How to Tune Up a 2006 Dodge Stratus

Tuning up a car almost always involves replacing the spark plugs.

Tune-ups are necessary when taking care of a car and should be performed every 30,000 miles or so (typically a little over two years of driving). Tune-ups involve changing certain parts and replenishing certain fluids and on most cars, like the 2006 Dodge Stratus, can greatly extend its life and efficiency. Tuning up your '06 stratus is not a difficult task and can be done by most people with a little bit of basic knowledge and some previous auto repair experience.

Things You'll Need

• Spark plugs
• Spark plug wrench
• Air filter
• Fuel filter
• Oil filter
• Oil pan
• Wrench
• Fresh oil
• Funnel
• Distributor caps
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid

Instructions

1. 

   A clean engine air filter allows for maximum airflow.

   Replace the air filter. The air filter can be found under the plastic air box in the car. Replacing the air filter will allow for greater airflow, giving the engine more air and more efficiency and power.

2. 

   Fresh spark plugs provide a nicer spark to ignite your Stratus's engine.

   Replace the spark plugs. The spark plugs can be removed by disconnecting the negative battery cable of the car then removing each spark plug wire from the Stratus's six cylinders. Now remove the spark plugs using the spark plug wrench and replace them with the fresh ones. Modern iridium spark plugs do not need to be gapped, meaning you can just screw them in. Put the spark plug wires back into their correct cylinders when finished.

3. Replace the distributor cap. This is a little plastic cap, like a cover, over the distributor at the end of the spark plug wires. This simply pops off and the new cap should snap right in provided it's the correct part.

4. 

   A funnel will help you fill the reservoirs.

   Replenish the necessary fluids under the hood. The power steering fluid and transmission fluid are both vital, while the windshield wiper fluid is optional but recommended for safety reasons. The fluids can be placed into their correct reservoirs with a funnel.

5. Change the oil. The oil is drained by putting an oil pan under the oil reservoir (which is right underneath the engine) and loosening the nut keeping the oil in. When the oil is finished draining, tighten the nut. Fill the oil pan back up by removing the oil cap atop the engine and filling it up with about four quarts of 10W-40 motor oil.

6. 

   Oil filters should be replaced whenever the oil is changed.

   Replace the oil filter. The oil filter is located above the oil pan and can be loosened by turning it to the left. Lubricate the new oil filter around the top edge with the old oil then screw it into the engine.

References

• Automotix: 2006 Dodge Stratus Tune-Up Details
• Scribd: 2006 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual
• 2CarPros: How Do I Change my Spark Plugs?
• 2CarPros: How Do I Tune Up My Car?