DODGE STRATUS SEDAN 2005 Manual Online

Sunroof Fully Closed
Press and hold the switch forward until the sunroof stops
completely to ensure that the sunroof is fully closed.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
The power outlet is located in the lower center of your
instrument panel. If your vehicle is equipped with heated
seats, a second power outlet is located inside the center
console. All accessories connected to any outlet should be
removed or turned off when the vehicle is not in use.
CAUTION!
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
3

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

▫Radio Data System (RDS)...............100
▫PTY (Program Type) Button..............101
▫Balance............................102
▫Fade..............................102
▫Tone Control........................102
▫AM/FM Selection.....................102
▫Scan Button.........................102
▫To Set The Radio Push-Button Memory......103
▫To Change From Clock To Radio Mode......103
▫Operating Instructions—Tape Player.......103
▫Seek Button.........................103
▫Fast Forward (FF).....................104
▫Rewind (RW)........................104
▫Tape Eject...........................104
▫Scan Button.........................104
▫Changing Tape Direction................104▫Metal Tape Selection...................104
▫Pinch Roller Release...................104
▫Noise Reduction......................104
▫Operating Instructions—CD Player........105
▫Inserting The Compact Disc..............105
▫Seek Button.........................106
▫EJT CD (Eject) Button..................106
▫FF/Tune/RW........................106
▫Program Button 4 (Random Play)..........106
▫Mode..............................106
▫Tape CD Button......................107
▫Time Button.........................107
▫Scan Button.........................107
▫CD Changer Control Capability—
If Equipped.........................107
84 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Sales Code RBB—AM/FM Stereo Radio With
Cassette Tape Player And CD Changer
Capability
...........................108
▫Radio Operation......................108
▫Mode Button........................110
▫Scan Button (Radio Mode)...............110
▫Cassette Player Features................111
▫CD Changer Control Capability—
If Equipped.........................112

Sales Code RBK—AM/ FM Stereo Radio With
CD Player And CD Changer Controls
.......113
▫Radio Operation......................113
▫CD Player Operation...................115
▫CD Changer Control Capability—
If Equipped.........................117

6 Disc CD Changer—If Equipped.........119
▫Loading The CD Changer...............119▫Playing Discs........................120
▫Seek Button.........................120
▫FF/Tune/RW........................120
▫Mode Button........................120
▫Program Button 1.....................120
▫Program Button 4 (Random Play)..........120
▫Program Button 5.....................120
▫Time Button.........................121
▫Changing Modes......................121
▫Removing Discs From The CD Changer.....121
▫CD Changer Operation With The
Changer Off.........................121

Remote Sound System Controls—
If Equipped
..........................122
▫Radio Operation......................122
▫Tape Player.........................122
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 85
4

▫CD Player—Single Disc In Radio.........123
▫CD Player—6 Disc CD Changer..........123

Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance......123

Compact Disc Maintenance...............124

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones.......125

Climate Controls......................125
▫Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)—If
Equipped...........................125
▫Manual Air Conditioning/Heater Control—If
Equipped...........................132
86 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 87
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
88 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
2. Traction Control — If Equipped
This display indicator illuminates momentarily
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. The indicator will blink during an
active traction event, but will remain solid
when the system is deactivated or if a system malfunc-
tion occurs.
The Traction Control indicator will turn ON if:
•The Traction Control system is in use.
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
•There is an Anti-Lock Brake system malfunction or
Traction Control system malfunction.
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator. This is to prevent overheating of the
brake system and is a normal condition. The system will
remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the Traction Control indicator.
3. Cruise Light — If Equipped
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
This light will also illuminate for a 5–second bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position.
4. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb replaced. If the
light stays on, or comes on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89
4

5. Tachometer
The red area of the scale shows the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear
range. Before reaching the red area (over 6,500 rpm), ease
up on the accelerator to prevent engine over speed.
6. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.
7. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
8. Speedometer
Shows the vehicle speed in miles-per-hour and
kilometers-per-hour.
9. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on orcomes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or Rear
Defroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY. See your local authorized dealer.
10. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate as long as the key is in the ON
position, prior to engine start up. Approximately 15
seconds later the MIL may blink for 10 seconds then
resume to full illumination. (See“EMISSIONS IN-
SPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS”in
the“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE”section of
your Owner Manual for more details). If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON,
have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
90 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL