towing DODGE STRATUS 2004 2.G User Guide

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð 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 ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º 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!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº 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 per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189
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CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C)
²Stop and Go driving
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service)
²OffÐ road or desert operation
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
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Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, to the manufacturer's specifications, should be
obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
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²If the fluid is hot (180ÉF / 82ÉC), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked ºHOTº (between the
upper two holes in the dipstick).
²If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis-
sion fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐ No change necessary.Maintenance schedule ªBºÐ Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
²Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
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NOTE:There are specific instructions regarding when
to change the ignition cables and spark plugs with the
PZEV package in this section. This applies to both
maintenance schedule A and B and will be marked with
an ** or ***.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule B of the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 233
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SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with anL.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.L
²Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
236 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Speedometer........................... 86
Starting.............................. 130
Cold Weather........................ 131
Engine Fails to Start................... 132
Steering
Power...........................142,200
Tilt Column.......................... 66
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 117
Stuck, Freeing......................... 183
Sun Roof.............................. 75
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 33
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 195
Tachometer............................ 86
Tape Player........................... 117
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......87,173
Theft Alarm............................ 22
Theft System........................... 22
Tilt Steering Column..................... 66
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 147
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 146
Tire Markings......................... 143Tire Safety Information................... 143
Tires ...........................50,150,258
Air Pressure......................... 150
Alignment.......................... 156
Chains............................. 157
Changing........................... 174
Compact Spare....................... 153
Flat Changing........................ 174
General Information................... 150
High Speed......................... 152
Inflation Pressures.................... 151
Load Capacity....................... 147
Quality Grading...................... 258
Radial............................. 153
Replacement......................... 155
Rotation............................ 157
Safety...........................143,150
Sizes............................... 144
Snow Tires.......................... 157
Spinning............................ 154
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 155
Towing...........................183,184
Disabled Vehicle...................... 183
INDEX 271
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Traction Control....................67,85,142
Trailer Towing......................... 164
Minimum Requirements................ 164
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 164
Warnings........................... 164
Transaxle............................. 211
Additives........................... 213
Automatic........................... 211
Filter.............................. 213
Manual..........................137,184
Selection of Lubricant.................. 212
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 87
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 70
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 48
Tread Wear Indicators................... 155
Trip Computer.......................... 90
Trip Odometer.......................... 88
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 24
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 23Turn Signals.........................64,86
Underhood Fuses....................... 219
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 258
Universal Transmitter.................... 70
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 209
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 56
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading.....................147,164
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 22
Vinyl Trim............................ 216
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................194,227
Voltmeter.............................. 86
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 17
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 172
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................65,203
Washing Vehicle........................ 215
Waxing and Polishing................... 215
272 INDEX