engine coolant DODGE STRATUS 2006 2.G User Guide

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

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil Use API Certified engine oil. SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 are recommended.
Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade meeting
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label under the engine
hood.
Oil Filter (2.4L Engine) MoparOil Filter (P/N 4105409) or equivalent.
Oil Filter (2.7L Engine) MoparOil Filter (P/N 5281090) or equivalent.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 247
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•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule B of the
“Maintenance Schedules”section of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 251
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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.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
SCHEDULE“B”253
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Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, if not done at 100,000 miles.X
258 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 100,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000) (180 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXX X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
necessary.*XXX X X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.7 liter en-
gine.X
Check and re-tension accessory drive belts on
2.7 liter engine.X
Replace the accessory drive belts on 2.4 liter
engine.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant, if not
replaced at 60 months.X
260 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000) (205 000)
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120 months, if
not done at 100,000 miles.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.
‡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.
262 SCHEDULE“B”
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Miles 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (70 000) (80 000) (90 000) (100 000) (110 000) (120 000)
[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66] [72]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if
required.*XXX XX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60
months, if not done at 100,000 miles.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.*X
Replace theignition cableson 2.4 liter en-
gine.X
Replace the accessory drive belts in 2.7 liter
engine.X
Rotate the tires. X X X X X X
264 SCHEDULE“A”
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Miles 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 100,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (130 000) (140 000) (150 000) (160 000) (170 000) (180 000) (190 000)
[Months] [78] [84] [90] [96] [102] [105]
Replace the accessory drive belts on
2.4L engine.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant, if
not replaced at 60 months.X
Rotate the tires.XXXX XX
266 SCHEDULE“A”
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