octane DODGE STRATUS 2006 2.G Owners Manual

•The transaxle will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only
function in third or fourth gear. Downshifting out of
third gear turns off speed control.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and
remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transaxle will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gaso-
line will provide no benefit over high quality regular
gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in
poorer performance.
Spark Knock
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of“regular”gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 171
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MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at higher
levels than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
or damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
STARTING AND OPERATING 173
5

malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
174 STARTING AND OPERATING

FLEXIBLE FUEL—(Fleet Vehicles Only)
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by the unique
fuel filler door label that statesEthanol (E-85) or Un-
leaded Gasoline Only.This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline only powered vehicles.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E-85.
ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two.
For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
STARTING AND OPERATING 175
5

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
7

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
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