2006 DODGE STRATUS brakes

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements—Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.4L Engine..........................205

2.7L Engine..........................206

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......207

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................208

Replacement Parts.....................209

Dealer Service........................209

Maintenance Procedures.................210
▫Engine Oil..........................210
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........216
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................216
▫Air Conditioner......................218▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............219
▫Suspension Ball Joints..................220
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............220
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................221
▫Windshield Washers...................222
▫Exhaust System......................223
▫Cooling System.......................223
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......227
▫Brakes.............................228
▫Fuel System Hoses....................230
▫Automatic Transmission................230
7

Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, fill brake fluid reservoir to
the top of the fill mark chevron. With disc brakes, fluid
level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7

About Your Brakes...................... 149
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 149
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 224
Adding Fuel.......................... 177
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 222
Additives, Fuel........................ 173
Aiming Headlights...................... 246
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 215
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 218
Air Conditioning....................122,129
Air Conditioning Controls................ 122
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........128,134
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 219
Air Conditioning System..............129,218
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 161
Airbag................................ 30
Airbag Deployment....................33,34
Airbag Light...................33,34,36,46,84
Airbag Maintenance...................... 36
Airbag, Side........................... 35
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........30,35
Alarm Light............................ 88
Alarm, Panic........................... 17Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 19
Alignment and Balance.................. 167
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 118
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............224,246
Capacities........................... 246
Disposal............................ 226
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 149
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 87
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 19
Appearance Care....................... 233
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 52
Automatic Door Locks..................13,14
Automatic Headlights.................... 62
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 122
Automatic Transaxle.........143,145,202,230,248
Adding Fluid........................ 248
Filter.............................. 232
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 232
Fluid Level Check..................... 231
Interlock System...................... 144
Reset Mode......................... 145
Selection Of Lubricant...............231,248
278 INDEX

Passing Light........................... 63
Pets.................................. 44
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 156
Power
Brakes............................. 149
Door Locks.......................... 12
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)......... 76
Seats............................... 56
Steering............................ 150
Steering, Checking.................... 219
Sunroof............................. 74
Windows.........................21,150
Power Steering Fluid.................... 248
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 29
Preparation for Jacking................... 192
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 27
Programmable Electronic Features.........69,73
Programming Transmitters (Remote
Keyless Entry)......................17,69,73
Radial Ply Tires........................ 163
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 225Radio Broadcast Signals................... 93
Radio Operation...............103,108,119,122
Radio Remote Controls................... 119
Radio, Satellite......................... 115
Radio (Sound Systems)..............94,103,108
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 57
Rear Window Defroster.................. 132
Rearview Mirrors........................ 52
Reformulated Gasoline................... 172
Refrigerant............................ 219
Reminder, Lights On..................... 62
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 28
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 15
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls...... 119
Remote Trunk Release.................... 20
Replacement Tires...................... 166
Reporting Safety Defects................. 273
Restraint, Head......................... 56
Restraints, Occupant..................... 22
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 201
Rotation, Tires......................... 168
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 45
INDEX 287
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