DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2005 2.G Owners Manual

NOTE
²
After adjustment, return the lever to the centered
position.
Press the left, right, up or down switches (B) to adjust the
mirrors as desired.
1. Up
2. Down
3. Right
4. Left
CRUISE/SPEED CONTROL
Cruise/speed control is an automatic speed control sys-
tem. It lets you keep the same driving speed. Cruise/
speed control can be used at 25mph (40km/h) or more. It
is especially useful for freeway driving. Cruise/speed
control does not work at speeds below about 25mph
(40km/h).
A-Main switch
B-Cruise/speed control lever
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CAUTION!
²For safety reasons, the main switch (A) should be
set to the OFF position when you are not using the
cruise/speed control system.
²Cruise/speed control is not recommended when
driving conditions will not allow you to stay at the
same speed, such as in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered, wet, or slip-
pery, or on a steep downhill.
²For vehicles with manual transaxles, if you shift to
ªNº (Neutral) in cruise/speed control mode with-
out pressing the clutch first, the engine will run
too fast and might be damaged.
NOTE
²
Cruise/speed control may not be able to keep your
speed on uphills or downhills.
²Your speed may drop on a steep uphill. You must
use the accelerator if you want to stay at your set
speed.
²Your speed may increase to more than the set speed
on a steep downhill. You must use the brake to
control your speed. If your speed increases too
much, turn off the cruise/speed control. (Refer to
the section ªTo deactivateº on page 196.)
To activate
1. Momentarily push in the main switch (A) at the end of
the cruise/speed control lever.
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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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