2004 DODGE STRATUS fuel additives

Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate. The manufac-
turer recommends that you try a different brand of
unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the Malfunction Indicator Light is flashing, imme-
diate service is required. See the On Board Diagnos-
tics paragraph in the Maintenance section of this
manual.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the driver's
side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be
sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
162 STARTING AND OPERATING

²you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:When the ambient temperature is above 90ÉF
(32ÉC), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection of Engine Oil
For best performance and protection of your vehicle, use
only crankcase engine oils that meet the following re-
quirements:American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil Identi-
fication Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). We
only recommend API Certified en-
gine oils that meet the require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler's Mate-
rial Standard MS-9214. Use Mopar
or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-9214.
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it's
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
STARTING AND OPERATING 167
5

may be labeled as Flexible Fuel (FFV) or Alternate Fuel
(AFV). These engine oils may be satisfactory if they meet
the manufacturer's standard.
CAUTION!
If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using
E-85, engine wear may be increased significantly.
This may void your warranty.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a growing number of engine oils being pro-
moted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you choose
to use such a product, useonlythose oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) and SAE viscosity
standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your
driving type.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) toengine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it's
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
7

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