2004 DODGE STRATUS heater

JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK and turn ignition to OFF for
both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end to
the positive jump start attachment of the discharged
battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 179
6

Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. The
first change should not be required until 5 years or
100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first. The
coolant should be flushed and changed every two years
or 36,000 miles (57,600 km) thereafter.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals. Used automotive
antifreeze is a recyclable commodity. Discard or recycle
as facilities exist in your area.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or use plain water alone or
alcohol base antifreeze products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator coolant and
may plug the radiator or heater core.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a solution of 50% ethylene glycol
antifreeze coolant in distilled water should be used. Use
higher concentrations (not to exceed 60%) if temperatures
below -32ÉF (-35ÉC) are anticipated.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
206 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

over time. This is normal. If the coolant level is hard to
see, jostling the coolant bottle will make it easier to see.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point, adding, or replacing
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the
coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. Heater
performance may also be adversely affected by low
coolant levels.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling
the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your
authorized dealer for details.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating
on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot water to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the system.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration of 50% ethylene glycol
(minimum) with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine that contains alu-
minum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
208 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

Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 174
Emergency Trunk Release................. 24
Emission Control System Maintenance....190,232
Engine............................187,188
Block Heater......................... 132
Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 192
Compartment.....................187,188
Cooling............................ 205
Oil .............................192,227
Oil Change Interval................... 193
Oil Selection......................... 194
Oil Synthetic......................... 195
Overheating......................... 172
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle for 2.4 Liter . . 232
Timing Belt.......................... 198
Engine Oil Viscosity..................194,227
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 194
Entry System, Illuminated................. 15
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 204
Exhaust System........................ 204Exterior Light Service.................... 222
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 196
Automatic Transaxle................... 213
Engine Fuel......................... 196
Engine Oil.......................... 195
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 172
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 168
Engine Oil.......................... 194
Maintenance......................... 169
Replacement Parts.................... 169
Starting............................ 168
Fluid Capacities........................ 227
Fluid Leaks............................ 50
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 212
Capacities........................... 227
Fog Light Service....................... 225
Fog Lights..........................64,225
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 183
INDEX 265
10

Fuel
Adding............................. 162
Filler Cap........................... 162
Filter.............................. 196
Gauge.............................. 85
Hoses.............................. 211
Light............................... 90
Tank Capacity........................ 227
Fuses................................ 219
Garage Door Opener..................... 70
GasCap .............................. 162
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 160
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 160
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 87
Fuel................................ 85
Gearshift............................. 135
Glass Cleaning......................... 218
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 172
Head Restraints......................... 58
Headlights............................ 222Aiming............................. 227
Bulb Replacement..................... 222
Cleaning............................ 217
High Beam........................... 86
Switch.............................. 63
Time Delay........................... 64
Heater............................... 120
Homelink Transmitter.................... 70
Hood Prop............................ 60
Hood Release.......................... 60
Hoses.............................209,211
Ignition
Key ................................ 11
Lock................................ 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 15
Immobilizer............................ 13
Infant Restraint......................... 41
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 55
Instrument Cluster....................... 84
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 83
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 218
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 218
266 INDEX