engine DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your manufac-
turers dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-
trained technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is
interested in your satisfaction.
This manual includes instructions for standard and op-
tional equipment available at the time this manual was
printed. The manufacturer reserves the right to make
changes in design and specifications and to make addi-
tions or improvements in its product without imposing
any obligations upon itself to install them on previously
manufactured products.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
4 INTRODUCTION

Outside
1. Engine compartment!p. 257
Engine hood!p. 412. Windshield wiper and washer!p. 126
3. Sunroof (if so equipped)!p. 46
4. Outside rear-view mirrors!p. 186
5. Whip antenna!p. 217
6. Front turn signal lights and parking lights
!p. 119, 295
7. Fog lights (if so equipped)!p. 120
8. Headlights!p. 119, 292
9. Front side marker lights!p. 298
10. Tire inflation pressure!p. 332
Changing tires!p. 268
Tire rotation!p. 336
Tire chains!p. 337
Wheel covers (if so equipped)!p. 266
11. Locking and unlocking!p. 26
Keyless entry system!p. 29
12. High-mounted stop lights!p. 300
13. Trunk lid!p. 35
14. License plate lights!p. 300
15. Back up lights!p. 291
16. Stop and tail lights!p. 291
17. Rear turn signal lights!p. 291
18. Rear side-marker lights!p. 291
19. Fuel filler!p. 39
8 INTRODUCTION

QUICK INDEX
If this warning light comes on¼
NOTE:These warning lights will illuminate for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition key is first turned on.
Warning light Do this Ref. page
´Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Test the system as described on page 113.
´If the light does not go out after the test, or if it illumi-
nates again, have your vehicle inspected at an autho-
rized dealer.
´When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is
not functioning and only the ordinary braking system is
functioning.P. 1 1 3
Anti-lock braking system
´If this light comes on while driving, check to see that the
parking brake is fully released.
´If this light stays on after releasing the parking brake,
stop and check the brake fluid level is correct.
´If the brake fluid level is correct, call an authorized
dealer for assistance.P. 1 1 7
Brake warning light
´If this light comes on while driving, park your vehicle in
a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call an authorized dealer for assistance.P. 1 1 4
Oil pressure warning light
10 INTRODUCTION

If this warning light comes on¼
Warning light Do this Ref. page
Charging system warning light´Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Check the alternator belt.
If the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light remains
on when the ignition key is turned back on, call an
authorized dealer for assistance.P. 1 1 4
ªNº indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes rapidly
(twice per second)´Park the vehicle in a safe place.
Idle the engine until the warning light goes off. If the
light does not go off, have your vehicle inspected at an
authorized dealer.P. 159
INTRODUCTION 11
1

If this warning light comes on¼
Warning light Do this Ref. page
´Have the vehicle inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.P. 159
ªNº indicator light in the
instruemnt cluster flashes slowly
(once per second)
´Your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, have the engine system checked at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is not drivable, contact Emergency
Roadside Service (ERS), authorized dealer, or local
towing company for assistance.P. 1 1 5
Malfunction indicator light
(ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº)
SRS
´Have the air bag system checked at an authorized dealer. P. 116
Air bag warning light
´It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately but we
recommend that you have the system checked at an
authorized dealer as soon as possilble.
P. 1 1 8
Traction control system warning light
12 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound¼
Sound Do this Ref. page
If you hear a metallic sound (squeal)
when you depress the brake pedal
while driving.ªBrake pad wear alarmº
The brake pads have worn down near the serviceable
limit.
Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.P. 170
If you hear a chime from the engine
compartment continuously while the
engine is on.ªBrake system (hydraulic brake booster) warning chime
(Vehicle with anti-lock braking system)º
The brake circuit may not be operating correctly.
If this chime does not stop after a few minutes, carefully
stop the vehicle in a safe location and contact your nearest
authorized dealer.P. 1 1 7
14 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound¼
Sound Warning light Do this Ref. page
If you hear a
chime while
the engine is
on, see the
warning light
in the
instrument
cluster.
ªSeat belt reminder/warning chimeº
If the driver 's seat belt remains unfastened 1 minute later,
the chime will sound intermittently (12 times). If the
driver 's seat belt remains unfastened while the vehicle is
being driven, the chime will sound as a warning each
time the vehicle stops and starts.P. 1 1 8
ªLow-fuel warning chime º
Fuel is low. Add fuel as soon as possible.P. 40, 113
ªWasher fluid level chimeº
The windshield washer level is low. Add fluid.P. 1 1 9
ªDoor-ajar warning chimeº
Door or trunk is not properly shut.
If you shut the door or trunk, the chime will stop.P. 27, 112
ªTrunk-ajar warning chimeº
Trunk is not properly shut.
If you shut the trunk, the chime will stop.P. 3 6
INTRODUCTION 15
1

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The engine does not start.
The lights do not come on or dim.
The horn does not honk or weak sound.
The battery may have a weak charge. P. 277
The engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator enters the ªHº (hot) position.
Steam comes out of the engine
compartment.
The engine is overheated.
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe place.
If necessary call for roadside assistance.P. 276
INTRODUCTION 17
1

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or
snow.1. Carefully rock the vehicle by shifting the transmission
from low to reverse.
WARNING
1.When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The
rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch
forward or backward, and injure bystanders.
2.Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels.
Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking
attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.P. 261
The brakes are not functioning
properly after crossing a puddle or
stream.Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.Ð
18 INTRODUCTION

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
CONTENTS
mKeys.................................23
mSentry Key............................23
mDoor locks (Manual).....................26
NTo lock the door without using the key.......26
NTo lock the door with the key..............27
NTo lock the door from the inside............28
mKeyless entry system (if so equipped)........29
NConfirmation function...................29
NUsing the panic alarm...................31
NProcedure for replacing keyless transmitter
battery..............................32
mPower door locks........................34NLocking and unlocking with the door lock
switch...............................34
NLocking and unlocking with key or inside lock
knob................................35
NLocking by means of the inside lock knob.....35
mTrunk lid..............................35
NRemote trunk lid release..................37
NInside emergency trunk release.............37
mFuel filler.............................39
mEngine hood release......................41
mPower windows........................43
NDriver switch..........................44
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