DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

NOTE: Air flows mostly to the leg area with the dial
within position (1), and flows mostly to the windshield
with the dial within position (2).Defroster position
Air flows exclusively to the windshield and door win-
dows.
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NOTE: When the mode selection dial is set to the ªº
or ª
º position, the air conditioning compressor will
operate automatically. The outside air position will also
be selected automatically. (In this case, the air condition-
ing indicator will not change.) This is done for optimum
performance.
Changing air selection
Normally use the ªoutsideº position to keep the wind-
shield and side windows clear and, also to quicklyremove fog or frost from the windshield.
When air conditioning is selected, the air selection will be
controlled automatically for optimum performance.
When the air conditioning is turned off, the air selection
will be set to the outside position.
The air selection indicator will show the selected posi-
tion.
If desired, you can change the air selection. Every time
the air selection switch is pushed, the mode for ªoutsideº
(Indicator OFF) and ªrecirculationº (Indicator ON) will
alternate.
If high cooling performance is desired, or if the outside
air is dusty or otherwise contaminated, use the ªrecircu-
lationº position. Although, switch to the outside position
periodically to prevent window fog up.
CAUTION!
Using the ªrecirculationº position for extended time
periods causes the windows to fog up.H23A2880
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Air conditioning switch
The air conditioning can be operated while the engine is
running.
Push the switch, and the air conditioning (cooling/
dehumidifying function) will operate. When ªONº, the
operation indicator lamp (A) will illuminate.
Push the switch again and the air conditioning will stop.
CAUTION!
When using the air conditioning, the idle speed is
slightly increased. Therefore, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal when shifting the trans-
mission to drive.
For the 3.0 liter engine model, if the air conditioning
indicator (A) blinks, it is suspected that something is
wrong with the air conditioning. Move the vehicle to
a safe place and stop the engine. Then run the engine
again and see the air conditioning indicator (A). If
the indicator goes out, there is nothing wrong with
the air conditioning. If it blinks again, have the
system checked by the authorized dealer.
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How to use the controls
Heating
Set the mode selection dial to the position shown in the
illustration and set the air selection switch (A) to the
ªoutsideº position.
Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise. Select the desired blower speed.
NOTE: When maximum heating is needed, set the
blower speed to the fourth position.
Defrosting or defogging of the windshield and
door windows
CAUTION!
For safety, make sure you have a clear view through
all windows before driving.
To remove frost or fog from the windshield and door
windows, use the mode selection dial (ª
ºorªº).
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To keep the windshield and door windows defogged,
and to keep leg area heated (when driving in rain or
snow).
1. Set the mode selection dial to the
position.
2. Adjust the blower to the desired speed.
3. Set the desired temperature.
For quick defrosting
1. Set the mode selection dial to the
position.
2. Adjust the blower to the maximum blower speed.
3. Adjust the temperature control to the maximum tem-
perature.
NOTE
1. When the mode selection dial is set to the ªº
or ª
º position, the air conditioning compressor will
operate automatically. The outside air position will also
be selected automatically. (In this case, the air condition-
ing indicator will not change.)
2. While in ª
ºorªº position, you cannot turn the
air conditioning off or select the recirculation position.
This ensures that the windows will not fog up.
3. To defog effectively, direct the air flow from the side
vents toward the door windows.
4. When defrosting, do not set the temperature control
dial around the max. cool position. Cool air will blow
against the window glass and fog it up.
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Combination of unheated air and heated air
Set the mode selection dial to the position shown in the
illustration and set the air selection switch (A) to the
outside position.
The air will be directed to the leg area and the upper part
of the passenger compartment. Select the desired blower
speed.
Warm air flows to the leg area and unheated or slightly
warm air flows to the upper part of the passenger
compartment.
Cooling
Set the mode selection dial to the ªº position shown in
the illustration.
Set the air selection switch (A) to the outside position and
push the air conditioning switch (B).
1. Setting for ordinary cooling
2. Setting for cooling the leg area
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Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
Select the desired blower speed.
NOTE: If the outside air is dusty or otherwise contami-
nated, or if maximum cooling performance is desired, set
air selection switch (A) to the recirculation position and
the temperature control dial all the way to the left.
Introduce outside air from time to time for proper
ventilation.
Important operation tips for air conditioning
1. Park the vehicle in the shade whenever possible.
Parking under the hot sun makes the vehicle interior
extremely hot, which requires more time to cool the
interior. If it is necessary to park in the sun, open the
windows for the first few minutes of air conditioning
operation to expel hot air.
2. Close the windows when the air conditioning is in use.
The entry of outside air through open windows will
reduce cooling efficiency.
3. When operating the system, make sure the air intake,
which is located in front of the windshield, is free of
obstructions such as leaves. Leaves collected in the
air-intake plenum may reduce air flow and plug the
plenum water drains.
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations
If the air conditioning seems less effective than usual, the
cause might be a refrigerant leak.
Have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
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CAUTION!
The air conditioning system in your vehicle must be
charged with the refrigerant HFC-134a and the lubri-
cant SUN-PAG 56.
Use of any other refrigerant or lubricant will cause
severe damage which will result in the need to
replace your vehicle's entire air conditioning system.
The release of refrigerant into the atmosphere is not
recommended.
The new refrigerant (HFC-134a) in your vehicle is
designed not to harm the earth's ozone layer. How-
ever, it may slightly contribute to global warming.
It is recommended that the refrigerant be recovered
and recycled for future use.
During a long period of disuse
The air conditioning should be operated for at least five
minutes each a week, even in cold weather. This is to
maintain lubrication of the compressor internal parts and
maintain the air conditioning in the best operating con-
dition.
INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES
CAUTION!
Before any electrical or electronic accessories are
installed, consult an authorized dealer.
1. Improper installation of an electrical or electronic
accessory may cause a fire or electrical problem.
It also could result in failure of warranty coverage under
the new vehicle limited warranty.
2. When using a communication system such as a cellu-
lar phone or a radio set inside the vehicle, be sure to
install a separate external antenna. When a cellular phone
or a radio set is used by using an internal antenna alone,
it might cause failure to the vehicle's electrical system
and could interfere with safe operation of the vehicle.
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WARNING!
If you use a cellular phone while driving, keep your
attention on your driving, in order to reduce risk of
accidents.
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