2006 DODGE STRATUS engine overheat

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to“rock”the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Flat bed towing is the preferred towing method. If a flat
bed towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used.
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type towing equipment. Damage to
the fascia and air dam may result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 201
6

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule“A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule“B”.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7

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.
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.
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on theground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the level of the coolant in the bottle
should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month. Heater performance may also
be adversely affected by low coolant levels.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling
the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your
authorized dealer for details.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Daytime Running Lights.................. 62
Dealer Service......................... 209
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 132
Defroster, Windshield...............46,126,131
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 207
Dimmer Control........................ 59
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 63
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 231
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 226
Engine Oil.......................... 214
Door Ajar Warning...................... 13
Door Locks............................ 11
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Door Opener, Garage..................... 69
Drive Belts............................ 214
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 200
E-85 Fuel............................. 175
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)..... 76
Electrical Power Outlets................... 76Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 66
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 201
Jacking............................. 191
Jump Starting........................ 197
Overheating......................... 190
Towing............................. 201
Emergency Trunk Release...............20,21
Emission Control System Maintenance....208,250
Engine............................205,206
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 215
Block Heater......................... 142
Break-In Recommendations............... 44
Checking Oil Level.................... 210
Compartment.....................205,206
Coolant (Antifreeze)................223,247
Cooling............................ 223
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 174
Fails to Start......................... 142
Fuel Requirements.................171,246
Oil ..........................210,246,247
Oil Change Interval................... 211
Oil Selection......................212,246
INDEX 281
10

Oil Synthetic......................... 213
Overheating......................... 190
Timing Belt.......................... 216
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 246
Entry System, Illuminated................. 11
Exhaust Gas Caution...............45,174,223
Exhaust System........................ 223
Exterior Light Service.................... 241
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 215
Automatic Transaxle................... 232
Engine Fuel......................... 215
Engine Oil.......................214,247
Engine Oil Disposal................... 214
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 190
Turn Signal.......................... 84
Flash-To-Pass........................... 63
Flat Tire Changing...................... 191
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 176
Engine Oil.......................... 176Fuel Requirements.................... 175
Maintenance......................... 176
Replacement Parts.................... 176
Starting............................ 176
Fluid, Brake........................... 248
Fluid Capacities........................ 246
Fluid Leaks............................ 46
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 231
Capacities........................... 246
Cooling System....................... 223
Engine Oil.......................... 210
Power Steering....................... 219
Fluids............................... 247
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 247
Fog Light Service....................... 244
Fog Lights........................62,85,244
Folding Rear Seat....................... 57
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 201
Fuel................................. 171
Adding............................. 177
Additives........................... 173
Clean Air........................... 172
282 INDEX

Schedule“A”........................ 263
Schedule“B”........................ 253
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . 84,208
Manual, Service........................ 273
Mirrors............................... 52
Automatic Dimming.................... 52
Electric Remote....................... 53
Outside............................. 53
Rearview............................ 52
Vanity.............................. 54
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................209,272
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 61
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 44
Occupant Restraints...................... 22
Odometer............................. 86
Tampering........................... 86
Trip ................................ 86
Oil, Engine......................210,246,247
Capacity............................ 246
Change Interval...................... 211Checking........................... 210
Disposal............................ 214
Filter...........................214,247
Filter Disposal....................... 214
Identification Logo.................... 212
Materials Added to.................... 213
Pressure Gauge....................... 87
Quality............................. 212
Recommendation..................212,246
Synthetic........................... 213
Viscosity.........................213,246
Onboard Diagnostic System............207,208
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .......... 69
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overdrive............................ 146
Overheating, Engine..................... 190
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,273
Paint Care............................ 233
Paint Damage......................... 233
Panic Alarm........................... 17
Parking Brake......................... 147
Parking On Hill........................ 148
286 INDEX