checking oil DODGE STRATUS 2004 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained, at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before starting
the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
192 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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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
10

Service..........................221,222
Service Engine Soon.................... 86
Theft Alarm.......................... 90
Turn Signal.....................64,86,224
Voltage.............................. 86
Load Limits........................... 164
Loading Vehicle
Capacities........................... 164
Tires ............................147,164
Locks
Central.............................. 17
Child Protection....................... 18
Door............................... 15
Ignition............................. 11
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 44
Lubricants............................ 201
Luggage/Cargo Capacity................. 164
Maintenance Free Battery................. 198
Maintenance Procedures.................. 192
Maintenance Schedule................... 233
Light Duty Schedule9B9................ 236Schedule9A9......................... 246
Schedule9B9......................... 236
Malfunction Indicator Light.............86,190
Manual, Service........................ 256
Manual Transaxle....................137,184
Mirrors............................... 55
Electric Remote....................... 55
Outside...........................55,56
Rearview............................ 55
Vanity.............................. 56
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Mopar Parts........................191,256
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 63
Occupant Restraints...................... 25
Odometer............................. 88
Tampering........................... 88
Trip ................................ 88
Oil, Engine.........................192,227
Capacity............................ 227
Change Interval...................... 193
Checking........................... 192
Disposal............................ 195
268 INDEX