warning light DODGE INTREPID 2004 2.G User Guide

have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip 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 and is
accessed by pressing the reset button.
20. 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 or
comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or RearDefroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system and should be serviced immedi-
ately. See your local authorized dealer.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
22. ABS Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake system
described elsewhere in this manual. The yellow
ABS light will come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ON position and may stay on for several
seconds. If the ABS 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 properly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the red BRAKE warning light is not on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes.
23. Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capability if a failure occurs in a
portion of the hydraulic system.
This light monitors both the brake fluid level and the
parking brake. If the light comes on, it indicates either
that the parking brake is on or there is a low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder. On vehicles equipped with
anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake light may also indicate
reduced braking performance. If the parking brake is off
and the light remains on, have the brake system in-
spected as soon as possible.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to START. The light should come on.
If the red brake light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
In an ABS equipped vehicle, the Brake System Warning
light will come on if the ABS light is not functioning or if
the ABS system is not communicating.
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control OFF Light, indicated byTRAC OFF, located in
the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off theTRAC OFFLight.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRES
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
1. Safety—
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system. The Mal-
function Indicator light will come on if the gas cap is
not properly secured.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp to turn on.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
STARTING AND OPERATING 147
5

NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
•For vehicles equipped with autostick, by using the
autostick mode, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
•Extended driving at high RPMs should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPMs.
•Return to a higher gear range or vehicle speed when
road conditions and RPM level allow.
•The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the tow vehicle load capacity when loading the ve-
hicle.
•If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), it
should have its own brakes.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid, filter, and hypoid
differential fluid should be changed per Maintenance
Schedule “B” if you tow a trailer.
•If your Engine Coolant Light comes on, see the para-
graph on Overheating in Section 6 of this manual.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before all towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
5

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to seek service to assure proper catalyst operation
and prevent possible catalyst damage. If the Malfunction
Indicator light is flashing, immediate service is required.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 179
7

About Your Brakes...................... 134
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System...........91,134
Accident Damage....................... 199
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 189
Adding Fuel.......................... 146
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 180
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 182
Air Conditioning.................... 114,117
Air Conditioning Controls............. 114,117
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 123
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 182
Air Conditioning System................. 182
Air Pressure, Tires...................136,137
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................36,37
Airbag Light.....................37,40,48,90
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 143
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 188
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 189
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 134
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 91Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23
Anti-Theft System....................... 23
Appearance Care....................... 197
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Mirrors....................... 53
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 60
Automatic Temperature Control............ 117
Automatic Transaxle..................129,194
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 197
Fluid Level Check..................... 195
Reset Mode......................... 130
Selection Of Lubricant................. 194
Shifting............................ 130
Special Additives..................... 197
Backfire, Engine........................ 180
Ball Joints............................ 184
Battery............................158,181
Emergency Starting.................... 158
Gas Caution......................158,181
Jump Starting........................ 158
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
238 INDEX

Location.........................159,181
Saving Feature....................60,61,63
Belts, Engine.......................... 180
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 184
Brake, Parking......................... 132
Brake System.......................134,192
Anti-Lock........................... 134
Fluid Check......................... 193
Hoses.............................. 192
Master Cylinder...................... 193
Warning Light.....................92,132
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........129,130
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 47
Bulb Replacement...................... 204
Bulbs, Light........................... 204
Capacities, Fluid....................... 208
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 148
Car Washes........................198,199
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 148
Luggage Carrier...................... 148
Carpeting............................. 199Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 112
Cassette Tape Player................93,100,112
Catalytic Converter..................... 178
CD Changer.....................103,108,109
CD Player.......................98,105,107
Central Door Locks...................... 15
Chains, Tire........................... 140
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 153
Charging System Light................... 91
Checks, Safety.......................... 47
Child Restraint...................40,42,44,45
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........43,44
Child Safety Locks....................... 16
Circuit Breakers........................ 202
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 144
Cleaning
Carpets............................. 199
Cloth.............................. 199
Glass.............................. 200
Headlights.......................... 200
Instrument Panel..................... 200
Seat Belts........................... 201
Vinyl.............................. 199
INDEX 239
10

Door Opener, Garage..................... 70
Drive Belts............................ 178
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 184
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 161
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 129
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 54
Electronic Speed Control.................. 67
Emergency Flashers..................... 152
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 170,180,212
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Block Heater......................... 129
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 172
Compartment.....................167,168
Cooling..........................89,188
Fails to Start......................... 128
Oil ..............................88,172
Oil Change Interval................... 174
Oil Selection......................... 175
Oil Synthetic......................... 177Overheating.......................89,152
Specifications........................ 208
Timing Belt.......................... 180
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,187
Exhaust System........................ 187
Exterior Lights.......................62,204
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 180
Automatic Transaxle................... 197
Engine Fuel......................... 180
Engine Oil.......................... 178
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 152
Flat Tire Changing...................... 153
Floor Shift Interlock...................... 13
Fluid Capacities........................ 208
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fog Lights............................. 63
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 162
Fuel...............................88,143
Adding............................. 146
INDEX 241
10