2005 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN engine

Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation
(PCV) valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a
valve is not working properly, replace it with a new
valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV
VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
Battery Location
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WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer recommended
power steering fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add
fluid to restore the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Suspension Ball Joints
There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints.
Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is
done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be
replaced.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
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underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,
then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
•
Door hinges
•Hood hinges
•Trunk hinges
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Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube:
•
Hood hinge springs and links
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
•Trunk latches
•Ash tray
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade
rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
•
Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
•Push the release tab and slide the wiper blade assem-
bly away from the wiper arm. Gently place the wiper
arm on the windshield.
•Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the engine compartment should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator anti-
freeze) rated not to freeze at -25°F (-31°C). Operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
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WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
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WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
Inspection
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is controlled by both
the temperature of the engine cooling system and
the pressure in the air conditioning system and
can start at any time the ignition key is in the ON
position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or cap is hot.
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Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant.
Check the front of the radiator for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator by gently spraying
water from a garden hose at the back of the core.
Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connections at the bottle. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
Do not remove the cap when the cooling system is hot.
Cooling System—Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. The
first change should not be required until 5 years or
100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first. The
coolant should be flushed and changed every two years
or 36,000 miles (57,600 km) thereafter.
Coolant Recovery Bottle (2.7L Engine Shown)
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If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals. Used automotive
antifreeze is a recyclable commodity. Discard or recycle
as facilities exist in your area.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of coolants other than specified engine
coolant, may result in engine damage, and de-
crease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool-
ant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
•Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base
antifreeze products. Do not use additional rust
inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator coolant and may
plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
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