cooling DODGE STRATUS 2004 2.G User Guide

over time. This is normal. If the coolant level is hard to
see, jostling the coolant bottle will make it easier to see.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point, adding, or replacing
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the
coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. Heater
performance may also be adversely affected by low
coolant levels.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling
the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your
authorized dealer for details.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating
on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot water to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the system.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration of 50% ethylene glycol
(minimum) with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine that contains alu-
minum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 209
7

License Plate Bulb Replacement
1. Locate both small slots on the outboard side of the
license lamp. Using a small screwdriver, remove the
entire housing.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the housing. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace
the bulb and snap it back into place on the housing of the
chrome appliqu×.
Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if carrying an
excessive amount of weight in the trunk, rear seats or
pulling a trailer. To readjust the headlights first mark the
position of the headlights on a wall prior to loading the
vehicle. Load the vehicle and then readjust the headlights
to the original position. If any further adjustments are
necessary contact your manfacturer's dealer. A detailed
service procedure is contained in the manufacturer's
Service Manual. Information on purchasing a Service
Manual can be found at the back of this Owner's Manual.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2.4 Liter Engine (87 Octane) 16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
2.7 Liter Engine (87 Octane) 16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30) 5 qts. 4.7 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30) 5 qts. 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines* (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)8 qts. 7.5 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)9.5 qts. 9.0 Liters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

Compact Disc Changer................... 114
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 119
Compact Disc Player..................95,100
Compact Spare Tire..................... 153
Compass.............................. 90
Compass Calibration..................... 92
Contract, Service....................... 254
Cooling System........................ 205
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 206
Coolant Capacity..................... 227
Coolant Level........................ 207
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 207
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 206
Inspection........................... 205
Points to Remember................... 208
Pressure Cap........................ 207
Radiator Cap........................ 207
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 209
Selection of Coolant................... 206
Corrosion Protection.................... 214
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 198
Cruise Control.......................... 67
Cruise Light........................... 85Customer Assistance.................... 252
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 62
Daytime Running Lights.................. 63
Dealer Service......................... 191
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 123
Defroster, Windshield..................50,123
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 189
Dimmer Control........................ 61
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 64
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 212
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 207
Engine Oil.......................... 195
Door Ajar Warning...................... 17
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 196
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 182
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 77
264 INDEX

Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 174
Emergency Trunk Release................. 24
Emission Control System Maintenance....190,232
Engine............................187,188
Block Heater......................... 132
Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 192
Compartment.....................187,188
Cooling............................ 205
Oil .............................192,227
Oil Change Interval................... 193
Oil Selection......................... 194
Oil Synthetic......................... 195
Overheating......................... 172
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter . . 232
Timing Belt.......................... 198
Engine Oil Viscosity..................194,227
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 194
Entry System, Illuminated................. 15
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 204
Exhaust System........................ 204Exterior Light Service.................... 222
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 196
Automatic Transaxle................... 213
Engine Fuel......................... 196
Engine Oil.......................... 195
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 172
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 168
Engine Oil.......................... 194
Maintenance......................... 169
Replacement Parts.................... 169
Starting............................ 168
Fluid Capacities........................ 227
Fluid Leaks............................ 50
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 212
Capacities........................... 227
Fog Light Service....................... 225
Fog Lights..........................64,225
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 183
INDEX 265
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