check engine DODGE STRATUS 2004 2.G Owner's Manual

Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
²The vehicle must be on level ground.
²The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
²Fully apply parking brake.
²Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
²Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
²If the fluid is cold (80ÉF / 27ÉC), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked ªCOLDº (between
the lower two holes in the dipstick).
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
234 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
²Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
²Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
²Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
²Check the manual transmission fluid level.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 235
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Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000) (53 000) (58 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if re-
quired.*XXX X X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. ** X
238 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace theignition cableson 2.4 liter engine.
**X
Replace the accessory drive belts on the 2.7
liter engine.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter en-
gine. **X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*³X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.LX
240 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 75,000 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000
(Kilometers) (120 000) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.*X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Replace theengine timing belton 2.4 liter
engine.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. ** X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.X
SCHEDULE ªBº 241
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (160 000) (163 000) (168 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXX X X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter en-
gine. ***X
Replace theignition cableson the 2.4 liter en-
gine. ***X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant. X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.7 liter en-
gine.X
Check and retension accessory drive belts on
2.7 liter engine.X
Replace the accessory drive belts on 2.4 liter
engine.X
242 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000 123,000
(Kilometers) (174 000) (179 000) (183 000) (188 000) (193 000) (198 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.*X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter en-
gine. **X
Replace theignition cableson the 2.4 liter en-
gine. **X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace the accessory drive belts on 2.7 liter
engine.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.LX
SCHEDULE ªBº 243
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Miles 126,000 129,000 132,000 135,000 138,000 141,000
(Kilometers) (203 000) (208 000) (212 000) (217 000) (222 000) (227 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXXXX X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.X
244 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 144,000 147,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (232 000) (237 000) (241 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if necessary.* X X
Replace theair cleaner filter.*X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. ** X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, rotors, rear drums
and shoes.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*³ X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
** Except for the 2.4 liter Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle
(PZEV).
*** 2.4 liter PZEV only.³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE ªBº 245
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