2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE service

8. Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance
is noticeably less, or that there is unnecessary engine
miss, or any other engine trouble, such as with the
ignition, etc. If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for only a short time.
Have an inspection made by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
9. In an unusual event of a severe engine malfunction, a
scorching odor may indicate severe and abnormal cata-
lytic converter overheating. If this occurs, the vehicle
should be stopped in a safe place, the engine shut off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine is cool, the
vehicle should immediately be taken to a dealer for
service.
VEHICLE PREPARATION BEFORE DRIVING
Before starting on a trip, perform the following checks to
obtain the greatest possible enjoyment and safety from
your vehicle:
Seat belts and seats
1. Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and
all your passengers are seated and properly wearing the
seat belts (with children in the rear seat, in appropriate
restraints), and that all doors are locked.
2.
Adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible, while still
maintaining good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Examine the instru-
ment panel indicators for any possible malfunction.
3. Have the front passenger adjust their seat as far
rearward as possible.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defroster mode and set
the blower switch for high speed operation. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the windshield.
(See ªHeater /Air conditioningº page 238.)
Tires
Examine all tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks.
STARTING AND DRIVING 201
5

Do not wipe in a circle. Never use any chemicals such
as benzine, paint thinner, a disc spray cleaner, or an
anti-static agent on the disc.
(8) Do not use a ball point pen, felt pen, pencil, etc. to
write on the label surface of the disc.
(9) Do not put additional labels (A) or stickers (B) on
compact discs. Also, do not use any compact disc on
which a label or sticker has started to peel off or anycompact disc that has stickiness or other contamina-
tion left by a peeled-off label or sticker. If you use
such a compact disc, the CD player may stop working
properly and you may not be able to eject the
compact disc.
CD player laser warning
WARNING!
Operating the CD player in a manner other than
specifically instructed herein may result in hazard-
ous radiation exposure.
Do not remove the cover and attempt to repair the
CD player by yourself. There are no user serviceable
parts inside. In case of malfunction, contact an
authorized dealer.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the operation of a cellular
phone in your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy perfor-
mance from your radio. This condition may be lessened
or eliminated by relocating the cellular phone antenna.
H12F0160
236 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

ENGINE OVERHEATING
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator enters
the ªHº (hot) position, the engine may be overheated.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Maintenance Section of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
EMERGENCIES 279
8

WARNING!
²Charging the battery installed in the vehicle
might cause the battery to catch fire and explode.
Or, damage to the vehicle could result. If it has to
be charged in that condition for unavoidable
reasons, disconnect the vehicle side negative lead.
²Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames away from the
battery because the battery may produce an explosion.
²Use adequate ventilation when charging or using
the battery in an enclosed space.
²Remove all the caps before charging the battery.
²Electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive diluted sulfuric
acid. If electrolyte comes in contact with your hands,
eyes, clothes, or the painted surface of your vehicle,
thoroughly flush with water. If electrolyte gets in
your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water imme-
diately, and get prompt medical attention.
WARNING!
²Always wear protective clothing and goggles
when working near the battery.
²Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes
If the vehicle is driven without sufficient battery charge,
after the engine has been started by using booster cables,
the engine may misfire. This can cause the anti-lock
braking system warning light to blink on and off. This is
a result of insufficient battery voltage; it is not a malfunc-
tion of the brake system. If this happens, fully charge the
battery before driving.
TOWING
When towing your vehicle, all state and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. When towing is required, contact a
professional towing service and make sure that flat bed type,
dolly type or wheel lift type towing equipment is used. Do
not attempt to be towed by another vehicle with a rope using
the tie-down hooks.
284 EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
²Towing should only be done by a professional
tow service particularly if it will involve towing
on winding roads, hills or heavy traffic. If you
have any doubts, use a professional tow service.
TowingÐfront wheel lift
Place the gearshift lever (manual transaxle) to Neutral or
the selector lever (automatic transaxle) in the ªNº (NEU-
TRAL) position. Release the parking brake.
TowingÐrear wheel lift
Turn the ignition key to the ªACCº position and secure
the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the
ªLOCKº position. This will result in damage to the
steering lock mechanism.
If you have to tow an automatic transaxle model with the rear
wheels raised (with the front wheels on the ground):
Observe the following restricted towing speeds and distances.
·Speed: 30 mph (50 km/h)
·Distance: 18 miles (30 km)
CAUTION!
Never tow an automatic transaxle model with the
rear wheels raised (with the front wheels on the
ground) when the automatic transaxle fluid level is
low. This may cause serious and expensive damage
to the transaxle.
FUSES
N09A1230
Passenger compartment
286 EMERGENCIES

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

WARNING!
²The fan may turn on automatically even if the
engine is not running; turn the ignition key to the
ªLOCKº position and remove the key to ensure
safety while you work in the engine compartment.
²Do not smoke, or allow open flames around fuel
or the battery. The fumes are flammable.
²Be extremely cautious when working around the
battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfu-
ric acid.
²Do not get under your vehicle with just the car's
jack supporting it.
Always use properly rated automotive jack
stands.
²Improper handling of components and materials
used in the vehicle can endanger your personal
safety. Consult an authorized dealer if you have
questions.
EMISSION-CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission-control sys-
tem which satisfies all requirements of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency. The emission-control system
consists of:
(1) a positive crankcase ventilation system
(2) an evaporative emission-control system
(3) an exhaust emission- control system.
The9Scheduled9maintenance services listed must be
performed at the times or mileages specified to assure the
continued proper functioning of the emission-control
system. These, and all other ªGeneralº maintenance
services included in this manual, should be performed to
provide the best vehicle performance and reliability.
More frequent maintenance may be needed for vehicles
driven under severe operating conditions such as dusty
areas and frequent start and stop driving.
In order to assure the proper function of the emission-
control system, it is recommended that you have your
vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized
dealer in accordance with the schedule in this manual.
Inspection and service should also be performed any
time a malfunction is suspected.
MAINTENANCE 313
9