DODGE INTREPID 2004 2.G Owners Manual

NOTE:The air conditioning compressor is on in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the defrost
mode only when necessary.
Rear Window Defroster
Press the button once to turn on the Rear Window
Defroster and a second time to turn it off. An
indicator light to the right of the control shows that the
defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 7
1/2 minutes of operation.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Window Fogging
In mild but rainy or humid weather, your windows may
fog up on the inside. You can remove this fog by pressing
the Defrost button. The Mix mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide sufficient heat-
ing. If side window fogging becomes a problem, increase
blower speed. The compressor will remain on during
these conditions.
Hot Weather Automatic Recirculation
The system will automatically recirculate the air inside
the vehicle when the interior is very warm. This will
provide maximum cooling. The system will also occa-
sionally return to REC on hot, humid days to maintain
occupant comfort.
NOTE:See Operating Tips chart (for both Manual A/C
and ATC systems) at the end of this section for suggested
control settings in different weather conditions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 121
4

Side Window Demisters
Side window demisters are located on the instrument
panel. These non adjustable outlets direct air toward the
side windows in any mode except Panel or Panel Recir-
culation. The air is directed toward the area of the side
windows through which you view the outside rearview
mirrors.
Rear Seat Air Outlets
The center console on vehicles with bucket seats has
upper and lower outlets located on the rear of the
console.Air is directed through the outlets in all Modes. A control
can be used to direct the flow of air to either the upper or
lower outlets.
On vehicles with 50/50 bench seats, air is routed under
the seats.
122 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips (Manual A/C and ATC)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 123
4

Outside Air Intake
Make sure that the air intake directly in front of the
windshield is free of obstructions. Leaves, snow, etc.,
could block air flow into the vehicle.
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................127
▫Normal Starting......................127
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................127
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................128
▫After Starting........................129
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................129
Automatic Transaxle....................129
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............129
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................130
▫Gear Ranges.........................130
Parking Brake.........................132
Brake System.........................134
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................134
Power Steering........................135
Traction Control— If Equipped............135
Ti re s................................136
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................137
▫High Speed Operation..................138
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................138
▫Compact Spare Tire....................139
▫Tire Spinning........................140
5

▫Tire Chains..........................140
▫Snow Tires..........................140
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................141
▫Replacement Tires.....................141
▫Tire Rotation Recommendations...........142
▫Alignment And Balance.................143
Fuel Requirements.....................143
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................144
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............144▫MMT In Gasoline.....................145
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................145
▫Materials Added To Fuel................146
Adding Fuel..........................146
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............147
Vehicle Loading.......................148
▫Luggage Racks.......................148
Trailer Towing........................148
▫Warranty Requirements.................148
126 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the “START” position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the “OFF” position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)
For reliable starting at these temperatures, use externally
powered battery and electric engine block heaters that
are available from your dealer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 127
5

If Engine Fails To Start
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
axle or the rear of your vehicle. See Section 6 of this
manual for the proper jump starting procedures.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
If the engine fails to start after following the Normal
Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the accelera-
tor pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while
cranking the engine. This should clear any excess fuel in
case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
128 STARTING AND OPERATING

After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — Optional U.S. and
Standard Canada
These heaters use a common power cord which is stored
under the hood, behind the Air Cleaner housing. Plug the
cord into any 110 volt AC outlet and both heaters will be
energized. Use the heaters when temperatures below 0°F
(-18°C) are expected to last for several days.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Brake/Transmission Interlock
This interlock system prevents you from moving the gear
selector out of the Park position unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the key is in the
RUN position.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle
speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK or NEUTRAL into
any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self-
calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
shift cycles.
STARTING AND OPERATING 129
5

Transaxle Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the trans-
axle automatically shifts into second gear. The transaxle
remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected.
Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will continue to
operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven
to a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
If the problem has been momentary, the transaxle can be
reset to regain all forward gears.
•Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
•Turn the key to OFF then start the engine.
•Shift into “D” and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
Gear Ranges
“P” Park
NOTE:
If the key is in the RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the “P” Park position.
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle.
Engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in Park (P). Check by trying to
move the gearshift lever back and forth without
depressing the shift button after you have set it in P.
Make sure it is in Park before leaving the vehicle.
130 STARTING AND OPERATING