DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G User Guide

If this warning light comes on¼
Warning light Do this Ref. page
Charging system warning light´Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Check the alternator belt.
If the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light remains
on when the ignition key is turned back on, call an
authorized dealer for assistance.P. 1 1 4
ªNº indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes rapidly
(twice per second)´Park the vehicle in a safe place.
Idle the engine until the warning light goes off. If the
light does not go off, have your vehicle inspected at an
authorized dealer.P. 159
INTRODUCTION 11
1

If this warning light comes on¼
Warning light Do this Ref. page
´Have the vehicle inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.P. 159
ªNº indicator light in the
instruemnt cluster flashes slowly
(once per second)
´Your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, have the engine system checked at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is not drivable, contact Emergency
Roadside Service (ERS), authorized dealer, or local
towing company for assistance.P. 1 1 5
Malfunction indicator light
(ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº)
SRS
´Have the air bag system checked at an authorized dealer. P. 116
Air bag warning light
´It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately but we
recommend that you have the system checked at an
authorized dealer as soon as possilble.
P. 1 1 8
Traction control system warning light
12 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound¼
Sound Do this Ref. page
If you hear a chime constantly when
the driver 's door is opened.ªKey reminder chimeº
A chime will sound if the driver 's door is opened while
the ignition key is in the ªLOCKº or ªACCº position.
Remove the key to stop the chime.
OR
ªHeadlight reminder chimeº
A chime will sound if the driver 's door is opened when
the ignition key is in the ªLOCKº or ªACCº position or
removed from the ignition switch with the lights on.
If the driver 's door is closed, the chime will stopP. 27, 148
P. 120
N50B001D
INTRODUCTION 13
1

If you hear the sound¼
Sound Do this Ref. page
If you hear a metallic sound (squeal)
when you depress the brake pedal
while driving.ªBrake pad wear alarmº
The brake pads have worn down near the serviceable
limit.
Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.P. 170
If you hear a chime from the engine
compartment continuously while the
engine is on.ªBrake system (hydraulic brake booster) warning chime
(Vehicle with anti-lock braking system)º
The brake circuit may not be operating correctly.
If this chime does not stop after a few minutes, carefully
stop the vehicle in a safe location and contact your nearest
authorized dealer.P. 1 1 7
14 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound¼
Sound Warning light Do this Ref. page
If you hear a
chime while
the engine is
on, see the
warning light
in the
instrument
cluster.
ªSeat belt reminder/warning chimeº
If the driver 's seat belt remains unfastened 1 minute later,
the chime will sound intermittently (12 times). If the
driver 's seat belt remains unfastened while the vehicle is
being driven, the chime will sound as a warning each
time the vehicle stops and starts.P. 1 1 8
ªLow-fuel warning chime º
Fuel is low. Add fuel as soon as possible.P. 40, 113
ªWasher fluid level chimeº
The windshield washer level is low. Add fluid.P. 1 1 9
ªDoor-ajar warning chimeº
Door or trunk is not properly shut.
If you shut the door or trunk, the chime will stop.P. 27, 112
ªTrunk-ajar warning chimeº
Trunk is not properly shut.
If you shut the trunk, the chime will stop.P. 3 6
INTRODUCTION 15
1

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. Page
Cannot turn the key
(1)ªLOCKº to ªACCº
Turn the key while slightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.
(2)ºACCº to ªLOCKº
Vehicle with automatic transaxle
Check the position of gear selector lever.
The key cannot be removed unless the gear selector
lever is set to the ªPº (PARK) position.
Vehicle with manual transaxle
Place the key at the ``ACC'' position. Push the key in
and turn it.P. 149
Cannot shift the gear selector lever
from the ªPº (PARK) positionShift the gear selector lever while depressing the brake
pedal. Check if the ignition key is in the ªONº position.P. 152, 157
The windows are fogged up.
1.Set the heater/air conditioning mode selection dial to
the ªºorªº position.
2.Turn on the blower.P. 242
16 INTRODUCTION

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The engine does not start.
The lights do not come on or dim.
The horn does not honk or weak sound.
The battery may have a weak charge. P. 277
The engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator enters the ªHº (hot) position.
Steam comes out of the engine
compartment.
The engine is overheated.
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe place.
If necessary call for roadside assistance.P. 276
INTRODUCTION 17
1

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or
snow.1. Carefully rock the vehicle by shifting the transmission
from low to reverse.
WARNING
1.When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The
rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch
forward or backward, and injure bystanders.
2.Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels.
Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking
attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.P. 261
The brakes are not functioning
properly after crossing a puddle or
stream.Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.Ð
18 INTRODUCTION

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The automatic transaxle does not shift
when accelerating and/or the vehicle
does not easily begin to move.There may be a problem in the automatic transaxle.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.
1.Vehicles with automatic transaxle
Shift the lever into ª2º (SECOND) position when
starting the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a level road, shift
the lever back to ªDº (DRIVE) position.
2.Vehicles with Autostick automatic transaxle
Shift the lever into 2nd gear of the Autostick mode
when starting the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a level
road, shift the lever back to ªDº (DRIVE) position.
(These methods may or may not work depending on the
contents of malfunction.)P. 156, 164
A tire is punctured.
1.Park the vehicle in a safe place where the surface is flat
and level.
2.Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.P. 268
INTRODUCTION 19
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