2004 DODGE STRATUS brakes

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, fill brake fluid reservoir to
the top of the fill mark chevron. With disc brakes, fluid
level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes...................... 140
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 206
Adding Fuel.......................... 162
Aiming Headlights...................... 227
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 196
Air Conditioning....................... 120
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 125
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 200
Air Conditioning System..............120,199
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 151
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................36,37
Airbag Light.....................37,40,49,85
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Airbag, Side........................... 38
Airbag, Window......................33,38
Alarm Light............................ 90
Alarm, Panic........................... 21
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 156
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 207
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 206Capacities........................... 227
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 141
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 88
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 214
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Transaxle...............133,184,211
Filter.............................. 213
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 213
Fluid Level Check..................... 212
Interlock System....................12,134
Reset Mode......................... 135
Selection Of Lubricant................. 212
Shifting............................ 135
Special Additives..................... 213
Autostick............................. 158
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 77
Ball Joints............................ 201
Battery............................... 198
Emergency Starting.................... 179
Gas Caution......................181,199
Heater............................. 132
262 INDEX

Filter.............................. 195
Identification Logo.................167,194
Materials Added to.................... 195
Pressure Gauge....................... 89
Quality..........................167,194
Recommendation..................... 194
Synthetic........................... 195
Onboard Diagnostic System............189,190
Opener, Garage Door..................... 70
Overheating, Engine..................... 172
Owner's Manual....................... 256
Paint Care............................ 214
Paint Damage......................... 214
Panic Alarm........................... 21
Parking Brake......................... 139
Parking On Hill........................ 139
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter.... 232
Passing Light........................... 64
Pets.................................. 48
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 147
Power
Brakes............................. 140Door Locks.......................... 15
Outlet.............................. 77
Seats............................... 58
Steering............................ 142
Steering, Checking.................... 200
Sunroof............................. 75
Windows.........................25,142
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 32
Programmable Electronic Features.........71,74
Programming Transmitters............21,71,74
Radial Ply Tires........................ 153
Radiator Cap.......................... 207
Radio...........................95,104,109
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 94
Radio Operation..................104,109,117
Radio Remote Controls................... 117
Rear Window Defroster.................. 123
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 228
Reformulated Gasoline................... 160
Refrigerant............................ 200
Reminder, Lights On..................... 64
INDEX 269
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