2004 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 205

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205 Cooling System Inspection dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. WARNING! • When working near the radiator cooling fan, disconnect 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. Coolant Checks Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is 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. 7 (2.7L Engine Shown) Do not remove the cap when the cooling system is hot.