2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE check engine

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 367.
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
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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
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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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BATTERY
The condition of the battery is very important for quick
starting and proper functioning of the vehicle's electrical
system. Check the battery at regular intervals.
To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator on top of the battery.
If the test indicator is a blue/green color when viewed
from above, the battery is OK. A black colored indicatormeans the battery is low on charge and may require
charging. Have it checked at an authorized dealer.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low tempera-
tures. This is the result of its chemical and physical
properties and this is why a very cold battery, particu-
larly one that is not fully charged, will only deliver a
fraction of the starter current that is normally available.
It is recommended that you have the battery checked by
an authorized dealer before the start of cold weather and,
if necessary, have it charged or replaced. This not only
ensures reliable starting, but prolongs battery life.
Disconnection and connection
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine, discon-
nect the negative terminal first, then the positive termi-
nal. To reconnect the battery, first connect the positive
terminal and then the negative terminal, before starting
the vehicle.
M07B0080
Test indicator
MAINTENANCE 325
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WARNING!
²Never disconnect the battery while the engine is
running; doing so could damage the vehicle's
electrical components.
²Never short-circuit the battery; doing so could
cause it to overheat and be damaged.
²Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames away from the
battery because the battery may produce an explo-
sion.
²Electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive diluted sul-
furic acid. If electrolyte comes in contact with,
your hands, eyes, clothes, or the coated surface of
your vehicle, thoroughly flush the area with wa-
ter. If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush them
with water immediately and get prompt medical
attention.
WARNING!
²Ventilate the area when charging or using the
battery in an enclosed space.
²Always wear protective clothing and goggles
when working with the battery, or have a skilled
technician do it.
²If the battery is to be quick-charged, first discon-
nect the battery cables from the vehicle.
²In order to prevent a short circuit, be sure to
disconnect the negative(-) terminal first, and re-
connect it last.
²If the electrolyte level is very low, have the battery
checked at an authorized dealer.
²Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
326 MAINTENANCE

To check the fluid level
The fluid level should be checked when the engine
temperature gauge indicates a normal warmed up con-
dition and the fluid in the transaxle is heated to its
normal operating temperature. Operation with an im-
proper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
Procedure for checking the fluid level
1. With the parking brake engaged and the engine idling,
select each gear momentarily, ending with the selector
lever in the ªNº (NEUTRAL) position.
2. The fluid level should be at the HOT mark, but never
above the HOT mark when the engine is at its normal
warmed up condition. Add or drain as necessary to bring
the fluid to this prescribed level.
3. Make certain that the dipstick cap is reseated properly
to prevent dirt and water from entering the transaxle.
WARNING!
Transaxle fluid is extremely flammable and poison-
ous. Do not spill fluid when adding or draining.
To add or change the fluid
Use only recommended Mopar ATF+4 automatic trans-
mission fluid to ensure optimum transaxle performance.
M05A0460
Drain plug
328 MAINTENANCE