cooling DODGE STRATUS 2006 2.G User Guide

replacement. To prevent reducing this extended mainte-
nance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended Mopar Antifreeze/ Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below

34°F(
37°C ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.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.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System 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 recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated 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.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
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. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on theground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills 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 level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant 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.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) 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 accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
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 recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with 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 coolant 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

License Plate Bulb Replacement
1. Locate both small slots on the outboard side of the
license lamp. Using a small screwdriver, remove the
entire housing.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the housing. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Replace
the bulb and snap it back into place on the housing of the
chrome appliqué.
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) or
equivalent.8 qts. 7.5 Li-
ters
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.9.5 qts. 9.0 Li-
ters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
246 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Changing A Flat Tire.................... 191
Charging System Light................... 84
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 153
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................... 208
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 45
Child Restraint...................36,39,41,42
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 41
Child Safety Locks....................... 14
Cigar Lighter........................... 92
Circuit Breakers.....................237,238
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 172
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 236
Headlights.......................... 236
Instrument Panel..................... 236
WoodTrim .......................... 236
Climate Control........................ 122
Clock................................. 92
Coin Holder........................... 50
Compact Disc (CD) Changer............... 113
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 121
Compact Disc (CD) Player...............94,99Compact Spare Tire..................... 163
Compass.............................. 89
Compass Calibration..................... 90
Contract, Service....................... 272
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 225
Cooling System........................ 223
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 224
Coolant Capacity..................... 246
Coolant Level.....................223,226
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 226
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 224
Points to Remember................... 227
Pressure Cap........................ 225
Radiator Cap........................ 225
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 227
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....224,246,247
Corrosion Protection.................... 233
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 216
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 66
Cruise Light........................... 83
Customer Assistance.................... 270
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 60
280 INDEX

Daytime Running Lights.................. 62
Dealer Service......................... 209
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 132
Defroster, Windshield...............46,126,131
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 207
Dimmer Control........................ 59
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 63
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 231
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 226
Engine Oil.......................... 214
Door Ajar Warning...................... 13
Door Locks............................ 11
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Door Opener, Garage..................... 69
Drive Belts............................ 214
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 200
E-85 Fuel............................. 175
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)..... 76
Electrical Power Outlets................... 76Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 66
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 201
Jacking............................. 191
Jump Starting........................ 197
Overheating......................... 190
Towing............................. 201
Emergency Trunk Release...............20,21
Emission Control System Maintenance....208,250
Engine............................205,206
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 215
Block Heater......................... 142
Break-In Recommendations............... 44
Checking Oil Level.................... 210
Compartment.....................205,206
Coolant (Antifreeze)................223,247
Cooling............................ 223
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 174
Fails to Start......................... 142
Fuel Requirements.................171,246
Oil ..........................210,246,247
Oil Change Interval................... 211
Oil Selection......................212,246
INDEX 281
10

Oil Synthetic......................... 213
Overheating......................... 190
Timing Belt.......................... 216
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 246
Entry System, Illuminated................. 11
Exhaust Gas Caution...............45,174,223
Exhaust System........................ 223
Exterior Light Service.................... 241
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 215
Automatic Transaxle................... 232
Engine Fuel......................... 215
Engine Oil.......................214,247
Engine Oil Disposal................... 214
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 190
Turn Signal.......................... 84
Flash-To-Pass........................... 63
Flat Tire Changing...................... 191
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 176
Engine Oil.......................... 176Fuel Requirements.................... 175
Maintenance......................... 176
Replacement Parts.................... 176
Starting............................ 176
Fluid, Brake........................... 248
Fluid Capacities........................ 246
Fluid Leaks............................ 46
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 231
Capacities........................... 246
Cooling System....................... 223
Engine Oil.......................... 210
Power Steering....................... 219
Fluids............................... 247
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 247
Fog Light Service....................... 244
Fog Lights........................62,85,244
Folding Rear Seat....................... 57
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 201
Fuel................................. 171
Adding............................. 177
Additives........................... 173
Clean Air........................... 172
282 INDEX

Sizes............................... 153
Snow Tires.......................... 168
Spinning............................ 164
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 165
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 181
Towing.........................178,201,202
Disabled Vehicle...................... 201
Guide.............................. 181
Weight............................. 181
Traction Control....................65,83,150
Traction Control Switch................65,150
Trailer Towing......................... 178
Cooling System Tips................... 187
Hitches............................. 180
Minimum Requirements................ 182
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 181
Wiring............................. 185
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 181
Trailer Weight......................... 181
Transaxle............................. 230
Additives........................... 232
Automatic.....................143,145,230
Filter.............................. 232Overdrive........................... 146
Selection of Lubricant.................. 231
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 86
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry).......................... 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).69
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 15
Transporting Pets........................ 44
Tread Wear Indicators................... 165
Trip Computer.......................... 89
Trip Odometer.......................... 86
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................62,84
Underhood Fuses....................... 237
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 275
Universal Transmitter.................... 69
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 171
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 227
290 INDEX