2006 DODGE STRATUS air condition

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
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 Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
7

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.
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
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch 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
switch 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 is hot.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7

Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the 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.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap and tar.
•Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
•Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.
•If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible.
•Use Mopar auto polish or equivalent to remove road
film and stains and to polish your vehicle. Take care
never to scratch the paint.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
7

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS—Interior Bulb Number
ABS Lamp........................... PC161
Instrument Cluster..................... PC194
Fog Light Indicator..................... PC161
Dome Light............................ 578
Front Reading/Map Lights.................. 906
Trunk Light............................ 562
Cup Holder Light......................... 37
Climate Control Light...................... 37
Traction Control Light...................PC161
LIGHT BULBS—Exterior Bulb Number
Headlight.............................9007
Park/Turn Signal (Front).................3157A
Fog Light.............................880L
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal....................3157
Back Up Light........................... 921
Center Stop Light........................ 921
License Light...........................2825
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
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.
250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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