cooling DODGE STRATUS 2005 2.G User Guide

Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
34°F(
37°C) are anticipated.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
Coolant Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do
not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot
or under pressure.
CAUTION!
Be sure to use only the cooling system pressure cap
specified for your vehicle. Use of any other pressure
cap may result in decreased engine cooling system
performance and/or damage to your vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the coolant level should be between
the“MIN”and“MAX”marks on the side of the coolant
bottle. Some darkening of the coolant bottle will occur
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, thecoolant 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 accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
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.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If 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.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

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 and 2.7 Liter Engines (87 Oc-
tane)16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 and 2.7 Liter Engines (Refer
to the engine oil fill cap for the
correct SAE grade)5 qts. 4.7 Li-
ters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines* (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)8 qts. 7.5 Li-
ters
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)9.5 qts. 9.0 Li-
ters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
244 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Charging System Light................... 90
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 156
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 204
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 49
Child Restraint...................41,43,45,46
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 45
Child Safety Locks....................... 18
Cigar Lighter........................... 98
Circuit Breakers........................ 235
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 174
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 233
Headlights.......................... 233
Instrument Panel..................... 234
WoodTrim .......................... 234
Climate Control........................ 125
Clock................................. 98
Coin Holder........................... 54
Compact Disc Changer................... 119
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 124
Compact Disc Player.................100,105
Compact Spare Tire..................... 166Compass.............................. 95
Compass Calibration..................... 96
Contract, Service....................... 272
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 223
Cooling System........................ 220
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 223
Coolant Capacity..................... 244
Coolant Level.....................221,224
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 224
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 221
Inspection........................220,221
Points to Remember................... 224
Pressure Cap........................ 223
Radiator Cap........................ 223
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 225
Selection of Coolant.............222,244,245
Corrosion Protection.................... 230
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 213
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 71
Cruise Light........................... 89
Customer Assistance.................... 270
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 64
282 INDEX

Daytime Running Lights.................. 67
Dealer Service......................... 205
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 135
Defroster, Windshield...............50,128,134
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 203
Dimmer Control........................ 64
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 67
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 229
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 224
Engine Oil.......................... 210
Door Ajar Warning...................... 17
Door Locks............................ 15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 74
Drive Belts............................ 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 196
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 81
Electronic Speed Control.................. 71Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 197
Jacking............................. 188
Jump Starting........................ 193
Overheating......................... 186
Towing............................. 197
Emergency Trunk Release...............24,25
Emission Control System Maintenance....204,248
Engine............................201,202
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 211
Block Heater......................... 145
Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 206
Compartment.....................201,202
Coolant (Antifreeze)................221,245
Cooling............................ 220
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 176
Fails to Start......................... 144
Fuel Requirements.................173,244
Oil ..........................206,244,245
Oil Change Interval................... 207
Oil Selection......................208,244
Oil Synthetic......................... 209
INDEX 283
10

Overheating......................... 186
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter . . 248
Timing Belt.......................... 212
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 244
Entry System, Illuminated................. 15
Exhaust Gas Caution...............49,176,220
Exhaust System........................ 219
Exterior Light Service.................... 238
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 211
Automatic Transaxle................... 229
Engine Fuel......................... 211
Engine Oil.......................210,245
Engine Oil Disposal................... 210
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 186
Turn Signal.......................... 90
Flash-To-Pass........................... 67
Flat Tire Changing...................... 188
Flexible Fuel Vehicles.................... 180
Cruising Range....................... 183
Engine Oil.......................181,209Fuel Requirements.................... 181
Maintenance......................... 183
Replacement Parts.................... 183
Starting............................ 183
Fluid, Brake........................... 246
Fluid Capacities........................ 244
Fluid Leaks............................ 50
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 229
Capacities........................... 244
Cooling System....................... 221
Engine Oil.......................... 206
Power Steering....................... 215
Fluids............................... 245
Fog Light Service....................... 241
Fog Lights........................67,91,241
Folding Rear Seat....................... 61
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 197
Fuel................................. 173
Adding............................. 176
Additives........................... 175
Clean Air........................... 174
Ethanol............................. 180
284 INDEX