trip DODGE STRATUS 2005 2.G Owners Manual

TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE
Use the key or the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to
open the trunk from outside the vehicle. From inside the
car the trunk lid can be released by depressing the Trunk
Release Button located on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The transmission must be in Park
before the switch will operate. Vehicles with manual
transmissions must be at zero mph for the switch to
work.With the ignition ON, the word“deck”will be displayed
in place of the odometer display indicating that the trunk
is open. The odometer display will reappear once the
trunk is closed or if the trip button is depressed.
With the key in lock position or key out, the“deck”will
be displayed until the trunk is closed.
TRUNK SAFETY WARNING
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke.
Trunk Release Button
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck-
led up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision which includes you. This can
happen far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of
ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle.Everyonein a motor vehicle should
be belted at all times.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with
Lap/Shoulder Belts.
The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock
and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle
or being thrown out.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
2

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS

Instruments And Controls.................87

Instrument Cluster......................88

Instrument Cluster Description.............89

Compass, Temperature, And Trip Computer
Display—If Equipped
...................95
▫Control Buttons.......................95
▫Trip Conditions........................96
▫Compass Temperature Display.............96

Cigar Lighter/Ashtray...................98

Electronic Digital Clock..................98
▫To Set The Clock.......................99

Radio General Information................99▫Radio Broadcast Signals..................99
▫Two Types Of Signals...................99
▫Electrical Disturbances...................99
▫AM Reception........................99
▫FM Reception.........................99

Sales Code RAZ—AM/ FM Stereo Radio With
Cassette Tape Player, CD Player And CD
Changer Controls
......................100
▫Operating Instructions—Radio...........100
▫Power Switch, Volume Control............100
▫Seek Button (Radio Mode)...............100
▫Tuning.............................100
4

through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
11. Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the“H”mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.
13. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition.
14. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear
when in the trip odometer mode. To reset the trip
odometer, press and hold the button for at least 1/2
second.
15. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

An optionalAutoStick Gear Indicatordisplays the current
transaxle gear when in AutoStick mode.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed, during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press and release
the Trip Odometer button. Press and release the Trip
button a second time to return to the odometer. While in
trip mode, press and hold the button for at least
1⁄2second
to reset the trip odometer.Door, Deck or Trunk Ajar Warnings
If you move the vehicle and a door is not completely
closed, the word DOOR will replace the odometer dis-
play and a chime will sound once. The odometer display
will reappear when the door is closed. If the trunk is not
completely closed, the word DECK will replace the
odometer display. The odometer display will reappear
when the trunk is closed.
17. Anti-Lock Warning Light—If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
described elsewhere in this manual. This light
will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
RUN position and may stay on for several seconds. If
the light does not come on, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. The warning light should be
checked frequently to assure that it is operating prop-
erly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

COMPASS, TEMPERATURE, AND TRIP
COMPUTER DISPLAY—IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows you to choose between a compass /
temperature display and one of five trip conditions being
monitored.
Control Buttons
Step Button
Use this button to choose or cycle through the five trip
conditions.
Reset
The following trip conditions can be reset:
•AVG ECO (changes to present fuel economy)
•ODO
•ET
To reset only the trip condition currently displayed, press
and release the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously
until a chime sounds. To reset all trip conditions, hold
down the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously
(about 2 seconds) until a second chime sounds and then
release the buttons.
NOTE:The screen must display one of the trip condi-
tions above in order to reset either (or all) of these
conditions.
US / M Button
Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.
Trip Computer Display
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 95
4

Trip Conditions
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
This display shows the average fuel economy since the
last reset.
Estimated Range (DTE)
This display shows the estimated distance that can be
traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank. This esti-
mated distance is based on the most recent trip informa-
tion: (Average Fuel Economy) x (Fuel Remaining)
This display cannot be reset.
Present Fuel Economy (ECO)
This display shows fuel economy for the last few sec-
onds.
This display cannot be reset.
Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset.
Compass Temperature Display
This display provides the outside temperature and one of
eight compass readings to indicate the direction the
vehicle is facing.
WARNING!
Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F(0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly
in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Compass Calibration
The Automatic Compass Calibration feature eliminates
the need for the operator intervention under normal
conditions. If the CAL indicator is lit, the compass needs
to be calibrated. A good calibration requires a level
surface and an environment free of large metal objects
such as large buildings, bridges, underground cables,
railroad tracks, etc.
96 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Automatic Compass Calibration
The self-calibrating feature of the compass eliminates the
need to calibrate the compass for normal conditions.
During a short initial period, the compass may appear
erratic and the CAL symbol will appear on the display.
After the vehicle has completed at least one complete
circle in an area free from large metal objects, calibration
will be complete when the CAL symbol is extinguished.
After initial calibration, the compass will continue to
automatically update this calibration whenever the ve-
hicle is in motion.
Manual Compass Calibration
Compass calibration can also be requested. To manually
calibrate the compass, use the STEP button to step to the
compass/ temperature display and then hold down both
the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously until the
CAL symbol is displayed. Release the buttons once the
CAL symbol appears. Manual compass calibration has
been initiated at this point. Drive the vehicle in circles in
an area free from large metal objects until the CAL
symbol is extinguished.When the CAL indicator goes off, the compass is cali-
brated and should display correct headings. Verify
proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East
(E), and West (W). If the compass does not appear
accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.
Compass Variance
Variance is the difference between magnetic North and
geographic North. For proper compass function, the
correct variance zone must be set.
Setting the Compass Variance
Refer to the variance map for the correct compass vari-
ance zone. To check the variance zone, the ignition must
be on and the compass / temperature displayed. Hold
down both the US / M and STEP buttons simultaneously
until the VAR symbol is lit and then immediately release
both buttons. The current variance zone will now be
displayed. To change the zone, press the STEP button
until the correct zone is displayed. Wait for about 5
seconds. The trip computer will store this variance in
memory and the compass will resume normal operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 97
4

CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•Day and 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 (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off—road or desert operation
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
7

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.
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) for 2.4L—
If Equipped
NOTE:
If the 8th digit of the vehicle identification
number (VIN) contains aJthen your vehicle is
equipped with the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
package in order to meet the state of California’s PZEV
emissions standard.
Vehicle Identification Number
248 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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