radiator cap DODGE STRATUS 2006 2.G Owners Manual

resume to full illumination. (See“EMISSIONS IN-
SPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS”in
the“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE”section of
your Owner Manual for more details). If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON,
have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 207
for more information.)
11. Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
(See page 62 for more information.)12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the“H”mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 85
4

Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is controlled
by both the temperature of the engine cooling
system and the pressure in the air conditioning
system and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7

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

Shifting............................ 145
Special Additives..................... 232
Autostick............................. 169
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 76
Ball Joints............................ 220
Battery............................... 216
Emergency Starting.................... 197
Gas Caution......................199,217
Heater............................. 142
Jump Starting........................ 197
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 18
Location.........................197,217
Belts, Drive........................... 214
Belts, Engine.......................... 216
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 220
B-Pillar Location....................... 156
Brake, Parking......................... 147
Brake System.......................149,228
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 149
Fluid Check......................... 229
Hoses.............................. 228
Master Cylinder...................... 229Warning Light........................ 87
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........143,145
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 44
Bulb Replacement...................... 241
Bulbs, Light........................... 240
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 246
Capacities, Fluid....................... 246
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 177
Oil (Engine)......................... 213
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 225
Car Washes........................... 233
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 174
Carpeting............................. 235
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 120
Cassette Tape Player...............94,103,105
Catalytic Converter..................... 215
CD (Compact Disc) Changer......101,106,111,113
CD (Compact Disc) Player........99,108,110,120
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 245
Central Locking......................... 13
Chains, Tire........................... 168
INDEX 279
10

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

Passing Light........................... 63
Pets.................................. 44
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 156
Power
Brakes............................. 149
Door Locks.......................... 12
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)......... 76
Seats............................... 56
Steering............................ 150
Steering, Checking.................... 219
Sunroof............................. 74
Windows.........................21,150
Power Steering Fluid.................... 248
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 29
Preparation for Jacking................... 192
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 27
Programmable Electronic Features.........69,73
Programming Transmitters (Remote
Keyless Entry)......................17,69,73
Radial Ply Tires........................ 163
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 225Radio Broadcast Signals................... 93
Radio Operation...............103,108,119,122
Radio Remote Controls................... 119
Radio, Satellite......................... 115
Radio (Sound Systems)..............94,103,108
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 57
Rear Window Defroster.................. 132
Rearview Mirrors........................ 52
Reformulated Gasoline................... 172
Refrigerant............................ 219
Reminder, Lights On..................... 62
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 28
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 15
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls...... 119
Remote Trunk Release.................... 20
Replacement Tires...................... 166
Reporting Safety Defects................. 273
Restraint, Head......................... 56
Restraints, Occupant..................... 22
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 201
Rotation, Tires......................... 168
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 45
INDEX 287
10