2004 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN change time

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

Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
234 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 144,000 147,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (232 000) (237 000) (241 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if necessary.* X X
Replace theair cleaner filter.*X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. ** X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, rotors, rear drums
and shoes.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*³ X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
** Except for the 2.4 liter Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle
(PZEV).
*** 2.4 liter PZEV only.³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE ªBº 245
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Miles144,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (232 000) (241 000)
[Months][144] [150]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if required.* X
Replace theair cleaner filter.*X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, rotors, rear drums and shoes. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*³ X
Replace thespark plugson 2.4 liter engine. ** X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
** Except for the 2.4 liter Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle
(PZEV).
*** 2.4 liter PZEV only.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
250 SCHEDULE ªAº
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Compact Disc Changer................... 114
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 119
Compact Disc Player..................95,100
Compact Spare Tire..................... 153
Compass.............................. 90
Compass Calibration..................... 92
Contract, Service....................... 254
Cooling System........................ 205
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 206
Coolant Capacity..................... 227
Coolant Level........................ 207
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 207
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 206
Inspection........................... 205
Points to Remember................... 208
Pressure Cap........................ 207
Radiator Cap........................ 207
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 209
Selection of Coolant................... 206
Corrosion Protection.................... 214
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 198
Cruise Control.......................... 67
Cruise Light........................... 85Customer Assistance.................... 252
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 62
Daytime Running Lights.................. 63
Dealer Service......................... 191
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 123
Defroster, Windshield..................50,123
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 189
Dimmer Control........................ 61
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 64
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 212
Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 207
Engine Oil.......................... 195
Door Ajar Warning...................... 17
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 196
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 182
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 77
264 INDEX