2005 DODGE STRATUS tow

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, to the manufacturer’s specifications, should be
obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals
described in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life ofthe vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:There are specific instructions regarding when
to change the ignition cables and spark plugs with the
PZEV package in this section. This applies to both
maintenance schedule A and B and will be marked with
an ** or ***.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule B of the
“Maintenance Schedules”section of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 249
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
252 SCHEDULE“B”
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Daytime Running Lights.................. 67
Dealer Service......................... 205
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 135
Defroster, Windshield...............50,128,134
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 203
Dimmer Control........................ 64
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 67
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 229
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 224
Engine Oil.......................... 210
Door Ajar Warning...................... 17
Door Locks............................ 15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 17
Door Opener, Garage..................... 74
Drive Belts............................ 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 196
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 81
Electrical Power Outlets................... 81
Electronic Speed Control.................. 71Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 197
Jacking............................. 188
Jump Starting........................ 193
Overheating......................... 186
Towing............................. 197
Emergency Trunk Release...............24,25
Emission Control System Maintenance....204,248
Engine............................201,202
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 211
Block Heater......................... 145
Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 206
Compartment.....................201,202
Coolant (Antifreeze)................221,245
Cooling............................ 220
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 176
Fails to Start......................... 144
Fuel Requirements.................173,244
Oil ..........................206,244,245
Oil Change Interval................... 207
Oil Selection......................208,244
Oil Synthetic......................... 209
INDEX 283
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Tread Wear Indicators.................. 168
Towing.........................178,197,198
Disabled Vehicle...................... 197
Trailering........................... 178
Traction Control....................70,89,153
Traction Control Switch................70,153
Trailer Towing......................... 178
Minimum Requirements................ 179
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 179
Warnings........................... 178
Transaxle............................. 228
Additives........................... 230
Automatic.....................145,147,228
Filter.............................. 229
Overdrive........................... 149
Selection of Lubricant.................. 228
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 91
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 74
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 48Tread Wear Indicators................... 168
Trip Computer.......................... 95
Trip Odometer.......................... 92
Trunk Release, Emergency...............24,25
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 24
Turn Signals.........................67,90
Underhood Fuses....................... 235
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 276
Universal Transmitter.................... 74
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 173
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 225
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 58
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading.....................160,178
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 237
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 23
Vinyl Trim............................ 232
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................... 244
Voltmeter.............................. 90
292 INDEX