2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE coolant temperature

WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key is
in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
JUMP-STARTING THE ENGINE
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is
weak or dead, the battery from another vehicle can be
used with booster cables to start the engine.
WARNING!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
procedures exactly and exercise extreme caution.
CAUTION!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or towing.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle can-
not be started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle
equipped with a manual transaxle may overheat and
damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being
pushed or towed.
1. Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical con-
tact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so the
booster cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't
touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
280 EMERGENCIES

Radiator cap
The radiator cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of coolant and engine damage.
WARNING!
Make sure that the engine is thoroughly cooled
down before removing the radiator cap, otherwise
hot steam or boiling coolant may gush from the filler
port and scald you.
Points to remember
1. Do not overfill the reserve tank.
2. A special radiator cap is used to ensure sealing and to
allow the coolant to return from the reserve tank to the
radiator when the engine cools. If cap replacement is
necessary, use the proper cap.
3. Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator using
proper instruments, when it is safe to do so. If antifreeze
is added, the contents of the reserve tank must be
protected against freezing.
4. Keep the front of the radiator clean. Keep the front of
the condenser clean.5. If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise
normally after engine warm-up, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer to have the thermostat checked, and
replaced if necessary.
BRAKE FLUID
Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
should be used. The reservoir cap must be fully tightened
to avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contact,
mix with, or otherwise contaminate the brake
fluid. Seal damage will result.
²Take care in handling brake fluid as it may cause
damage to painted surfaces.
²Use only the specified brake fluid. Also, the
additives in different brands may result in a
chemical reaction when mixed together, so avoid
mixing different brands if possible.
²Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to prevent the
brake fluid from evaporating or absorbing moisture.
MAINTENANCE 323
9

Engine coolant......................... 322
Engine coolant level warning light.......... 109
Engine coolant temperature gauge.......108,113
Engine hood release...................... 42
Engine oil and oil filter.................. 318
Engine overheating..................... 279
Engine serial number.................... 373
Engine specifications.................... 377
Exhaust system.....................332,377
Fluid
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 329
Brake fluid.......................... 323
Clutch fluid......................... 324
Fog light switch........................ 125
Front fog lamp indicator lamp............. 116
Front seat adjustment..................... 57
Fuel
Filler Cap........................... 150
Fuel economy........................ 151
Fuel filler............................ 39
Fuel gauge.......................108,111
Fuel hoses.......................... 315Fuel selection........................ 146
Low-fuel warning light..............109,115
Fuses................................ 286
Fusible links.......................... 287
Garage Door Opener.................... 134
GasCap .............................. 150
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 148
Gauges.........................108,111,113
Gear positions......................... 158
General maintenance
Maintenance service................... 318
General vehicle data..................... 375
Glove compartment..................215,216
Handling of Compact Discs............... 234
Hazard warning flasher switch............. 126
Hazard warning light.................109,114
Head restraints......................... 66
Headlights (Type 1)..................... 295
Headlights
Aiming............................. 297
Dimmer............................ 124
392 INDEX

Seats
Front seats........................... 57
Rear seats............................ 66
SECURITY indicator................49,109,114
Service Assistance...................... 380
Service Manuals........................ 385
Setting the clock........................ 218
Severe maintenance schedule.............. 357
Snow tires............................ 348
Spare tire.......................266,267,375
Spark plugs........................317,377
Speedometer.......................108,110
Starting
At extremely cold ambient temperature..... 155
Flooded engine....................... 155
Normal conditions.................... 154
Steering system
Steering lock......................... 153
Tilt lock lever........................ 177
Sun visors............................ 211
Sunroof............................... 46
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag
Maintenance......................... 331Warning light.....................109,118
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Air bag . . 89
Supplemental Restraint System warning light . . 118
Tachometer.........................108,110
Tape Player........................... 221
Temperature Gage, Engine Coolant.......... 279
Theft protection........................ 153
Theft-alarm
SECURITY indicator..............49,109,114
System.............................. 49
Timing belt........................... 336
Tips for driving in various conditions........ 203
Tire chains............................ 348
Ti re s
Compact spare tire.................... 267
Inflation pressure...............340,374,375
Maintenance......................336,342
Quality Grading...................... 387
Rotation............................ 347
Size (tire and wheels).................. 375
Snow tires.......................... 348
Spare tire........................... 266
INDEX 395