How to Replace a 2005 Dodge Magnum’s Power Steering Fluid

Replace your 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid by removing the black reservoir cap, pumping out the old fluid, and refilling it with Mopar PSF fluid.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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To replace your 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid, you’ll need to drain the old fluid from the reservoir and refill it with the new Prestone power steering fluid. In a Magnum, the power steering reservoir has a black cap and is located underneath the hood directly behind the drivers-side headlight.
As the name suggests, power steering fluid is what helps make your Dodge easier to steer—so if the steering wheel ever stiffens up or starts making a high-pitched screeching noise, it’s probably time to change your Magnum’s power steering fluid. Failure to do so can damage the fluid pump, resulting in costly repairs.
But if you’ve never replaced your Dodge’s power steering fluid before, don’t worry—licensed
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How do I replace my 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid?

Fortunately, replacing a 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid is pretty straightforward as far as maintenance goes—all you have to do is follow these steps:
  • Open the hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir. It has a black cap and can be found underneath the hood directly behind the drivers-side headlight.
  • Remove the black cap and insert a fluid pump into the reservoir. You can buy pumps made specifically for this purpose or use a household object such as a soap bottle or shampoo pump.
  • Pump out the old power steering fluid from the reservoir. Use a sealable container of some sort to catch the excess fluid.
  • Refill the reservoir with new power steering fluid and replace the cap.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced your 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid! 

Should I change it myself or should I take it to a mechanic?

If you want to be sure that the replacement is done correctly, there’s no harm in having a mechanic change your Magnum’s power steering fluid—they should be able to do it in less than an hour and you’ll be looking at a bill of roughly $125.
On the other hand, you can opt to change the fluid yourself—this method may take a little bit longer but it’s much, much cheaper. You’ll still need to pay $15 to $20 for the power steering fluid, of course, but you won’t have to pay extra for the mechanic’s labor—and as long as you have the right tools, replacing the fluid yourself shouldn’t be too difficult.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2005 Dodge Magnum?

Choosing a power steering fluid for your 2005 Dodge Magnum can feel a bit overwhelming—after all, there are plenty of great options, so it can be hard to know which is the best. In our opinion, however, Mopar’s power steering fluid gives the best performance, even if it is a little more expensive than other brands.
All in all, our favorite picks include:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Mopar PSF +4
16 ounces
$11.35
Valvoline Synthetic ATF +4
1 quart
$12.99
Prestone PSF Anti-wear 50,000 mile
$8.99
Pentosin AT 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
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MORE: Why does my steering wheel shake, and how do I fix it?

When do I need to replace my 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid?

Generally speaking, you should change out your 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid at least once every 24 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first—but it’s a good idea to check the fluid once every two weeks or 250 miles. This will keep your steering system working smoothly and make steering much easier.
Of course, you may need to replace your power steering fluid before meeting this interval if you start experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • A change in fluid color from clear to yellow
  • Bubbles in your power steering fluid
  • Difficulty steering
  • Fluid leakage
  • Abnormal noises when the wheel is turned (squeaking, screeching, etc.)
And though your power steering fluid’s primary purpose may be to improve steering, it also serves to improve the lifespan of your 2005 Dodge Magnum—so be sure to follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.

How to find affordable Dodge car insurance

One of the easiest ways to cut down on vehicle-related expenses is to keep up with your Dodge’s routine maintenance—another easy way is to use the
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FAQs

You can! If you decide to save on labor costs and change your power steering fluid yourself, follow these steps: open the hood and remove the black cap from the power steering reservoir, drain or pump out the old fluid, and refill your Dodge Magnum with new power steering fluid.
Generally speaking, you should change your 2005 Dodge Magnum’s power steering fluid at least once every 24 months or every 50,000 miles—whichever comes first. You may need to replace it sooner, however,  if you notice bubbles in the fluid, find that the fluid has turned yellow, or experience difficulty steering.
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