2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE inflation pressure

Outside
1. Engine compartment!p. 257
Engine hood!p. 412. Windshield wiper and washer!p. 126
3. Sunroof (if so equipped)!p. 46
4. Outside rear-view mirrors!p. 186
5. Whip antenna!p. 217
6. Front turn signal lights and parking lights
!p. 119, 295
7. Fog lights (if so equipped)!p. 120
8. Headlights!p. 119, 292
9. Front side marker lights!p. 298
10. Tire inflation pressure!p. 332
Changing tires!p. 268
Tire rotation!p. 336
Tire chains!p. 337
Wheel covers (if so equipped)!p. 266
11. Locking and unlocking!p. 26
Keyless entry system!p. 29
12. High-mounted stop lights!p. 300
13. Trunk lid!p. 35
14. License plate lights!p. 300
15. Back up lights!p. 291
16. Stop and tail lights!p. 291
17. Rear turn signal lights!p. 291
18. Rear side-marker lights!p. 291
19. Fuel filler!p. 39
8 INTRODUCTION

Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (including spare
tire) for proper pressure. Maintain specified tire inflation
pressures. Replace tires before they are excessively worn.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you activate the controls. Check the turn signals
and highbeam indicators on the instrument panel.
Fluid leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Make sure all fluid
levels are at the proper levels. Also, if fuel leaks are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
Driver
Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Do not drive if you
have been drinking or taking drugs. Unless you are alert
and able to concentrate on your driving, you could have
an accident, resulting in serious or fatal injury to yourself
and others.
SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Even this vehicle's safety equipment, and your safest
driving, cannot guarantee that you can avoid accident or
injury. However, we recommend that you give extra
attention to the following, to help maximize the safety of
you and your passengers:
1. Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and
weather conditions. Leave adequate stopping distance
for your vehicle.
2. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash
the proper turn-signal light.
3. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. During an emergency stop, switch on the hazard
warning flasher.
5. When leaving the vehicle, set the parking brake and
place the gearshift lever into low gear.
In vehicles with an automatic transaxle, place the selector
lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. Remove the key.
200 STARTING AND DRIVING

over curbs or parking stop blocks. Always use caution
when traveling up or down sharp inclines as your
bumper may contact the road surface.
2. Maintain specified tire inflation pressures. Replace
tires before they are excessively worn.
3. If you plan to drive in another country, comply with
the vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel.
OPERATION DURING COLD WEATHER
1. Check the battery, including terminals and cables.
During extremely cold weather, the battery capacity will
decrease. Also, the battery power level may drop because
more power is needed for cold starting and operation.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are at their usual
intensity. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
During cold weather, it is possible that a discharged
battery could freeze.
WARNING!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could seriously injury or kill you.
Always wear protective clothes and a face shield
when doing battery maintenance, or let a skilled
technician do it.
2. Manual transaxles may be more difficult to shift
during cold weather operation. This is normal and shift
effort will become easier as the transaxle reaches a
normal operating temperature.
Maintain low-speed operation at first to allow the trans-
axle oil to be distributed to all lubrication points.
3. Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is a shortage of coolant due to leakage or engine
overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water. The recommended ratio is about 50% water
and 50% anti-freeze. This ratio provides adequate corro-
sion, boiling, and freeze protection.
202 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
²When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (hydroplan-
ing).
This reduces a tire's frictional resistance on the
road, resulting in loss of steering stability and
braking capability. When driving on a wet road,
observe the following:
(a) Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
(b) Do not drive on worn tires.
(c) Always maintain the specified tire inflation
pressures.
On snowy or icy roads
1. When driving on a road covered by snow or ice, it is
recommended that you use snow tires.
CAUTION!
Tire chains are not recommended for your vehicle.
The clearance between the chains and the body is
small, and body damage may occur.
2. Drive slowly. Avoid any sudden starts or stops, abrupt
brake application or sharp cornering.
3. Depressing the brake pedal during travel on snowy or
icy roads may cause tire slippage and skidding. When a
skid occurs, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer gently
into the skid. Braking will differ, depending upon
whether you have anti-lock brakes (ABS). If you do have
ABS, brake by pressing the brake pedal firmly, and
keeping it pressed. If you do not have ABS (vehicles
without anti-lock braking system) pump the brake pedal
with short rapid jabs, each time fully applying and fully
releasing for greatest effect.
4. Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.
EMERGENCIES 265
8

CAUTION!
Never use extra force with your foot on the wheel
nut wrench or a pipe extension as you can over-
tighten the nut.
12. Lower and remove the jack, and store the jack, flat
tire and chock. Have the damaged tire repaired as soon as
possible.
13. Check tire inflation pressure. Tire inflation pressure
specifications are shown on a placard located on the
driver 's side ``B''-Pillar.
N24A1420
EMERGENCIES 277
8

NDisconnection and connection.............325
mAutomatic transaxle.....................327
NTo check the fluid level..................328
NProcedure for checking the fluid level.......328
mManual transaxle.......................329
mDisc brake pads, rear drum brake linings
and rear wheel cylinders.................329
mBrake hoses...........................329
mBall joint, steering linkage seal and drive
shaft boots...........................329
mSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)........329
mDoor hinges, rear hatch hinges, hood lock
release mechanism and safety catch
.........330
mExhaust system........................330
mWindshield wiper blades.................331
NWindshield washers....................331
mParking brake.........................332
mDrive belt (for generator, water pump, power
steering pump)
........................333
mTiming belt...........................334
mTi re s................................334
NTire inflation pressures..................334
NRadial ply tires.......................336
N
Tire pressure for sustained high-speed driving...336
NOversize tires........................336
NTire maintenance......................337
NCargo loads..........................337
NTread wear indicators...................337
NTire rotation.........................338
NTire chains...........................339
NSnow tires...........................339
mRegular Maintenance Schedule.............340
mSevere Maintenance Schedule..............349
310 MAINTENANCE

Amount of belt deflection
in (mm)
Standard value Used belt New belt
A .26 to .35
(6.7 to 9.0).28 to .33
(7.2 to 8.4).17 to .21
(4.4 to 5.3)
B .46 to .60
(11.7 to 15.3).49 to .56
(12.5 to 14.3).34 to .43
(8.8 to 11.0)
C .43 to .56
(11.0 to 14.3).46 to .52
(11.7 to 13.3).33 to .41
(8.4 to 10.4)
D .33 to .43
(8.5 to 10.9).35 to .40
(9.0 to 10.1).24 to .30
(6.2 to 7.6)
WARNING!
Do not check or touch the drive belt with the engine
running, or serious injury may result.
TIMING BELT
The timing belt should be replaced with a new one at the
mileage specified on the scheduled maintenance chart.
TIRES
WARNING!
Driving with tires that are worn or improperly inflated
can result in a collision, and serious or fatal injury.
Tire inflation pressures
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety
Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire
failure. Over-inflation results in a tire losing its ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and potholes could
cause tire damage that may result in tire failure.
2. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in a need
for earlier tire replacement.
Under-inflation also increases tire rolling resistance and
results in higher fuel consumption.
334 MAINTENANCE

3. Ride comfort and vehicle stability
Proper tire inflation pressures contribute to the excellent
ride quality built into your vehicle. Over-inflation pro-
duces an uncomfortable and jarring ride.
Under-inflation can produce a feeling of sluggish re-
sponse.
Unequal inflation pressures can produce erratic and
unpredictable vehicle response to steering maneuvers.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a
placard attached near the door sill striker on the driver's
side ``B''-Pillar.
The recommended inflation pressures should be followed
when the specified tires are installed.
Item Tire size Front Rear
Normal tire P205/60R16 91H 32 psi (220 kpa)
P215/50R17 90H 32 psi (220 kpa)
Compact spare tire T125/70D16 60 psi (420 kpa)
The pressures should be checked and adjusted, if neces-
sary, at least once a month.
Tire pressures should be checked more often when weather
temperatures vary widely, because tire pressures vary withoutdoor temperatures. Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always ªcold inflation pressureº.
Cold inflation pressure can be measured after the vehicle
has been stationary for at least three hours or driven less
than one mile (1.6 km) after being stationary for three
hours.
Cold inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
values molded into the tire sidewall. After driving sev-
eral miles, tire inflation pressure may increase 2 to 6 psi
(14 to 41 kPa) over the cold inflation pressure; do NOT let
air out of the tires to match the specified cold pressure, or
your tires will be underinflated.
Check your tires each time you refuel. If one tire looks
lower than the others, check the tire inflation pressure for
all of them. The following precautions also should be
observed:
1. Keep your tires inflated to the pressures that are
recommended. (See the tire and loading information
placard attached the driver's side ``B''-Pillar.)
2. Stay within the load limits that are recommended.
MAINTENANCE 335
9