2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE coolant level

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.
204 STARTING AND DRIVING

Changing the blower speed
The blower may be operated (when the ignition key is in
the ON position) at 4 different speeds. Select the best
speed to fit your needs. When the blower switch is set to
the ``O'' position, all air conditioning functions will stop.
Changing the temperature
Select the desired temperature level by turning the tem-
perature control dial either clockwise or counterclock-
wise. Turning the temperature control dial clockwise
makes the air warmer.
NOTE: When the engine coolant temperature is low, the
temperature of air introduced into the passenger com-
partment does not change even if the temperature control
dial is moved to the high temperature side.
H23A2860H23A2870
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 239
6

MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
mView of engine compartment..............311
mService precautions.....................312
mEmission-control system maintenance.......313
mEmissions Testing......................314
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)........314
mReplacement Parts......................315
NFuel system (tank, filler tube, connections,
and fuel tank filler cap).................315
NFuel hoses...........................315
NAir cleaner filter......................316
NEvaporative emission control system
(except evaporative emission canister).......316
NSpark plugs..........................317
NIgnition cables........................317NDistributor cap and rotor................317
mGeneral maintenance....................318
NEngine oil and oil filter..................318
mEngine coolant.........................322
NTo check the coolant level................322
NTo add coolant........................322
mBrake fluid...........................323
mClutch fluid (manual transaxle)............324
NTo check the clutch fluid.................324
NTo replace the fluid....................324
mBattery..............................325
NDuring cold weather...................327
9

VIEW OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Battery
6. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transaxle only)7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Windshield washer reservoir
9. Drive belt
10. Radiator cap
11. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
12. Air cleaner filter
Q02A2510
2.4 liter engine
Q02A2520
3.0 liter engine
MAINTENANCE 311
9

ENGINE COOLANT
To check the coolant level
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level. When the
engine is cold, the level of the coolant in the reserve tank
should be between the FULL and LOW marks. The
radiator normally remains completely full so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap except for checking the
coolant freeze point or replacing the antifreeze coolant.
To add coolant
Use DaimlerChrysler Genuine Coolant or an equivalent.
Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection against
corrosion and rust formation of all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in the radiator, heater,
cylinder head, engine block, etc.
If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level
in the reserve tank does not drop when the engine cools,
the system should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for inspection of the
cooling system.
CAUTION!
²Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can
cause corrosion of aluminum components.
²When additional coolant is needed to maintain
the proper level, a minimum of 50% concentration
of ethylene-glycol antifreeze in water should be
added to the reserve tank. Do not overfill. A
higher concentration (not to exceed 60%) should
be used if a lower freezing point is required. The
concentration level can be checked using instru-
ments available at automotive supply stores, or
can be done by your authorized dealer or service
station. Use only high quality ethylene-glycol
antifreeze coolant formulated to prevent corrosion
of all cooling system metals.
²Do not top off with water only. Water by itself
reduces the rust-protective and anti-freeze quali-
ties of the coolant and has a lower boiling point. It
can also cause damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Do not use tap water, as it may
cause corrosion and rust formation.
322 MAINTENANCE

²Vehicle normal load on the tire : load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and nor-
mal occupant weight and dividing by two.
²Maximum loaded vehicle weight : the sum of ±
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight:
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
²Curb weight : the weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine.
²Accessory weight : the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the
extent that these items are available as factory-
installed equipment (whether installed or not).
²Vehicle capacity weight : the rated cargo and luggage
load plus 150 lbs (68kg) times the vehicle's designated
seating capacity.
²Production options weight : the combined weight of
those installed regular production options weighing
over 5 lbs (2.3kg) in excess of those standard items
which they replace, not previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and
special trim.
²Normal occupant weight : 150 lbs (68kg) times the
number of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the
number is 3).
²Occupant distribution : distribution of occupants in a
vehicle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is
2 in front, 1 in second seat).
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement9The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds9on
your vehicle's placard.
MAINTENANCE 343
9

!24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
350 MAINTENANCE

!54,000 Miles (86 000 km) or at 54 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 60 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NReplace timing belt.*1
*1: For California, Massachusetts and Vermont
this maintenance is recommended but not re-
quired.
NChange automatic transaxle fluid.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NFlush and replace engine coolant.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
352 MAINTENANCE