2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE check engine

Air conditioning switch
The air conditioning can be operated while the engine is
running.
Push the switch, and the air conditioning (cooling/
dehumidifying function) will operate. When ªONº, the
operation indicator lamp (A) will illuminate.
Push the switch again and the air conditioning will stop.
CAUTION!
When using the air conditioning, the idle speed is
slightly increased. Therefore, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal when shifting the trans-
mission to drive.
For the 3.0 liter engine model, if the air conditioning
indicator (A) blinks, it is suspected that something is
wrong with the air conditioning. Move the vehicle to
a safe place and stop the engine. Then run the engine
again and see the air conditioning indicator (A). If
the indicator goes out, there is nothing wrong with
the air conditioning. If it blinks again, have the
system checked by the authorized dealer.
H23A3260
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 245
6

Polishing your vehicle
If painted surfaces have been severely damaged and lost
their original luster and color tone, polish the surface
lightly with a fine polishing compound. Avoid limiting
your polishing to the damaged surface only; polish a
somewhat wider area, moving the polishing cloth in one
direction. After polishing, flush the compound from the
surface and apply a coat of wax to regain a beautiful
luster.
Damaged paint
Small cracks and scratches in the paint coat should be
touched up as soon as possible with touch-up paint to
prevent corrosion.
Check body areas facing the road or the tires carefully for
damage to the paint coat caused by flying stones, etc. The
paint code number for your vehicle can be found on the
vehicle information code plate in the engine compart-
ment.
Cleaning plastic parts
Use a sponge or chamois.
If vehicle wax adheres on the plastic bumper or mold-
ings, the surface may appear white in color. In this case,
wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft cloth or
chamois.
CAUTION!
²Do not use a scrub brush or other hard tools as
they may damage the plastic part surface.
²Do not use wax containing compound (polishing
compound) which may damage the plastic part
surface.
²Do not bring plastic parts into contact with brake
fluids, engine oils, greases, thinner for painting,
and sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte) which may
stain, crack or discolor the plastic parts.
If they touch the plastic part, wipe them with a
soft cloth, or chamois and an aqueous solution of
neutral detergent. Then, immediately rinse the
affected parts with water.
258 VEHICLE CARE

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

NOTE: The Scheduled Maintenance Charts are located
in the rear of this maintenance section. Always refer to
the schedules for proper service intervals.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Adequate care of your vehicle at regular intervals serves
to preserve the value and appearance as long as possible.
Some maintenance items can be performed by the owner,
while others should be done only by an authorized
dealer.
This section describes only those items which can be
performed by the owner. In the event a malfunction or
other problem is discovered, have it corrected by an
authorized dealer.
This section contains information on inspection mainte-
nance procedures that you can do yourself, if you so
desire. Follow the instructions and precautions for each
of the various procedures.
WARNING!
²When checking or servicing the inside of the
engine compartment, be sure the engine is
stopped and has had a chance to cool down.
²If it is necessary to do work in the engine com-
partment with the engine running, be especially
careful that your clothing, hair, etc. does not
become caught by the fan, drive belts, or other
moving parts.
312 MAINTENANCE

EMISSIONS TESTING
In some localities, it may be or will become a legal
requirement to ensure that all emissions components and
systems are functioning properly as a part of the test
procedure. The test center accomplishes this by checking
the On Board Diagnostic System system (OBD) with an
electronic scan tool. If your vehicle has recently been
serviced, the OBD system may have been reset to a9not
ready9condition because the OBD system has not had
sufficient time since the servicing to reconfirm that
emissions components are operating properly. In most
cases, a reasonable mix and amount of normal city and
highway driving and at least one overnight-off period
will be required to prepare your vehicle for this check;
however your authorized dealer has the equipment and
procedures required to make certain that the OBD system
of your vehicle is ready for the required testing.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, andautomatic transaxle control systems. When these systems
are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excel-
lent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the
OBD II system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light. It will also store diagnostic
codes and other information to assist your
service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be driveable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
314 MAINTENANCE

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

Spark plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission-control.
Do not reuse spark plugs by cleaning or regapping. Spark
plugs should be replaced at the mileage specified on the
scheduled maintenance chart.
Your vehicle may be equipped with standard type spark
plugs or iridium tipped ones. Iridium tipped spark plugs
are identified by blue marks on the ceramic. They do notrequire replacement as frequently as the conventional
type spark plug and are designed to last much longer.
NOTE: Use the recommended or equivalent spark plugs
listed under ªEngine specificationsº on page 377.
Use of non-recommended plugs will cause engine dam-
age, loss of performance or radio noise.
Ignition cables
The ignition cables should be kept clean, properly con-
nected, and fully seated. Terminals should be fully seated
and should not be removed from the distributor or coil
towers unless they are damaged or cable testing indicates
high resistance or broken insulation. Cracked, damaged,
or faulty cables must be replaced.
Distributor cap and rotor
Check the distributor cap and rotor to maintain proper
function and good emission control.
P15A0340
MAINTENANCE 317
9

To check and refill engine oil
It is normal for an engine to consume some oil. You may
find it necessary to add oil between the recommended oil
change intervals. Before starting the engine, check the
engine oil level. Replenish if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off,
and gently insert it fully into the crankcase. Slowly
remove it again. The oil level must not exceed the range
of ªGoodº on the dipstick.
NOTE: The engine must be ªOFFº when performing oil
level checks.
If the level does not reach the range of ªGoodº, which
indicates minimum necessary quantity of oil, remove the
oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, and refill to within
the ªGoodº range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
WARNING!
²Used engine oil is contaminated, and can cause
skin problems: Avoid contact with the skin and
wash thoroughly after working with used oil.
²Keep used oil out of reach of children.
M03A0710
3.0 liter engine
Good
MAINTENANCE 319
9