2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE fuel cap

If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel. Tighten the cap until you hear it ªclick.º
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to insure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
Fuel system (tank, filler tube, connections, and
fuel tank filler cap)
Check periodically for damage or leakage in the fuel lines
and connections, and check for damage and looseness of
the fuel tank filler tube cap. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those fuel lines nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
WARNING!
If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not
operate the vehicle. Any spark (including from the
ignition ), flame or smoking material could cause an
explosion or fire. Call an authorized dealer for
assistance.
Fuel hoses
Inspect the surfaces of hoses for evidence of heat and
mechanical damage, hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
tears, cuts and abrasions. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those hose surfaces nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect all
hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make
sure they are secure and that no leaks exist. If there is any
evidence of deterioration or damage, hoses should be
replaced immediately.
MAINTENANCE 315
9

Air cleaner filter
The air cleaner filter will become dirty and loaded with
dust during use, and the filtering effect will be substan-
tially reduced. Replace it with a new filter in accordance
with the schedule in this manual.
1. Unclamp the air cleaner cover.
2. Take out the air cleaner filter.After replacing the air cleaner filter, reinstall the cover in
its original position.
CAUTION!
Take care not to damage the engine air flow sensor
when removing the air cleaner cover.
Evaporative emission control system (except
evaporative emission canister)
If the fuel-vapor vent line is clogged or damaged, the
fuel-vapor mixture will escape, polluting the atmosphere.
Have the system checked at an authorized dealer at the
mileage specified on the scheduled maintenance chart.
M23A0130
316 MAINTENANCE

one mile (1.6 km) after being stationary for three hours.
Cold inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
values molded into the tire sidewall. After driving several
miles, tire inflation pressure may increase 2 to 6 psi (14 to 41
kPa) over the cold inflation pressure; do NOT let air out of
the tires to match the specified cold pressure, or your tires
will be underinflated.
Check your tires each time you refuel. If one tire looks lower
than the others, check the tire inflation pressure for all of
them. The following precautions also should be observed:
1. Keep your tires inflated to the pressures that are
recommended. (See the tire and loading information
placard attached the driver's side ``B''-Pillar.)
2. Stay within the load limits that are recommended.
3. Make sure that the weight of your vehicle load is
evenly distributed.
4. Drive at safe speeds.
5. After the tire inflation pressure has been adjusted,
check the tires for damage and air leaks. Be sure to
replace the rubber caps on the valve stems.
Radial ply tires
Radial ply tires provide improved tread life, road hazard
resistance and smoother high speed ride. The radial ply
factory-installed tires on this vehicle are of belted con-
struction and are selected to complement the ride and
handling characteristics of your vehicle.
Radial ply tires have the same load carrying capacity as
bias or bias-belted tires of the same letter size, and use the
same recommended inflation pressures.
Mixing of radial ply tires with bias or bias-belted tires is
not recommended. Combining radial ply and bias or
bias-belted tires on one vehicle will negatively affect
vehicle handling. It is recommended that radial ply tires
should always be used as a set of four.
As longer wearing tires can be more susceptible to
irregular tread wear, it is very important to follow the tire
rotation interval shown in the section ªTire rotationº to
achieve full tread life potential in these tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial ply tires are repairable only
in the tread area, because of sidewall flexing. Consult
your tire dealer for radial ply tire repairs.
MAINTENANCE 341
9

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

!60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 60 months
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
NCheck fuel system for leak
(tank, pipe line and connection, and fuel tank
filler tube cap).
NCheck evaporative emission control system for
leaks and clogging (except evaporative emission
canister).
NCheck distributor cap and rotor.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!66,000 Miles (106 000 km) or at 66 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!72,000 Miles (115 000 km) or at 72 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear.
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 #
MAINTENANCE 353
9

!120,000 Miles (192 000 km) or at 120 months
NCheck fuel system for leak
(tank, pipe line and connection, and fuel tank
filler tube cap).
NCheck evaporative emission control system for
leaks and clogging (except evaporative emission
canister).
NCheck distributor cap and rotor.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
NInspect SRS*2airbag system.
*2: Supplemental Restraint System
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
SEVERE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The content and mileage interval can vary depending on
model.
!3,000 Miles (5 000 km) or at 3 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!6,000 Miles (10 000 km) or at 6 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NRotate tires.
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 357
9

!60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NReplace timing belt.*1
*1: For California, Massachusetts and Vermont
this maintenance is recommended but not re-
quired.
NChange manual transaxle fluid.
NChange automatic transaxle fluid.
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NFlush and replace engine coolant.
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and damage.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
NCheck fuel system for leaks
(tank, pipe line and connection, and fuel tank
filler tube cap).
NCheck evaporative emission control system (ex-
cept evaporative emission canister).
NCheck distributor cap and rotor.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 363
9

!120,000 Miles (192 000 km) or at 120 months
NChange manual transaxle fluid.
NChange automatic transaxle fluid.
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NFlush and replace engine coolant.
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and damage.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
NCheck fuel system for leaks
(tank, pipe line and connection, and fuel tank
filler tube cap).
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!120,000 Miles (192 000 km) or at 120 months
NCheck evaporative emission control system (ex-
cept evaporative emission canister).
NCheck distributor cap and rotor.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
370 MAINTENANCE