adding oil DODGE STRATUS SEDAN 2004 Owners Manual

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
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.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained, at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before starting
the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,
then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
²
Door hinges
²Hood hinges
²Trunk hinges
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube:
²
Hood hinge springs and links
²Lock cylinders
²Parking brake mechanism
²Trunk latches
²Ash tray
202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Compact Disc Changer................... 114
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 119
Compact Disc Player..................95,100
Compact Spare Tire..................... 153
Compass.............................. 90
Compass Calibration..................... 92
Contract, Service....................... 254
Cooling System........................ 205
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 206
Coolant Capacity..................... 227
Coolant Level........................ 207
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 207
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 206
Inspection........................... 205
Points to Remember................... 208
Pressure Cap........................ 207
Radiator Cap........................ 207
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 209
Selection of Coolant................... 206
Corrosion Protection.................... 214
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 198
Cruise Control.......................... 67
Cruise Light........................... 85Customer Assistance.................... 252
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 62
Daytime Running Lights.................. 63
Dealer Service......................... 191
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 123
Defroster, Windshield..................50,123
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 189
Dimmer Control........................ 61
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 64
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 212
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 207
Engine Oil.......................... 195
Door Ajar Warning...................... 17
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 196
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 182
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 77
264 INDEX