change time DODGE STRATUS 2005 2.G Owner's Manual

Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 engine oils are recom-
mended for all operating temperatures. These engine
oils are designed to improve low temperature starting
and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to the engine oil filler
cap for the preferred engine oil viscosity grade for each
vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Flexible Fuel Engine Oil
If you operate the vehicle on E-85 fuel either full or
part-time, use only Mopar Flexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil
or an equivalent that meets the manufacturers Standard
MS-9214. Equivalent commercial Flexible Fuel engine oils
may be labeled as Flexible Fuel (FFV) or Alternate Fuel
(AFV). These engine oils may be satisfactory if they meet
the manufacturer’s standard.
CAUTION!
If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using
E-85, engine wear may be increased significantly.
This may void your warranty.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided that the
recommended oil quality requirements are met and the
recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter
changes are followed.
Engine Oil Fill Cap
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 209
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WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
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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
•
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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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, if not replaced at 3
months.XXX
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.*‡X
Rotate the tires.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.‡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“B”261
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Miles144,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (232 000) (241 000)
[Months][144] [150]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if required.* X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, rotors, rear drums and shoes. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*‡X
Replace theengine timing belton 2.4 liter engine.*** X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. ** X
Rotate the tires. X 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.‡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“A”267
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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
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