check transmission fluid DODGE STRATUS 2004 2.G Owners Manual

²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frquent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend tranaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using
the Autostick modes, and slecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range
should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose ª4º if the desired speed can be
maintaned. Choose ª3º or ª2º if needed to maintain the
desired speed.
NOTE:Extended driving at high RPM should be
avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
STARTING AND OPERATING 165
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine..........................187
m2.7L Engine..........................188
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......189
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................190
mReplacement Parts.....................191
mDealer Service........................191
mMaintenance Procedures.................192
NEngine Oil..........................192
NCrankcase Emission Control System........198
NMaintenance-Free Battery................198
NAir Conditioner......................199NPower Steering Fluid Check..............200
NSuspension Ball Joints..................201
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............201
NWindshield Wiper Blades................203
NWindshield Washers...................203
NExhaust System......................204
NCooling System.......................205
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......209
NBrakes.............................209
NFuel System Hoses....................211
NAutomatic Transmission................211
7

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

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
7

Manual Transaxle
Use only the manufacturer's recommended transmission
fluid for the manual transaxle, NV-T350 or NV-T850, in
your vehicle. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts section for correct fluid type. If it
becomes necessary to top off or replace completely, this
fluid should be used. The fill plug for the NV-T850 is
located on the aluminum rear end cover.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and apoint not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8
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A
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E
N
A
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C
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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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C
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Jump Starting........................ 179
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
Location.........................179,198
Belts, Drive........................... 196
Belts, Engine.......................... 198
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 201
B-Pillar Location....................... 147
Brake, Parking......................... 139
Brake System.......................140,209
Anti-Lock........................... 141
Fluid Check......................... 210
Hoses.............................. 209
Master Cylinder...................... 210
Warning Light........................ 89
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........133,135
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 48
Bulbs, Light........................... 221
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 227
Capacities, Fluid....................... 227
Car Washes........................... 215
Carpeting............................. 216
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 118Cassette Tape Player...............95,104,106
Catalytic Converter..................... 197
CD Changer..................102,107,112,114
CD Player....................100,109,111,118
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 226
Central Locking......................... 17
Chains, Tire........................... 157
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 174
Charging System Light................... 86
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 144
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 49
Child Restraint...................40,42,44,45
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 44
Child Safety Locks....................... 18
Cigar Lighter........................... 94
Circuit Breakers........................ 219
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 218
Headlights.......................... 217
Instrument Panel..................... 218
Climate Control........................ 120
Clock................................. 94
Coin Holder........................... 53
INDEX 263
10