catalytic converter DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level;
running out of fuel could cause damage to the
catalytic converter.
Front fog light indicator (if so equipped)
This indicator illuminates while the fog
lights are on.
NOTE:Fog lights will not be operational when high
beam (headlights) are selected.
Charging system warning light
This light illuminates in the event of a
malfunction in the charging system.
This light illuminates when the ignition key
is turned to the ªONº position (engine off). When the
engine is started, the light should go off. Always be sure
that the light goes out before beginning to drive.
CAUTION!
If the charging light remains on after the engine has
started, the battery charging system may be malfunc-
tioning. In this case, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer and have the system checked.
Oil pressure warning light
This light illuminates when the engine oil
pressure is below normal. If the light stays
on while driving, stop the engine as soon as possible and
do not drive until the cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected.
114 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

mCruise/speed control....................189
NTo activate...........................190
NTo deactivate.........................194
NTo resume the set speed.................195
mTraction control (if so equipped)...........196
mCatalytic converter.....................197
mVehicle preparation before driving..........199
NSeat belts and seats....................199
NDefrosters...........................199
NTires...............................199NLights..............................200
NFluid leaks..........................200
NDriver..............................200
mSafe driving techniques..................200
mDriving, alcohol and drugs...............201
mTips for driving in various conditions........201
mOperation during cold weather............202
mTrailer Towing.........................203
NWarranty Requirements.................203
STARTING AND DRIVING 143
5

CAUTION!
Using leaded gasoline in your vehicle will damage
the engine, catalytic converter, and the oxygen sen-
sors. Further, using leaded gasoline is illegal, and
will void warranty coverage of the engine, catalytic
converter, and oxygen sensors.
Gasoline additives
Many fuel suppliers add detergents to their gasoline to
minimize fuel injector fouling and to control intake valve
deposits. These detergent gasolines are highly recom-
mended for use in your vehicle. They help keep your
engine in tune and your emission control system working
properly.
Octane requirement
2.4 liter engine model
Your vehicle is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline
having a minimum octane rating of 87 [(MON+RON)/2],
or 91 RON.
3.0 liter engine model
Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular grade
unleaded gasoline having a minimum octane rating of 87
[(MON+RON)/2], or 91 RON. If optimum performance
is wanted, it is recommended to use premium grade
unleaded gasoline having an octane rating of 91
[(MON+RON)/2], or 95 RON.
MON: Motor Octane Number
RON: Research Octane Number
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
STARTING AND DRIVING 145
5

states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of
the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the
Check Engine Light to illuminate. The manufacturer
recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded
gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem
is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine
Soon) is flashing, immediate service is required. See
the On Board Diagnostics paragraph in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
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.
Adding Fuel
NOTE:
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
STARTING AND DRIVING 147
5

Warning light
When the ignition key is turned to ªONº, the warning
light illuminate and go out after a few seconds.
CAUTION
²If the warning light illuminates, a malfunction
may have occurred in the system.
When this happens, have your vehicle checked at an
authorized dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter.
Under normal operating conditions the catalytic con-
verter does not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper converter operation and prevent damage.
I26A1290
STARTING AND DRIVING 197
5

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of an engine malfunction, particularly one
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Prolonged operation of your vehicle while it is
overheated may result in damage to the converter
and vehicle.
WARNING!
²Do not park or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire
could occur.
²Undercoating should not be applied to the cata-
lytic converter.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
1. Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type rec-
ommended in ªFuel selectionº.
2. Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could damage the catalytic converter.
3. Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
4. Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or discharged, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.
5. Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when performing
diagnostic tests.
6. Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods if it is
idling roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.
7. To prevent the catalytic converter from being dam-
aged due to unburned gas, do not race the engine when
turning off the ignition switch.
198 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
procedures exactly and exercise extreme caution.
CAUTION!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or towing.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle can-
not be started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle
equipped with a manual transaxle may overheat and
damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being
pushed or towed.
1. Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical con-
tact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so the
booster cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't
touching each other. If they are, it could cause a groundconnection. You wouldn't be able to start your vehicle,
and the bad ground could damage the electrical systems.
CAUTION!
Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery. If the other system isn't 12-volts, both sys-
tems can be damaged.
3. You could be injured if the vehicles move. Set the
parking brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic
transaxle in ªPº (PARK) or a manual transaxle in ªNº
(Neutral). Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position.
WARNING!
Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position on
both vehicles.
Use care to make sure that the cables or your clothes
are never caught by the fan or drive belt. Personal
injury could result.
280 EMERGENCIES

If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel. Tighten the cap until you hear it ªclick.º
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to insure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
Fuel system (tank, filler tube, connections, and
fuel tank filler cap)
Check periodically for damage or leakage in the fuel lines
and connections, and check for damage and looseness of
the fuel tank filler tube cap. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those fuel lines nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
WARNING!
If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not
operate the vehicle. Any spark (including from the
ignition ), flame or smoking material could cause an
explosion or fire. Call an authorized dealer for
assistance.
Fuel hoses
Inspect the surfaces of hoses for evidence of heat and
mechanical damage, hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
tears, cuts and abrasions. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those hose surfaces nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect all
hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make
sure they are secure and that no leaks exist. If there is any
evidence of deterioration or damage, hoses should be
replaced immediately.
MAINTENANCE 315
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