▫ Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,

And Park/Turn Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

382

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Tail/Stop, Turn Signal Light, And Backup

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432

▫ License Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435

m Fluids And Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436

m Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . 438

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

383

2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT

1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center)

6 — Air Cleaner Filter

2 — Engine Oil Dipstick

7 — Coolant Pressure Cap

3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover

8 — Engine Oil Fill

4 — Coolant Bottle

9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post

5 — Power Steering Fluid

10 — Washer Fluid Bottle

384

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT

1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center)

6 — Coolant Bottle

2 — Air Cleaner Filter

7 — Engine Oil Fill

3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover

8 — Engine Oil Dipstick

4 — Coolant Pressure Cap

9 — Washer Fluid Bottle

5 — Power Steering Fluid

10 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

385

5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT

1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center)

6 — Air Cleaner Filter

2 — Coolant Pressure Cap

7 — Engine Oil Fill

3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover

8 — Engine Oil Dipstick

4 — Coolant Bottle

9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post

5 — Power Steering Fluid

10 — Washer Fluid Bottle

386

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II

Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
emissions tests can be performed.

If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.

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 Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

387

odometer reset 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).

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)

is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.

Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:

1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.

2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.

3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.

4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.

388

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:

a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD system is not ready and you should not
proceed to the I/M station.

b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.

If your OBD system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use of genuine Mopar

t parts for normal/scheduled

maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar

t parts for maintenance

and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

389

DEALER SERVICE

Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools, and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Instructions are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these instructions before attempting any procedure
yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.

390

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level — 2.7L, 3.5L Engines
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.

The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0L) of oil when the reading
is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

Engine Oil Dipstick

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

391

Checking Oil Level — 5.7L Engine
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.

The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0L)
of oil when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE”
range will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE”
range on these engines.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

Engine Oil Dipstick

392

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
instruction for information on this system.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change

intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever occurs first.

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacture only recommends
API Certified engine oils.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.7L and 5.7L
Engines
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

393

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.

NOTE:

Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use

SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multiple Displacement System (MDS).
Refer to “Multi Displacement System” under “Starting
and Operating” for more details.

Lubricants, which do not have both, the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.5L Engine
SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for use in 3.5L
Engines for all operating temperatures.

Lubricants, which do not have both, the engine oil
certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade
number should not be used.

Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.

Materials Added to Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.

394

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.

Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar

t Engine Oil Filters are a high quality oil

filter and are recommended.

Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension

Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected periodically and replaced if re-
quired. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and
failure. Low generator belt tension can cause battery
failure.

Inspect belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or
frayed cords and replaced if there is indication of dam-
age, which could result in belt failure. Also, check belt
routing to make sure there is no interference between the
belts and other engine components. See your authorized
dealer for service.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

395

Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Instruction - part 24