2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE battery

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
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VIEW OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Battery
6. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transaxle only)7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Windshield washer reservoir
9. Drive belt
10. Radiator cap
11. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
12. Air cleaner filter
Q02A2510
2.4 liter engine
Q02A2520
3.0 liter engine
MAINTENANCE 311
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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
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BATTERY
The condition of the battery is very important for quick
starting and to keep the vehicle's electrical system work-
ing properly. Check the battery regularly.
If battery performance is suspect, have the battery and
charging system tested by an authorized Mitsubishi
dealer.
NOTE
1. After replacing the battery, the electronic control sys-
tem data for the automatic transaxle, etc., will be erased.
As a result, shifting may be rough.
Shifting will become smoother after several changes in
speed.
2. Memory data for settings made by the user may be
erased when the battery is replaced. If this happens,
establish the settings again using the relevant procedures.
Checking battery electrolyte level
Use the following procedure to check the battery electro-
lyte level.
Open the lid on the battery cover (if so equipped).
NOTE: Be sure to close the battery cover after checking
the battery fluid level and after replacing the battery.
MAINTENANCE 325
9

Insert the tip of a screwdriver at the edge of the cap, pry
gently to remove the cap.The inside of the battery is divided into several compart-
ments.
Check the electrolyte level (A) in each cell.
The electrolyte level must be within the range (B) shown
in the illustration.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled water. Do
not overfill above the top of the range because a spill
during driving could cause damage.
A
B = .31 in
(8 mm)Cell
M07B0110
326 MAINTENANCE

WARNING!
²If the battery goes flat, be sure to check the battery
electrolyte level before connecting booster cables.
²After checking the battery electrolyte level, make
sure the caps are fitted securely.
²If any of the caps has a loose fit, replace the
battery.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low tempera-
tures. This is the result of its chemical and physical
properties and this is why a very cold battery, particu-
larly one that is not fully charged, will only deliver a
fraction of the starter current that is normally available.
It is recommended that you have the battery checked by
an authorized dealer before the start of cold weather and,
if necessary, have it charged or replaced. This not only
ensures reliable starting, but prolongs battery life.
Disconnection and connection
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine, discon-
nect the negative terminal first, then the positive termi-
nal. To reconnect the battery, first connect the positive
terminal and then the negative terminal, before starting
the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE 327
9

WARNING!
²Never disconnect the battery while the engine is
running; doing so could damage the vehicle's
electrical components.
²Never short-circuit the battery; doing so could
cause it to overheat and be damaged.
²Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames away from the
battery because the battery may produce an explo-
sion.
²Electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive diluted sul-
furic acid. If electrolyte comes in contact with,
your hands, eyes, clothes, or the coated surface of
your vehicle, thoroughly flush the area with wa-
ter. If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush them
with water immediately and get prompt medical
attention.
WARNING!
²Ventilate the area when charging or using the
battery in an enclosed space.
²Always wear protective clothing and goggles
when working with the battery, or have a skilled
technician do it.
²If the battery is to be quick-charged, first discon-
nect the battery cables from the vehicle.
²In order to prevent a short circuit, be sure to
disconnect the negative(-) terminal first, and re-
connect it last.
²If the electrolyte level is very low, have the battery
checked at an authorized dealer.
²Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
328 MAINTENANCE

NOTE
1. Check each battery terminal for corrosion. If necessary,
neutralize corrosion by washing with a solution of bak-
ing soda and water. Apply grease to posts and clamps
after cleaning or tightening.
2. Before cleaning the battery, tighten all filler port caps
to prevent foreign matter from entering the battery.
3. Check to see if the battery is securely installed and
cannot be moved. Also check each terminal for tightness.
4. When the vehicle is to be left unused for a long period
of time, remove the battery and store it in a place where
the battery fluid will not freeze. The battery should be
stored only in a fully charged condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
The automatic transaxle should be maintained and ser-
viced by an authorized dealer to obtain the best perfor-
mance and maximize life. It is important that the trans-
axle fluid be maintained at the level prescribed.
M05A0530
Good
MAINTENANCE 329
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