DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2005 2.G Owners Manual

VIEW OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Battery
6. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transaxle only)7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Windshield washer reservoir
9. Drive belt
10. Radiator cap
11. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
12. Air cleaner filter
Q02A2510
2.4 liter engine
Q02A2520
3.0 liter engine
MAINTENANCE 311
9

NOTE: The Scheduled Maintenance Charts are located
in the rear of this maintenance section. Always refer to
the schedules for proper service intervals.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Adequate care of your vehicle at regular intervals serves
to preserve the value and appearance as long as possible.
Some maintenance items can be performed by the owner,
while others should be done only by an authorized
dealer.
This section describes only those items which can be
performed by the owner. In the event a malfunction or
other problem is discovered, have it corrected by an
authorized dealer.
This section contains information on inspection mainte-
nance procedures that you can do yourself, if you so
desire. Follow the instructions and precautions for each
of the various procedures.
WARNING!
²When checking or servicing the inside of the
engine compartment, be sure the engine is
stopped and has had a chance to cool down.
²If it is necessary to do work in the engine com-
partment with the engine running, be especially
careful that your clothing, hair, etc. does not
become caught by the fan, drive belts, or other
moving parts.
312 MAINTENANCE

WARNING!
²The fan may turn on automatically even if the
engine is not running; turn the ignition key to the
ªLOCKº position and remove the key to ensure
safety while you work in the engine compartment.
²Do not smoke, or allow open flames around fuel
or the battery. The fumes are flammable.
²Be extremely cautious when working around the
battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfu-
ric acid.
²Do not get under your vehicle with just the car's
jack supporting it.
Always use properly rated automotive jack
stands.
²Improper handling of components and materials
used in the vehicle can endanger your personal
safety. Consult an authorized dealer if you have
questions.
EMISSION-CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission-control sys-
tem which satisfies all requirements of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency. The emission-control system
consists of:
(1) a positive crankcase ventilation system
(2) an evaporative emission-control system
(3) an exhaust emission- control system.
The9Scheduled9maintenance services listed must be
performed at the times or mileages specified to assure the
continued proper functioning of the emission-control
system. These, and all other ªGeneralº maintenance
services included in this manual, should be performed to
provide the best vehicle performance and reliability.
More frequent maintenance may be needed for vehicles
driven under severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and frequent start and stop driving.
In order to assure the proper function of the emission-
control system, it is recommended that you have your
vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized
dealer in accordance with the schedule in this manual.
Inspection and service should also be performed any
time a malfunction is suspected.
MAINTENANCE 313
9

EMISSIONS TESTING
In some localities, it may be or will become a legal
requirement to ensure that all emissions components and
systems are functioning properly as a part of the test
procedure. The test center accomplishes this by checking
the On Board Diagnostic System system (OBD) with an
electronic scan tool. If your vehicle has recently been
serviced, the OBD system may have been reset to a9not
ready9condition because the OBD system has not had
sufficient time since the servicing to reconfirm that
emissions components are operating properly. In most
cases, a reasonable mix and amount of normal city and
highway driving and at least one overnight-off period
will be required to prepare your vehicle for this check;
however your authorized dealer has the equipment and
procedures required to make certain that the OBD system
of your vehicle is ready for the required testing.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, andautomatic transaxle control systems. When these systems
are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excel-
lent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the
OBD II system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light. It will also store diagnostic
codes and other information to assist your
service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
314 MAINTENANCE

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
9

Air cleaner filter
The air cleaner filter will become dirty and loaded with
dust during use, and the filtering effect will be substan-
tially reduced. Replace it with a new filter in accordance
with the schedule in this manual.
1. Unclamp the air cleaner cover.
2. Take out the air cleaner filter.After replacing the air cleaner filter, reinstall the cover in
its original position.
CAUTION!
Take care not to damage the engine air flow sensor
when removing the air cleaner cover.
Evaporative emission control system (except
evaporative emission canister)
If the fuel-vapor vent line is clogged or damaged, the
fuel-vapor mixture will escape, polluting the atmosphere.
Have the system checked at an authorized dealer at the
mileage specified on the scheduled maintenance chart.
M23A0130
316 MAINTENANCE

Spark plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission-control.
Do not reuse spark plugs by cleaning or regapping. Spark
plugs should be replaced at the mileage specified on the
scheduled maintenance chart.
Your vehicle may be equipped with standard type spark
plugs or iridium tipped ones. Iridium tipped spark plugs
are identified by blue marks on the ceramic. They do notrequire replacement as frequently as the conventional
type spark plug and are designed to last much longer.
NOTE: Use the recommended or equivalent spark plugs
listed under ªEngine specificationsº on page 377.
Use of non-recommended plugs will cause engine dam-
age, loss of performance or radio noise.
Ignition cables
The ignition cables should be kept clean, properly con-
nected, and fully seated. Terminals should be fully seated
and should not be removed from the distributor or coil
towers unless they are damaged or cable testing indicates
high resistance or broken insulation. Cracked, damaged,
or faulty cables must be replaced.
Distributor cap and rotor
Check the distributor cap and rotor to maintain proper
function and good emission control.
P15A0340
MAINTENANCE 317
9

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The following pages contain the maintenance service
recommended by the manufacturer. In addition to the
general maintenance items for which fixed maintenance
intervals have been specified, there are other items which
are expected to operate satisfactorily without periodic
maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
See your authorized dealer for assistance, if you have any
questions.
Engine oil and oil filter
M03A0700
2.4 liter engine
Good
318 MAINTENANCE

To check and refill engine oil
It is normal for an engine to consume some oil. You may
find it necessary to add oil between the recommended oil
change intervals. Before starting the engine, check the
engine oil level. Replenish if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off,
and gently insert it fully into the crankcase. Slowly
remove it again. The oil level must not exceed the range
of ªGoodº on the dipstick.
NOTE: The engine must be ªOFFº when performing oil
level checks.
If the level does not reach the range of ªGoodº, which
indicates minimum necessary quantity of oil, remove the
oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, and refill to within
the ªGoodº range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
WARNING!
²Used engine oil is contaminated, and can cause
skin problems: Avoid contact with the skin and
wash thoroughly after working with used oil.
²Keep used oil out of reach of children.
M03A0710
3.0 liter engine
Good
MAINTENANCE 319
9

To replace the oil filter
The oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage
specified on the scheduled maintenance chart.
You should be sure that any replacement filter used on
this vehicle is a high quality filter. The manufacturer 's
specifications for Genuine DaimlerChrysler oil filters
require that the filter be capable of withstanding a
pressure of 256 psi (1.8MPa). A Genuine DaimlerChrysler
oil filter is recommended as a replacement filter.
Follow the installation instructions printed on the filter.
Engine oil identification mark
Use only engine oils displaying the ILSAC certification
symbol on the front of the container.
M03A0150
ILSAC certification mark
(ªStarburstº symbol)
320 MAINTENANCE