DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

2. When the main switch (A) is ON, the ªCRUISEº
control light on the instrument cluster will illuminate.3. Pull the lever (B) down while driving at the desired
speed.
To increase the set speed
There are 2 ways to increase the set speed.
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Cruise/speed control lever
Pull the cruise/speed control lever up and hold it. Your
speed will then gradually increase. When you reach your
desired speed, release the switch. Your cruising speed is
now set.
To increase your speed in small amounts, pull the cruise/
speed control lever up for less than 1 second and release
it. Each time you pull the lever up, your vehicle will go
about 1 mph (1.6km/h) faster.
Accelerator
Press the accelerator pedal to reach your desired speed.
Pull the cruise/speed control lever down for a moment,
then release it.
To decrease the set speed
There are 2 ways to reduce the set speed.
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Cruise/speed control lever
Pull the cruise/speed control lever down and hold it
while driving at the set speed, and you will slow down
(coast) gradually. When your desired low speed is
reached, release the lever.
To slow down in small amounts, press the cruise/speed
control lever down for less than 1 second and release it.
Each time you press the lever down, your vehicle will
slow down by about 1 mph (1.6km/h).
Brake pedal
Press the brake pedal (which disengages the cruise/
speed control), then pull the cruise/speed control lever
down momentarily to set a new desired cruise speed.
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To accelerate for passing
Press the accelerator pedal as you would normally. When
you release the pedal, the cruise/speed control will
return to your set speed.
To deactivate
The cruise/speed control can be turned off as follows:
1. Push the main switch (A) at the end of the lever (Main
switch OFF).
2. Pull the cruise/speed control lever (B) toward you.
The cruise/speed control can be turned off automatically
in any of the following ways:
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3. By slightly tapping the brake pedal or pressing down
on it to slow your speed.
4. By pressing the clutch pedal down (for vehicles with
manual transaxle).
5. By moving the selector lever to ªNº (for vehicles with
automatic transaxle).
6. When your speed slows to 10 mph (15km/h) or more
below the set speed because of a hill, etc.
7. When your speed slows to 25mph (40km/h) or less.
WARNING
²For vehicles with automatic transaxles, although
the cruise/speed control can be turned off by
moving the selector lever to the ªNº position,
never move the selector lever to the ªNº position
while driving. You would have no engine braking
and could cause a serious accident.
To resume the set speed
If the speed memory has not been erased, resume the
previously set speed by pulling the cruise/speed control
lever up while driving at a speed of 25 mph (40km/h) or
higher.
Under either of the following conditions, however, using
the switch does not allow you to resume the previously
set speed. In these situations, repeat the speed setting
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procedure:
(1) The ignition key is turned OFF.
(2) The main switch is turned OFF.
TRACTION CONTROL (IF SO EQUIPPED)
On slippery surfaces, traction control system prevents the
drive wheels (front wheels) from excessive spinning,
during starting or while accelerating in turns on slippery
roads.
NOTE
²
The traction control system functions at speeds
below about 25mph (40km/h).
²Some vibration will be felt in the vehicle body and a
whining sound of a motor will be heard from the
engine compartment when the traction control sys-
tem functions. This is a normal result of the traction
control system operation, and does not indicate a
malfunction.
Driving hints
1. Traction control system does not actively apply brakes.
Always decelerate the vehicle sufficiently before entering
corners or bends.
2. On snowy or icy roads, drive slowly using tire chains
or snow tires.
3. Never mix or use tires of different size since the
traction control system could function incorrectly and
make safe driving difficult.
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Warning light
When the ignition key is turned to ªONº, the warning
light illuminate and go out after a few seconds.
CAUTION
²If the warning light illuminates, a malfunction
may have occurred in the system.
When this happens, have your vehicle checked at an
authorized dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter.
Under normal operating conditions the catalytic con-
verter does not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper converter operation and prevent damage.
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CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of an engine malfunction, particularly one
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Prolonged operation of your vehicle while it is
overheated may result in damage to the converter
and vehicle.
WARNING!
²Do not park or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire
could occur.
²Undercoating should not be applied to the cata-
lytic converter.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
1. Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type rec-
ommended in ªFuel selectionº.
2. Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could damage the catalytic converter.
3. Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
4. Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or discharged, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.
5. Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when performing
diagnostic tests.
6. Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods if it is
idling roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.
7. To prevent the catalytic converter from being dam-
aged due to unburned gas, do not race the engine when
turning off the ignition switch.
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8. Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance
is noticeably less, or that there is unnecessary engine
miss, or any other engine trouble, such as with the
ignition, etc. If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for only a short time.
Have an inspection made by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
9. In an unusual event of a severe engine malfunction, a
scorching odor may indicate severe and abnormal cata-
lytic converter overheating. If this occurs, the vehicle
should be stopped in a safe place, the engine shut off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine is cool, the
vehicle should immediately be taken to a dealer for
service.
VEHICLE PREPARATION BEFORE DRIVING
Before starting on a trip, perform the following checks to
obtain the greatest possible enjoyment and safety from
your vehicle:
Seat belts and seats
1. Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and
all your passengers are seated and properly wearing the
seat belts (with children in the rear seat, in appropriate
restraints), and that all doors are locked.
2.
Adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible, while still
maintaining good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Examine the instru-
ment panel indicators for any possible malfunction.
3. Have the front passenger adjust their seat as far
rearward as possible.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defroster mode and set
the blower switch for high speed operation. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the windshield.
(See ªHeater /Air conditioningº page 234.)
Tires
Examine all tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks.
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Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (including spare
tire) for proper pressure. Maintain specified tire inflation
pressures. Replace tires before they are excessively worn.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you activate the controls. Check the turn signals
and highbeam indicators on the instrument panel.
Fluid leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Make sure all fluid
levels are at the proper levels. Also, if fuel leaks are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
Driver
Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Do not drive if you
have been drinking or taking drugs. Unless you are alert
and able to concentrate on your driving, you could have
an accident, resulting in serious or fatal injury to yourself
and others.
SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Even this vehicle's safety equipment, and your safest
driving, cannot guarantee that you can avoid accident or
injury. However, we recommend that you give extra
attention to the following, to help maximize the safety of
you and your passengers:
1. Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and
weather conditions. Leave adequate stopping distance
for your vehicle.
2. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash
the proper turn-signal light.
3. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. During an emergency stop, switch on the hazard
warning flasher.
5. When leaving the vehicle, set the parking brake and
place the gearshift lever into low gear.
In vehicles with an automatic transaxle, place the selector
lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. Remove the key.
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