wheel DODGE STRATUS 2005 2.G Owner's Guide

Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation
(PCV) valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a
valve is not working properly, replace it with a new
valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV
VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
Battery Location
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
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Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
Your front wheel drive vehicle has a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
This is referred to as a“Transaxle.”
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.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches or chips as
soon as possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•Aluminum wheels should be cleaned regularly with
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, select a non abrasive, non acidic cleaner. Do
not use scouring pads or metal polishes. Avoid auto-
matic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels’protective fin-
ish.
•Your painted and chrome aluminum wheels should be
treated as you would treat the finish on your car.
Always use a soft non-abrasive cloth with a mild dish
washing soap and water when cleaning your wheels.
Never use scouring pads, steel wool or a bristle brush.Never use cleaners that contain acid, oven cleaners or
any abrasive metal cleaner as they will cause perma-
nent staining and/or corrosion.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
Interior Care
Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl or leather uphol-
stery.
Mopar Vinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for
vinyl trim.
Use mild (Ivory Flake) solution to clean all surfaces. Wipe
with clear water and soft (lint free) cloth.
Do not use cleaners, conditioners and protectants con-
taining silicon or bleach as these may cause gloss level
increases and/or discoloration.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparBrake Fluid DOT 3 Motor Vehicle.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Steering Gear & Linkage, Ball
Joints, Prop Shafts & Yokes, Wheel
BearingsMoparMulti-Purpose Lubricant NLGI Grade 2.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 277
9

Cold Weather........................ 144
Engine Fails to Start................... 144
Starting and Operating................... 142
Steering
Power...........................153,215
Tilt Column.......................... 69
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 122
Storage.............................. 237
Storage, Vehicle........................ 237
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 237
Stuck, Freeing......................... 197
Sun Roof.............................. 79
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 34
Tachometer............................ 90
Tape Player........................... 122
Temperature Control, Automatic............ 125
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......91,187
Theft Alarm............................ 23
Theft System........................... 23
Tilt Steering Column..................... 69
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 159Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 158
Tire Markings......................... 154
Tire Safety Information................... 154
Tires ...........................50,163,276
Air Pressure......................... 163
Alignment.......................... 170
Chains............................. 170
Changing........................... 188
Compact Spare....................... 166
Flat Changing........................ 188
General Information................... 163
High Speed......................... 165
Inflation Pressures.................... 164
Jacking............................. 188
Load Capacity....................159,160
Quality Grading...................... 276
Radial............................. 166
Replacement......................... 169
Rotation............................ 171
Safety...........................154,163
Sizes............................... 156
Snow Tires.......................... 170
Spinning............................ 167
INDEX 291
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Warning, Door Ajar...................... 17
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 186
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 272
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 218
Washers, Windshield..................68,218
Washing Vehicle........................ 231
Waxing and Polishing................... 231
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 170
Wind Buffeting.......................26,80
Window Airbag.......................34,40
Window Fogging....................... 129
Windows.............................. 25
Power.............................. 25
Windshield Washers...................68,218
Windshield Wipers.................66,68,218
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 218
Wipers, Intermittent...................... 69
Wood Trim Cleaning.................... 234
INDEX 293
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