tow DODGE STRATUS 2006 2.G Service Manual

•If the fluid is hot (180°F/82°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked”HOT”(between the
upper two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis-
sion fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule“A”—No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule“B”—Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives to the transaxle. The only exception
to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•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 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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

Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 177
Filter.............................. 215
Gasoline............................ 171
Gauge.............................. 83
Hoses.............................. 230
Light............................... 88
Octane Rating........................ 247
Requirements.....................171,246
Tank Capacity........................ 246
Fuel, Flexible............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fueling.............................. 177
Fuses................................ 237
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .......... 69
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)................. 177
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 172
Gasoline (Fuel)........................ 171
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 172
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 172
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................85,86
Fuel................................ 83
Speedometer......................... 84Tachometer.......................... 84
Gearshift............................. 145
General Information...................10,17
Glass Cleaning......................... 236
Gross Axle Weight Rating................. 179
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............... 179
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 190
Head Restraints......................... 56
Headlights............................ 241
Aiming............................. 246
Automatic........................... 62
Bulb Replacement..................... 241
Cleaning............................ 236
High Beam.........................63,84
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 63
Passing............................. 63
Switch.............................. 61
Time Delay........................62,63
Heater............................122,129
Heater, Engine Block.................... 142
Hitches
Trailer Towing....................... 180
INDEX 283
10

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