Dodge Magnum (2008 year). Instruction — part 21

The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KR5S120123
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2671-S120123

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

2.7L Engine

The 2.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide excel-
lent fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded “regular”
gasoline having an octane rating of 87. The
use of premium gasoline is not recom-

mended. Under normal conditions, the use of premium
gasoline will not provide a benefit over high quality
regular gasolines, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.

3.5L and 5.7L Engines

The 3.5L & 5.7L engine is designed to meet
all emissions regulations and provide sat-
isfactory fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having an octane range of 87 to 89. The
manufacturer recommends the use of 89

octane for optimum performance. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. Under normal conditions,
the use of premium gasoline will not provide a benefit
over high quality regular and mid-grade gasolines, and
in some circumstances may result in poorer performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.

332

STARTING AND OPERATING

Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasoline that meets the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.

The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or E85
Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.

STARTING AND OPERATING

333

5

MMT In Gasoline

MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump;
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
his/her gasoline contains MMT. It is even more impor-
tant to look for gasolines without MMT in Canada,
because MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

Materials Added to Fuel

All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.

Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:

• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
and damage the emission control system.

334

STARTING AND OPERATING

• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.

• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as

octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:

• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

335

5

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-

nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to

prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.

ADDING FUEL

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. Push in on the left side (near the
edge) of the fuel filler door to access the fuel filler cap. If
the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement
cap is for use with this vehicle.

NOTE:

When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap

tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.

Fuel Filler Door

336

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

• Damage to the fuel system or emission control

system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).

• A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into

the fuel system.

• A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-

tion Indicator Light to turn on.

• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top

off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.

Gas Cap Tether Hook

STARTING AND OPERATING

337

5

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is

running.

• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a

portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.

NOTE:

• Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.

This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened

properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.

• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel

tank is full.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

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
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.

338

STARTING AND OPERATING

A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in Section 7 of this
instruction for more information.

VEHICLE LOADING

The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label.” This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.

If the seatbacks are folded for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.

Vehicle Certification Label

Your vehicle has a certification label attached to the rear
of the driver’s door.

The label contains the following information:

• Name of manufacturer

• Month and year of manufacture
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Type of Vehicle
• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.

STARTING AND OPERATING

339

5

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.

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 insure 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.

340

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.

STARTING AND OPERATING

341

5

EXAMPLE ONLY

Front
Axle

Rear Axle

Empty Weight

2054 lbs
(932 kg)

1805 lbs
(819 kg)

Load (Including driver, pas-
sengers and cargo)

271 lbs

(123 kg)

579 lbs

(263 kg)

Total

2325 lbs

(1055 kg)

2384 lbs

(1081 kg)

GAWR

2546 lbs

(1155 kg)

2708 lbs

(1228 kg)

NOTE:

Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” at-

tached to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWRs. This table is only an example.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section, you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.

To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this instruction concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo, and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.

342

STARTING AND OPERATING

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables, and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its

9loaded and ready for operation9 condition.

The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a
driver).

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.

WARNING!

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.

Tongue Weight (TW)
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on
the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be
less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

343

5

Frontal Area
Frontal area is the maximum height and maximum width
of the front of a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.

Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight to
the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When
used in accordance with the manufacturers’ directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction / hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on Vehicle
and Trailer configuration / loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.

344

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

• An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing

Hitch system may reduce handling, stability, brak-
ing performance, and could result in an accident.

• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-

ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational

Vehicle

dealer

for

additional

information.

Weight Distributing Hitch System

STARTING AND OPERATING

345

5

Trailer Hitch Classification

Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your authorized dealer for
package content.

The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)” chart for the Max. GTW towable for
your given drivetrain.

Trailer Hitch Classification

Class

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Class II - Medium Duty

3,500 lbs (1587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2268 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy
Duty

10,000 lbs (4540 kg)

All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.

Improper Adjustment of Weight Distributing System

346

STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.

Engine/Transmission

Frontal Area

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Max. Tongue Wt.

2.7L & 3.5L Rear Wheel
Drive (RWD) Automatic

22 SQ. FT. (2.04 square meters)

Up to 2 persons & Luggage

1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

22 SQ. FT. (2.04 square meters)

Up to 3 persons & Luggage

1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

22 SQ. FT. (2.04 square meters)

Up to 4 persons & Luggage

1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

22 SQ. FT. (2.04 square meters)

Up to 5 persons & NO Lug-

gage 1,000 lbs (454 kg)

100 lbs (45 kg)

STARTING AND OPERATING

347

5