battery DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G Owner's Manual

CAUTION!
The electronically controlled transaxle system is
strictly intended to provide supplementary func-
tions. When driving downhill under certain condi-
tions, or immediately after starting when the auto-
matic transaxle is cold, no automatic shift-down may
be made. The driver should shift down to a low gear
(3rd gear or 2nd gear), which will permit the engine
to exert a braking effect.
NOTE: During the brake-in period or immediately after
re-connection of the battery cable, the vehicle may not
shift as smoothly. This does not indicate a faulty trans-
mission. The transaxle system must have a short period
to learn parameters for proper shifting. Shifting will
become smooth after the transaxle has been shifted
several times by the electronic control system.
Selector lever operation
As an additional safety precaution, models equipped
with an automatic transaxle have a shift-lock device that
holds the selector lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. To
move the selector lever from the ªPº (PARK) position to
another position, follow the steps below.
1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.
2. Move the selector lever to the desired position.
NOTE: The selector lever cannot be moved from ªPº
(PARK) to another position if the ignition key is at the
ªLOCKº position, removed, or if the brake pedal is not
depressed and held down.
154 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
The electronically controlled transaxle system is
strictly intended to provide supplementary func-
tions. When driving downhill under certain condi-
tions, or immediately after starting when the auto-
matic transaxle is cold, no automatic shift-down may
be made. The driver should shift down to a low gear
(3rd gear or 2nd gear), which will permit the engine
to exert a braking effect.
NOTE: During the brake-in period or immediately after
re-connection of the battery cable, the vehicle may not
shift smoothly. This does not indicate a faulty transmis-
sion. The transaxle system must have a short period to
learn parameters for proper shifting. Shifting will become
smooth after the transaxle has been shifted several times
by the electronic control system.
Selector lever operation
The transaxle has 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.
The individual gears are selected automatically, depend-
ing on the position of the gear selector lever, the speed of
the vehicle, and the position of the accelerator pedal.
The selector lever has 29gates9: the main gate and the
manual gate.
NOTE: For information on manual gate operation,
please refer to ªAutostickº on page 161.
I04B0060
Main gate
Manual gate
STARTING AND DRIVING 159
5

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.
198 STARTING AND DRIVING

over curbs or parking stop blocks. Always use caution
when traveling up or down sharp inclines as your
bumper may contact the road surface.
2. Maintain specified tire inflation pressures. Replace
tires before they are excessively worn.
3. If you plan to drive in another country, comply with
the vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel.
OPERATION DURING COLD WEATHER
1. Check the battery, including terminals and cables.
During extremely cold weather, the battery capacity will
decrease. Also, the battery power level may drop because
more power is needed for cold starting and operation.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are at their usual
intensity. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
During cold weather, it is possible that a discharged
battery could freeze.
WARNING!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could seriously injury or kill you.
Always wear protective clothes and a face shield
when doing battery maintenance, or let a skilled
technician do it.
2. Manual transaxles may be more difficult to shift
during cold weather operation. This is normal and shift
effort will become easier as the transaxle reaches a
normal operating temperature.
Maintain low-speed operation at first to allow the trans-
axle oil to be distributed to all lubrication points.
3. Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is a shortage of coolant due to leakage or engine
overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water. The recommended ratio is about 50% water
and 50% anti-freeze. This ratio provides adequate corro-
sion, boiling, and freeze protection.
202 STARTING AND DRIVING

ACCESSORY SOCKET
Two accessory sockets are provided in the center console.
To use a ªplug-inº type accessory, insert it in the socket.
The accessory socket (A) can be operated when the
ignition key is in the ªONº or ªACCº positions. This
socket can also be used for a lighter when an optional
smokers kit is ordered from your dealer.
The accessory socket (B) is a direct feed from the battery
so it can be operated whether the ignition is ON or OFF.
G13A0840
G38A0710
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 211
6

CAUTION!
²Be sure to use a ªplug-inº type accessory operat-
ing on 12V and at 120W or less.
Extended use of electronic equipment with the
engine off may run down the battery.
²When the accessory socket is not in use, be sure to
close the socket cap. This will prevent the socket
from becoming clogged and short circuiting.
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
CUP HOLDER
FRONT SEAT
The front holder (A) can be used to accept an ash receiver
when an optional smokers kit is purchased from your
dealer. The rear holders (B) are provided for use as
cupholders.
212 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

Polishing your vehicle
If painted surfaces have been severely damaged and lost
their original luster and color tone, polish the surface
lightly with a fine polishing compound. Avoid limiting
your polishing to the damaged surface only; polish a
somewhat wider area, moving the polishing cloth in one
direction. After polishing, flush the compound from the
surface and apply a coat of wax to regain a beautiful
luster.
Damaged paint
Small cracks and scratches in the paint coat should be
touched up as soon as possible with touch-up paint to
prevent corrosion.
Check body areas facing the road or the tires carefully for
damage to the paint coat caused by flying stones, etc. The
paint code number for your vehicle can be found on the
vehicle information code plate in the engine compart-
ment.
Cleaning plastic parts
Use a sponge or chamois.
If vehicle wax adheres on the plastic bumper or mold-
ings, the surface may appear white in color. In this case,
wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft cloth or
chamois.
CAUTION!
²Do not use a scrub brush or other hard tools as
they may damage the plastic part surface.
²Do not use wax containing compound (polishing
compound) which may damage the plastic part
surface.
²Do not bring plastic parts into contact with brake
fluids, engine oils, greases, thinner for painting,
and sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte) which may
stain, crack or discolor the plastic parts.
If they touch the plastic part, wipe them with a
soft cloth, or chamois and an aqueous solution of
neutral detergent. Then, immediately rinse the
affected parts with water.
258 VEHICLE CARE

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Maintenance Section of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key is
in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
JUMP-STARTING THE ENGINE
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is
weak or dead, the battery from another vehicle can be
used with booster cables to start the engine.
EMERGENCIES 279
8

WARNING!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
procedures exactly and exercise extreme caution.
CAUTION!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or towing.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle can-
not be started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle
equipped with a manual transaxle may overheat and
damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being
pushed or towed.
1. Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical con-
tact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so the
booster cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't
touching each other. If they are, it could cause a groundconnection. You wouldn't be able to start your vehicle,
and the bad ground could damage the electrical systems.
CAUTION!
Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery. If the other system isn't 12-volts, both sys-
tems can be damaged.
3. You could be injured if the vehicles move. Set the
parking brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an automatic
transaxle in ªPº (PARK) or a manual transaxle in ªNº
(Neutral). Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position.
WARNING!
Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position on
both vehicles.
Use care to make sure that the cables or your clothes
are never caught by the fan or drive belt. Personal
injury could result.
280 EMERGENCIES

NOTE: Turn off all lights, heater and other electrical
loads. This will avoid sparks and help save both batter-
ies.
4. Make sure battery electrolyte is at the proper level.
(See ªBatteryº on page 323.)
WARNING!
If electrolyte fluid is not visible, or appears to be
frozen, do not attempt jump starting.
The battery might rupture or explode if the tempera-
ture is below the freezing point or if it is not filled to
the proper level.
N29A0790
EMERGENCIES 281
8