fuel DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G User Guide

Trunk-ajar warning light and chime
This light illuminates when the trunk lid is
open or not completely closed.
When the vehicle is moving at more than 5
mph (8 km/h) and the trunk lid is open or
ajar, a chime will sound to inform the driver that the
trunk lid is not properly shut.
Anti-lock braking system warning light (if so
equipped)
This light comes on in the event of a mal-
function in the anti-lock braking system.
Always be sure that the light goes out
before beginning to drive.
It also comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ªONº position and should go out shortly after starting
the engine.
If the light illuminates during driving;
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Test the system by restarting the engine and driving at a
speed of about 12 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
If the light goes out, there is no abnormal condition.2. If the light does not go out or if it illuminates again,
the anti-lock braking system is not functioning, and only
the standard braking system is functioning.
If this occurs, take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
and have the system checked.
NOTE: If the light remains illuminated after the engine
is started, it indicates that a fault has occured in the
Anti-lock brake system. The standard brake system will
function normally. (Refer to ªAnti-lock braking systemº
on page 171).
Cruise/speed control indicator
This indicator will illuminate when the
cruise/speed control main switch is ªONº.
Low-fuel warning light and chime
When the fuel level in the fuel tank gets
low, the light illuminates and the chime will
also sound. It is recommended that fuel be
added as soon as this light illuminates.
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 113
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CAUTION!
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level;
running out of fuel could cause damage to the
catalytic converter.
Front fog light indicator (if so equipped)
This indicator illuminates while the fog
lights are on.
NOTE:Fog lights will not be operational when high
beam (headlights) are selected.
Charging system warning light
This light illuminates in the event of a
malfunction in the charging system.
This light illuminates when the ignition key
is turned to the ªONº position (engine off). When the
engine is started, the light should go off. Always be sure
that the light goes out before beginning to drive.
CAUTION!
If the charging light remains on after the engine has
started, the battery charging system may be malfunc-
tioning. In this case, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer and have the system checked.
Oil pressure warning light
This light illuminates when the engine oil
pressure is below normal. If the light stays
on while driving, stop the engine as soon as possible and
do not drive until the cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected.
114 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the malfunction indicator
light on may result in further damage to the
emission control system. Continued driving could
also affect fuel economy and driveability.
²If the light does not illuminate when the ignition
key is turned to the ªONº position (bulb check),
have the system checked at an authorized dealer.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the battery cable when the
Malfunction indicator light (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) is
ON.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
data, which may be lost if the battery is disconnected.
This can make rapid diagnosis more difficult.
If the fuel tank filler cap is not secured properly, the
light may come on. Be sure the fuel tank filler tube cap
is tightened every time you add fuel. (Turn the fuel
tank filler cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)Overheating warning light
If the warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, it is possible that the
engine is overheated.
Immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and make the necessary corrections.
(Refer to ``Engine overheating'' on page 276.)
While driving, care should always be taken to maintain
the normal operating temperature.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)-air bag
warning light
This light illuminates when the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System-air bag is not working
properly. It will also illuminate for about 7
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position or after the engine is started. The light should
then go out.
Check the light every time the vehicle is started.
If it does not illuminate, or stays on for more than
approximately 7 seconds after the ignition key is turned
ªONº or after the engine is started, or if it comes on while
116 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

STARTING AND DRIVING
CONTENTS
mBreak-in recommendations................144
mFuel selection.........................144
NGasoline additives.....................145
NOctane requirement....................145
NReformulated gasoline..................145
NGasoline/Oxygenate blends..............146
NMMT in gasoline......................146
NSulfur in gasoline......................146
NMaterials added to fuel..................147
NAdding fuel..........................147
mFuel economy.........................149
mIgnition switch........................149
mKey reminder chime....................150
mTheft protection........................151
mSteering lock..........................151
mStarting..............................151
NTips for starting.......................151
NNormal conditions.....................152
NFlooded engine.......................153
NAt extremely cold ambient temperature......153
mAutomatic transaxle (if so equipped)........153
NSelector lever operation.................154
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BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
Advanced automobile manufacturing techniques permit
you to operate your new vehicle without experiencing a
long break-in period of low-speed driving.
However, you can add to the future performance and
economy of your vehicle by observing the following
precautions during the first 300 miles (500 km).
It is recommended that you drive your vehicle at mod-
erate speeds during the break-in period.
1. Avoid racing the engine.
2. Avoid harsh driving such as fast starts, sudden accel-
eration, prolonged high-speed driving and abrupt appli-
cation of the brakes. These operations not only have a
detrimental effect on the engine but also cause increased
fuel and oil consumption, which could result in malfunc-
tion of engine components. Be particularly careful to
avoid wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear.
3. Do not overload the vehicle. Observe the seating
capacity. (See ªWeightsº page 365)
4. Do not use this vehicle for trailer towing during the
break-in period.
FUEL SELECTION
Your vehicle is designed to use unleaded gasoline only. It
is equipped with a fuel filler tube especially designed to
accept only the smaller diameter unleaded gasoline dis-
pensing nozzle.
WARNING!
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can
be burned or seriously injured when handling it.
When refueling this vehicle, always turn the engine
off and keep flames, sparks, and smoking materials
away. Always handle fuel in well-ventilated outdoor
areas.
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CAUTION!
Using leaded gasoline in your vehicle will damage
the engine, catalytic converter, and the oxygen sen-
sors. Further, using leaded gasoline is illegal, and
will void warranty coverage of the engine, catalytic
converter, and oxygen sensors.
Gasoline additives
Many fuel suppliers add detergents to their gasoline to
minimize fuel injector fouling and to control intake valve
deposits. These detergent gasolines are highly recom-
mended for use in your vehicle. They help keep your
engine in tune and your emission control system working
properly.
Octane requirement
2.4 liter engine model
Your vehicle is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline
having a minimum octane rating of 87 [(MON+RON)/2],
or 91 RON.
3.0 liter engine model
Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular grade
unleaded gasoline having a minimum octane rating of 87
[(MON+RON)/2], or 91 RON. If optimum performance
is wanted, it is recommended to use premium grade
unleaded gasoline having an octane rating of 91
[(MON+RON)/2], or 95 RON.
MON: Motor Octane Number
RON: Research Octane Number
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
STARTING AND DRIVING 145
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Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and
may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. While MTBE
is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it does not have the
negative effects of Methanol.
MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage over gasolines of the same octane number that
do not contain MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have
shown to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission
system performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer
recommends using gasolines without MMT. Since the
MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at higher
levels than allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.
Sulfur in Gasoline
If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
146 STARTING AND DRIVING

states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of
the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the
Check Engine Light to illuminate. The manufacturer
recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded
gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem
is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine
Soon) is flashing, immediate service is required. See
the On Board Diagnostics paragraph in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Adding Fuel
NOTE:
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
STARTING AND DRIVING 147
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NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (ªSERVICE ENGINE
SOONº) will come on if the gas cap is not properly
secured. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each
time the vehicle is refueled.
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.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light (ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº) to
turn on.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
148 STARTING AND DRIVING

FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your per-
sonal driving habits can have a significant effect on your
fuel economy. Several recommendations for achieving
maximum fuel economy are listed below.
1. When pulling away from traffic lights or stop signs,
accelerate slowly and smoothly.
2. When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.
3. Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.
4. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pres-
sures.
5. For freeway driving, maintain a constant speed within
the posted limits when traffic, roadway and weather
conditions safely permit, for the best fuel economy.
6. Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.
7. Keep your vehicle ªtuned-upº.
An out-of-tune engine wastes fuel and costs money.
8. Reduce excess vehicle load.
IGNITION SWITCH
LOCK
For vehicles with a manual transaxle, when removing the
key, push the key in at the ªACCº position and keep it
depressed until it is turned to the ªLOCKº position, and
remove the key.
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle: When remov-
ing the key, first set the gear selector lever to the ªPº
(PARK) position, and then turn the key to ªLOCKº and
remove it.
I21A0230
STARTING AND DRIVING 149
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