check oil DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G User Guide

ENGINE COOLANT
To check the coolant level
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level. When the
engine is cold, the level of the coolant in the reserve tank
should be between the FULL and LOW marks. The
radiator normally remains completely full so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap except for checking the
coolant freeze point or replacing the antifreeze coolant.
To add coolant
Use DaimlerChrysler Genuine Coolant or an equivalent.
Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection against
corrosion and rust formation of all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in the radiator, heater,
cylinder head, engine block, etc.
If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level
in the reserve tank does not drop when the engine cools,
the system should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for inspection of the
cooling system.
CAUTION!
²Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can
cause corrosion of aluminum components.
²When additional coolant is needed to maintain
the proper level, a minimum of 50% concentration
of ethylene-glycol antifreeze in water should be
added to the reserve tank. Do not overfill. A
higher concentration (not to exceed 60%) should
be used if a lower freezing point is required. The
concentration level can be checked using instru-
ments available at automotive supply stores, or
can be done by your authorized dealer or service
station. Use only high quality ethylene-glycol
antifreeze coolant formulated to prevent corrosion
of all cooling system metals.
²Do not top off with water only. Water by itself
reduces the rust-protective and anti-freeze quali-
ties of the coolant and has a lower boiling point. It
can also cause damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Do not use tap water, as it may
cause corrosion and rust formation.
322 MAINTENANCE

Radiator cap
The radiator cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of coolant and engine damage.
WARNING!
Make sure that the engine is thoroughly cooled
down before removing the radiator cap, otherwise
hot steam or boiling coolant may gush from the filler
port and scald you.
Points to remember
1. Do not overfill the reserve tank.
2. A special radiator cap is used to ensure sealing and to
allow the coolant to return from the reserve tank to the
radiator when the engine cools. If cap replacement is
necessary, use the proper cap.
3. Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator using
proper instruments, when it is safe to do so. If antifreeze
is added, the contents of the reserve tank must be
protected against freezing.
4. Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.5. If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise
normally after engine warm-up, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer to have the thermostat checked, and
replaced if necessary.
BRAKE FLUID
Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
should be used. The reservoir cap must be fully tightened
to avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contact,
mix with, or otherwise contaminate the brake
fluid. Seal damage will result.
²Take care in handling brake fluid as it may cause
damage to painted surfaces.
²Use only the specified brake fluid. Also, the
additives in different brands may result in a
chemical reaction when mixed together, so avoid
mixing different brands if possible.
²Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to prevent the
brake fluid from evaporating or absorbing moisture.
MAINTENANCE 323
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Special additives
DaimlerChrysler does not recommend the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Add oil to maintain the proper level. Refill or change oil
according to the scheduled maintenance table.
Lubricant Gear Oil Classification GL-4
Viscosity range SAE75W-90 or 75W-85W
DISC BRAKE PADS, REAR DRUM BRAKE
LININGS AND REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS
Proper brakes are essential to safe operation of your
vehicle. Check brake pads and rear brake linings for
wear, and check rear wheel cylinders for leakage.
For proper braking performance, replace brake pads with
original equipment type pads.
BRAKE HOSES
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:
1. Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
casing of the hose is exposed by cracks or abrasions in therubber hose cover, the hose should be replaced. Deterio-
ration of the hose could cause brake failure.
2. Faulty installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire
or chassis interference.
BALL JOINT, STEERING LINKAGE SEAL AND
DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS
Check the following parts for damage and grease leak-
age:
1. Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering
linkage
2. Bellows on both ends of the drive shaft
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
The entire SRS system must be inspected by an autho-
rized dealer 10 years after the vehicle manufacture date
shown on the certification label. [See ªSRS servicingº on
page 100.]
MAINTENANCE 329
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DOOR HINGES, REAR HATCH HINGES, HOOD
LOCK RELEASE MECHANISM AND SAFETY
CATCH
The door hinges, trunk hinges, hood lock release mecha-
nism and hood safety catch should be inspected, cleaned,
and lubricated as required to maintain ease of operation
and to provide protection against rust and wear. Apply
engine oil to door hinges, hood hinges, and trunk hinges.
Apply Multipurpose Grease NLGI Grade 2 sparingly to
all sliding contact areas of the hood latch and release
lever. Work lubricant into the hood lock mechanism until
all frictional surfaces are covered.
Also, apply a film of the same lubricant to the pivot
contact areas of the safety catch.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide gas found in the vehicle's exhaust
is poisonous. Inhalation of exhaust fumes can cause
unconsciousness or death.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle interior is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system; when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle; or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent technician inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
In addition inspect the exhaust system each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
Open seams or loose connections could permit danger-
ous exhaust fumes to seep into the trunk and passenger
compartments.
Do this service when performing underbody service.
Check for any of the following conditions:
1. Check for holes or exhaust gas leakage caused by
corrosion or damage.
2. Check the joints and connections for looseness or
exhaust gas leakage.
3. Check the rubber hangers and brackets for damage.
330 MAINTENANCE

REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The content and mileage interval can vary depending on
model.
!6,000 Miles (10 000 km) or at 6 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!12,000 Miles (19 000 km) or at 12 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
340 MAINTENANCE

!18,000 Miles (29 000 km) or at 18 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 341
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!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!36,000 Miles (58 000 km) or at 36 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
342 MAINTENANCE

!42,000 Miles (67 000 km) or at 42 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!48,000 Miles (77 000 km) or at 48 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!54,000 Miles (86 000 km) or at 54 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 343
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!60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 60 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NReplace timing belt.*1
*1: For California, Massachusetts and Vermont
this maintenance is recommended but not re-
quired.
NChange automatic transaxle fluid.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NFlush and replace engine coolant.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 60 months
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
NCheck fuel system for leak
(tank, pipe line and connection, and fuel tank
filler tube cap).
NCheck evaporative emission control system for
leaks and clogging (except evaporative emission
canister).
NReplace ignition cables.
NCheck distributor cap and rotor.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
344 MAINTENANCE

!66,000 Miles (106 000 km) or at 66 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!72,000 Miles (115 000 km) or at 72 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!78,000 Miles (125 000 km) or at 78 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!84,000 Miles (134 000 km) or at 84 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 345
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