2005 Dodge Magnum Owner's Manual - Page 212
2005 Dodge Magnum Manual
Page 212 highlights
212 STARTING AND OPERATING • If there is a need to restart your engine be sure to cycle the key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission engagement may be delayed up to 10 seconds after restart if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first. • The electronically controlled transmission provides a precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt or soft until after the break-in period. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few shift cycles. The selector lever is automatically locked while in the PARK position. To move the selector lever out of the PARK position, the brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift the selector lever to the desired position only when the engine is idling normally and the brake pedal is applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise accelerate quickly when the selector lever is in DRIVE or REVERSE position. Stopping For brief stops, leave the transmission in gear and hold the vehicle with the brake pedal. For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into the NEUTRAL or PARK position and hold the vehicle with the parking brake. When stopping the vehicle uphill, do not hold it with the accelerator; use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build-up. WARNING! It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.