jump start DODGE STRATUS 2004 2.G Owners Manual

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.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extreme Cold Weather (below -20ÉF or -29ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater and
battery blanket heater package (available from your
dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 131
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................172
mIf Your Engine Overheats................172
mJacking And Tire Changing...............174
NPreparations For Jacking................174
mJump-Starting The Battery...............179
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............182
NAcceleration.........................182
NTraction............................182
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle.................183
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............183
mTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)
.............................184
NAutomatic Transaxle...................184
NManual Transaxle.....................184
NAll Transaxles........................1846

JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK and turn ignition to OFF for
both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end to
the positive jump start attachment of the discharged
battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 179
6

WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and person
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the jump start attach-
ment of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make
sure you have a good contact on the engine.
WARNING!
Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because
the battery could rupture or explode. The battery
temperature must be brought up above freezing
point before attempting to jump start.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
180 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals
described in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation
(PCV) valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a
valve is not working properly, replace it with a new
valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV
VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Jump Starting........................ 179
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
Location.........................179,198
Belts, Drive........................... 196
Belts, Engine.......................... 198
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 201
B-Pillar Location....................... 147
Brake, Parking......................... 139
Brake System.......................140,209
Anti-Lock........................... 141
Fluid Check......................... 210
Hoses.............................. 209
Master Cylinder...................... 210
Warning Light........................ 89
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........133,135
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 48
Bulbs, Light........................... 221
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 227
Capacities, Fluid....................... 227
Car Washes........................... 215
Carpeting............................. 216
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 118Cassette Tape Player...............95,104,106
Catalytic Converter..................... 197
CD Changer..................102,107,112,114
CD Player....................100,109,111,118
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 226
Central Locking......................... 17
Chains, Tire........................... 157
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 174
Charging System Light................... 86
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 144
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 49
Child Restraint...................40,42,44,45
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 44
Child Safety Locks....................... 18
Cigar Lighter........................... 94
Circuit Breakers........................ 219
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 218
Headlights.......................... 217
Instrument Panel..................... 218
Climate Control........................ 120
Clock................................. 94
Coin Holder........................... 53
INDEX 263
10

Interior Fuses.......................... 219
Interior Lighting........................ 61
Interior Lights.......................... 61
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 174
Jack Operation......................... 174
Jump Starting......................... 179
Key, Programming....................... 14
Key, Sentry............................ 13
Key-In Reminder........................ 12
Keyless Entry System..................... 19
Keys................................. 11
Knee Bolster........................... 33
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 26
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)..... 44
Latch Plate............................ 27
Leaks, Fluid............................ 50
Lights................................ 61
Airbag..........................37,49,85Anti-Lock............................ 88
Brake Warning.....................89,139
Bulb Replacement..................... 221
Check Engine......................... 86
Daytime Running...................... 63
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............63,64
Exterior Check........................ 50
Fog ...........................64,87,225
Front Replacement.................... 224
Headlight Switch...................... 63
High Beam Indicator................... 86
Illuminated Entry...................... 15
Instrument Cluster..................... 63
Interior.............................. 61
License............................. 227
Lights On Reminder.................... 64
Low Fuel............................ 90
Map Reading......................... 62
Oil Pressure.......................... 89
Passing............................. 64
Rear Servicing....................... 226
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 90
Security Alarm........................ 23
INDEX 267
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