air conditioning DODGE STRATUS 2005 2.G Owners Manual

▫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

through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
11. Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the“H”mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.
13. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition.
14. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear
when in the trip odometer mode. To reset the trip
odometer, press and hold the button for at least 1/2
second.
15. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

lower it. The comfort setting range is from Low, 60,
61,....to 89,90, Hi, for automatic temperature control. You
can select a very hot or cold comfort setting by holding
the comfort control until it reaches its highest or lowest
levels.
The system adjusts to bring the interior temperature to
the desired comfort level. All comfort settings are auto-
matic; even Hi and Low.
NOTE:You can change the display from U.S. to metric
units by pressing the Mix and Panel mode buttons
simultaneously or by pressing the English/Metric button
on the overhead console.
Air Conditioning Button
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
compressor. A snow flake symbol in the display
shows that the compressor is on. Compressor
operation is automatic when you press the Auto button.
The compressor can operate at any temperature above
32°F(0°C).With the compressor off and the temperature set at Lo, air
entering the vehicle will be slightly warmer than the air
outside the vehicle.
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor is on. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle. Recirculation is automatically controlled when
the system is in Auto Mode. Use this mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual control of Recirculation is possible only in Panel,
Floor, and Bi-Level modes. It will not operate in Mix, or
Defrost modes.
NOTE:The Recirc button light will blink if you try to
use it in the Mix or Defrost modes.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127
4

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 in 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.
NOTE:Do not use the recirculated air mode under
these conditions as window fogging may occur.
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 or very hot, dry
days to maintain occupant comfort.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 129
4

NOTE:If the system is in the AUTO mode and the fan
control is already rotated fully clockwise or fully coun-
terclockwise, the control may have to be rotated to the
middle and then to the desired fan setting for manual
adjustment of fan speed.
Manual Air Conditioning/Heater Control—If
Equipped
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle.The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere.
The controls are as follows:
Fan and Air Conditioning Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the sys-
tem in any mode you select. The 0
Setting represents OFF and the 4 Set-
ting is the greatest amount of air flow.
Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning,
choose the direction of the air through
the outlets by selecting between the
Air Conditioning Recirculation, Panel-
Air Conditioning, or Bi-Level Air Con-
ditioning modes on the Mode Control.
Air Conditioning modes are indicated
by the snowflake symbol shown above in illustration.
Adjust the Temperature and Fan Controls.
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating Controls
132 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the air condition-
ing condenser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. The
air conditioning condenser is located in front of the
radiator. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the
radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passenger
compartment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
Mode Control
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution.
•Recirculation—Air Conditioning
Recirculated interior air is cooled and sent
through the instrument panel vents. Upon
initial start up of the vehicle in very hot or
humid weather, open windows and put in
outside air modes to flush hot/humid air out. Then
turn on the Recirculation mode to cool the vehicle
interior rapidly. The Recirculation mode can also be
used to temporarily block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust.
NOTE:
Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may
make the inside air stuffy and under mild, humid condi-
tions cause windows to fog. Use of this mode for longer
than 15 minutes is not recommended.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133
4

•Panel—Air Conditioning
Outside air flows through the air condition-
ing system and then through the outlets
located in the instrument panel.
•
Bi-Level—Air Conditioning
Outside air flows through the air condition-
ing system and then through the outlets
located in both the instrument panel and floor
outlets.
•
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct air flow.
•
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the instrument panel
and floor outlets.
NOTE:
There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
•Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the defrost and side
window demist outlets.
•
Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost and
side window demist outlets. This setting
works best in cold or snowy conditions that
require extra heat at the windshield. This setting is
good for maintaining comfort while reducing mois-
ture on the windshield.
•
Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and
side window demist outlets. Use this mode
with maximum fan and temperature settings for
best windshield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:
The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost modes even if the Air Conditioning
is not selected. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the
windshield.
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Seat Outlets
These outlets are located under the front seats and direct
warm air to the rear seat passengers. Air is directed
through these outlets when you select either the Floor,
Bi-Level, or Mix modes.
Rear Window Defroster
The Rear Window Defroster button is located to
the right of the Mode Control. Press this button
once to turn on the Rear Window Defrost and a second
time to turn them off. A light above the button shows that
the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 10
minutes of operation.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST modes. A small amount of air
is directed to the side window demisters in BI-LEVEL
mode as well. The air is directed at the area of the
windows through which you view the outside mirrors.
Windshield and Side Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by using the defrost position on the mode
control.
Your side windows may fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows,
select the Panel-Air Conditioning mode on the
Mode Control. Point the panel outlets toward the side
windows.
NOTE:Do not use the recirculation mode as it will not
clear windows under these conditions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 135
4

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50 % concentration is
recommended.
Winter Operation
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only the low blower speeds for the first 10 minutes of
operation. During engine warm up in cold weather, use
the Defrost mode to direct any cold air away from vehicle
occupants. Use of the Recirculate-Air Conditioning Mode
during winter months is not recommended due to the
possibility of window fogging.
NOTE:See Operating Tips chart (for Manual A/C
Control) at the end of this section for suggested control
settings in different weather conditions.
136 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways—Slow down.
•In city traffic—While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
Hazard Flasher Switch
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES