transmission DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

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

3. In Autostick, downward shifts are made automatically
when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops,
1st gear is automatically selected.
4. When starting out on slippery roads, push the selector
lever forward into the + (UP) position. This puts the
transmission into 2nd gear and is better for starting out
on slippery roads. Push the selector lever to the ±
(DOWN) side to shift back to 1st gear.
5. Move the selector lever gently between the manual
and main gates and between positions in the manual
gate. Undue force could damage the selector lever.Indication lights
In Autostick, the currently selected gear is indicated by
the lights on the instrument panel.
NOTE: When Autostick is selected, the ªDº indicator
goes off.
Holding on an upgrade
To avoid transaxle overheating, never hold the vehicle
stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal.
Instead, use the brake pedal.
I04S0530
STARTING AND DRIVING 165
5

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
I07A0020I07A0030
170 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
TRAILER TOWING
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with manual
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with automatic
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
²If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of the
tow vehicle load capacity when loading the vehicle.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for transmission fluid replacement.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are recom-
mended for motoring safety.
STARTING AND DRIVING 203
5

FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
CONTENTS
mSun visors............................209
NTo adjust the sun visor position...........209
NVanity mirror........................210
mAccessory socket.......................211
mCup holder...........................212
mAccessory boxes.......................213
NGlove compartment....................214
NCenter console with lid..................215
NTrunk net (if so equipped)...............215
mElectronic digital clock...................216
NClock setting procedure.................216
mGeneral information about your radio.......216
NSignal transmission....................217NWeak reception (fading).................217
NReflections...........................217
NCross modulation......................218
NFM stereo reception....................218
NCauses of disturbances..................218
mWhip antenna.........................219
mAM Stereo & FM Stereo Radio With Graphic
Equalizer, Cassette Tape Player And CD Player
(if so equipped)
.......................219
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......219
NPower Switch, Volume Control............220
NSeek Button (Radio Mode)...............220
NTuning.............................220
NBalance............................220
6

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in hours
and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position.
Clock setting procedure
1. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press either the hour (H) or minute (M) buttons on the
radio. The time setting will increase each time you press
the button.
2. Press any other button to exit from the clock setting
mode.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RADIO
A vehicle is not an ideal place to listen to the radio,
because the vehicle moves, and reception conditions are
constantly changing. Buildings, terrain, signal distance
and noise from other vehicles are all working against
good reception.
Please read the following information regarding radio
reception, especially those regarding stereo transmission.
H12G0010
FM AM
25 to 40 mile radius
(40 to 64 Km)100 mile radius
(160 Km)
216 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

Signal transmission
FM signals do not follow the earth's surface nor are they
reflected by the upper atmosphere. For this reason, FM
broadcasts cannot be received over long distances.
AM signals follow the earth's surface and are reflected by
the upper atmosphere. For this reason, AM broadcasts
can be received over longer distances.
Weak reception (fading)
Because of the limited range of FM transmissions and the
way FM waves spread, fading usually occurs with FM
reception.
When the broadcast is blocked by mountains or similar
obstructions, reception disturbance may result.
Reflections
The reason why one can hear FM but not AM in parking
garages, under bridges etc., is that FM signals unlike AM
signals, are reflected by solid objects such as buildings,
etc.
Because FM signals are easily reflected by buildings, this
can also cause reception disturbances.
H12G0020
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 217
6

Accessory boxes........................ 213
Accessory (installation)................... 248
Adding Fuel.......................... 147
Air cleaner filter........................ 316
Air conditioning........................ 236
Aluminum wheel....................... 259
Antenna.............................. 219
Anti-lock braking system warning light . . . 107,113
Assist-starting procedures if battery is low.... 279
Automatic transaxle indicator.............. 119
Automatic transaxle oil temperature
warning light.......................... 107
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 327
Driving speed........................ 157
Gear positions....................... 156
Holding on an upgrade................ 165
Oil temperature warning light............ 107
Parking............................ 169
Reset Mode.......................158,166
Selector lever operation................. 153
Automatic transmission.................. 158
Autostick............................. 163Ball joint, steering linkage seal and drive
shaft boots............................ 329
Battery............................... 325
Charging system warning light........107,114
During cold weather................... 202
Specification......................... 366
Brake pad wear alarm................... 172
Brake System.......................... 172
Fluid.............................. 323
Hose.............................. 329
Parking brake.....................169,332
Pedal.............................. 171
Power brakes........................ 172
Warning light........................ 117
Warning sound for brake pad wear........ 172
Brake
Parking brake........................ 332
Pedal.............................. 171
Break-in recommendations................ 144
Bulb chart.........................293,294
Car preparation before driving............. 199
Cargo loads........................... 337
382 INDEX

Snow tires.......................... 339
Spare tire........................... 266
Tire chains.......................... 339
Tread wear indicators.................. 337
Tools................................ 266
Towing.............................. 284
Trailering........................... 203
Trailer Towing......................... 203
Transaxle
Automatic transaxle................... 153
Autostick........................... 163
Manual transaxle..................... 166
Transmission
Automatic transmission................ 158
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 132
Transporting Pets....................... 102
Trip odometer......................... 106
Trip odometer reset button................ 106
Trunklid .............................. 35
Turbocharger boost gauge................ 106
Turn signal indicators.................107,112
Lever.............................. 122Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 379
Universal Transmitter.................... 132
Vanity mirror.......................... 209
Vehicle Identification Number............... 5
Vehicle labeling........................ 364
Vehicle Weights........................ 367
Ventilators............................ 235
Warnings and Cautions.................... 5
Warranty Information.................... 374
Washer fluid level indicator............... 107
Washer
Windshield.......................128,331
Washing.............................. 255
Waxing.............................. 257
Wheel covers.......................... 268
Whip antenna......................... 219
Windshield washers..................128,331
Windshield wiper blades................. 331
Windshield wipers...................... 126
388 INDEX