2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE fuel

Warning light
When the ignition key is turned to ªONº, the warning
light illuminate and go out after a few seconds.
CAUTION
²If the warning light illuminates, a malfunction
may have occurred in the system.
When this happens, have your vehicle checked at an
authorized dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter.
Under normal operating conditions the catalytic con-
verter does not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper converter operation and prevent damage.
I26A1290
STARTING AND DRIVING 199
5

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of an engine malfunction, particularly one
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Prolonged operation of your vehicle while it is
overheated may result in damage to the converter
and vehicle.
WARNING!
²Do not park or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire
could occur.
²Undercoating should not be applied to the cata-
lytic converter.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
1. Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type rec-
ommended in ªFuel selectionº.
2. Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could damage the catalytic converter.
3. Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
4. Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or discharged, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.
5. Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when performing
diagnostic tests.
6. Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods if it is
idling roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.
7. To prevent the catalytic converter from being dam-
aged due to unburned gas, do not race the engine when
turning off the ignition switch.
200 STARTING AND DRIVING

Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (including spare
tire) for proper pressure. Maintain specified tire inflation
pressures. Replace tires before they are excessively worn.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you activate the controls. Check the turn signals
and highbeam indicators on the instrument panel.
Fluid leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Make sure all fluid
levels are at the proper levels. Also, if fuel leaks are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
Driver
Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Do not drive if you
have been drinking or taking drugs. Unless you are alert
and able to concentrate on your driving, you could have
an accident, resulting in serious or fatal injury to yourself
and others.
SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Even this vehicle's safety equipment, and your safest
driving, cannot guarantee that you can avoid accident or
injury. However, we recommend that you give extra
attention to the following, to help maximize the safety of
you and your passengers:
1. Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and
weather conditions. Leave adequate stopping distance
for your vehicle.
2. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash
the proper turn-signal light.
3. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. During an emergency stop, switch on the hazard
warning flasher.
5. When leaving the vehicle, set the parking brake and
place the gearshift lever into low gear.
In vehicles with an automatic transaxle, place the selector
lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. Remove the key.
202 STARTING AND DRIVING

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

No. Symbol Electrical system Capacity
22
Dome lights 10A
23
Audio 10A
24
Fuel pump 15A
25
Defroster 40A
²Some fuses may not be installed on your vehicle. Fuse
application depends on the vehicle model, specifica-
tions, or options.
7.5A BROWN
10A RED
15A LIGHT BLUE
20A YELLOW
30A GREEN
40A GREEN
50A RED
60A YELLOWFuse replacement
1. Before replacing a fuse, always turn off the electrical
item concerned and turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº
position.
2. Remove the fuse cover.
3. Referring to the fuse location diagrams and corre-
sponding tables, check the fuse that relates to the prob-
lem.
N29C0020
OKBlown fuse
EMERGENCIES 291
8

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

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

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