light DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2005 2.G Repair Manual

2. When the indicator light (D) begins to flash slowly
(after 20 seconds) position the hand held transmitter (E)
1 to 3 inches away from the universal transceiver button
to be trained.
3. Press and hold the hand held transmitter button.
4. The indicator light will begin to flash, first slowly, then
rapidly. When the indicator lights begin to flash rapidly,
release both buttons.
Security
If you sell your vehicle, be sure to erase the frequencies.
1. To erase all of the previously trained frequencies, hold
down both outside buttons (A and C) until the indicator
light (D) begins to flash after 20 seconds.
2. Release both buttons. Do not hold for longer than 30
seconds.
F21A0130
140 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

NGear positions........................158
NDriving speed
(Vehicles with automatic transaxle).........159
NHolding on an upgrade.................159
NTransaxle reset mode...................160
mAutomatic transaxle Autostick
(if so equipped)
........................160
NSelector lever operation.................161
NIndicator lights.......................163
NSelector positions (Main gate).............164
NSelector positions Manual gate Autostick.....165
NHolding on an upgrade.................167
NTransaxle reset mode...................168
mManual transaxle (if so equipped)..........168
NTo start.............................169
NProper shift points.....................169NRecommended downshifting speed.........171
NDriving precautions....................171
mParking brake.........................171
mBrake pedal...........................173
mPower brakes.........................174
mBrake pad wear alarm...................174
mAnti-lock braking (ABS) system
(if so equipped)
........................175
NGeneral driving hints
(standard/anti-lock brakes)...............175
mSteering wheel tilt lock lever..............177
mPower steering........................178
mInside Day/Night rearview mirrors.........179
NElectrochromic inside rearview mirror
(if so equipped.......................180
NElectrochromic mirror operation
(if so equipped).......................181
144 STARTING AND DRIVING

mCruise/speed control....................191
NTo activate...........................192
NTo deactivate.........................196
NTo resume the set speed.................197
mTraction control (if so equipped)...........198
mCatalytic converter.....................199
mVehicle preparation before driving..........201
NSeat belts and seats....................201
NDefrosters...........................201
NTires...............................201NLights..............................202
NFluid leaks..........................202
NDriver..............................202
mSafe driving techniques..................202
mDriving, alcohol and drugs...............203
mTips for driving in various conditions........203
mOperation during cold weather............204
mTrailer Towing.........................205
NWarranty Requirements.................205
STARTING AND DRIVING 145
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states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of
the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the
Check Engine Light to illuminate. The manufacturer
recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded
gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem
is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine
Soon) is flashing, immediate service is required. See
the On Board Diagnostics paragraph in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Adding Fuel
NOTE:
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
STARTING AND DRIVING 149
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NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (ªSERVICE ENGINE
SOONº) will come on if the gas cap is not properly
secured. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each
time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger's side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light (ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº) to
turn on.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
150 STARTING AND DRIVING

FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your per-
sonal driving habits can have a significant effect on your
fuel economy. Several recommendations for achieving
maximum fuel economy are listed below.
1. When pulling away from traffic lights or stop signs,
accelerate slowly and smoothly.
2. When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.
3. Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.
4. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pres-
sures.
5. For freeway driving, maintain a constant speed within
the posted limits when traffic, roadway and weather
conditions safely permit, for the best fuel economy.
6. Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.
7. Keep your vehicle ªtuned-upº.
An out-of-tune engine wastes fuel and costs money.
8. Reduce excess vehicle load.
IGNITION SWITCH
LOCK
For vehicles with a manual transaxle, when removing the
key, push the key in at the ªACCº position and keep it
depressed until it is turned to the ªLOCKº position, and
remove the key.
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle: When remov-
ing the key, first set the gear selector lever to the ªPº
(PARK) position, and then turn the key to ªLOCKº and
remove it.
I21A0230
STARTING AND DRIVING 151
5

THEFT PROTECTION
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition switch and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lighted
area.
The ignition key can only be removed in the ªLOCKº
position. If the key is left in the lock cylinder, a warning
chime sounds when the driver's door is opened.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a Theft-alarm
system, refer to ªTheft-alarm systemº.
STEERING LOCK
Withdraw the key and the steering wheel will be locked.
Turn the steering wheel to confirm that it is locked.
CAUTION!
If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
(ACC(position to unlock the steering wheel.
STARTING
Tips for starting
1. Do not operate the starter motor continuously for
longer than 15 seconds at a time; doing so could run
down the battery. If the engine does not start, turn the
ignition switch back to ªLOCKº, wait a few seconds, and
then try again.
2. If the engine will not start because the battery is weak
or dead, refer to ªJump-starting the engineº section (page
280) for instructions on starting the engine.
3. The engine is well warmed up if the pointer of the
coolant temperature gauge starts to move. Extended
warm up operation will result in excessive fuel consump-
tion.
STARTING AND DRIVING 153
5

WARNING!
Never run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated
area any longer than is needed to move your vehicle
in or out of the area. Carbon monoxide gas, which is
odorless, colorless and extremely poisonous, could
build up, and cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
²Do not start the vehicle by pushing or pulling.
²Do not run the engine at high rpm or drive the
vehicle at high speed until the engine has had a
chance to warm up.
²Release the ignition key as soon as the engine
starts to avoid damaging the starter motor.
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled
fuel injection system that automatically controls fuel
quantity. When starting the engine, there is normally no
need to depress the accelerator pedal.
Normal conditions
The starting procedure is as follows:
1. Insert the ignition key and make sure all occupants are
properly seated with seat belts fastened.
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal down with your
right foot.
3. Set the gearshift selector lever (manual transaxle) in
the ªNº (NEUTRAL) position, or the selector lever (au-
tomatic transaxle) in the ªPº (PARK) position.
4. Fully depress the clutch pedal (manual transaxle).
NOTE: For models equipped with a manual trans-
axle, the starter will not operate unless the clutch
pedal is fully depressed (Clutch interlock).
5. After turning the ignition key to the ªONº position,
make certain that all warning lights are functioning
properly before starting the engine.
6. Turn the ignition key to the ªSTARTº position without
depressing the accelerator pedal, and release the key
when the engine starts.
154 STARTING AND DRIVING

NOTE: Slight noises may be heard on engine start-up.
These noises will disappear as you continue warming up
the engine.
Flooded engine
If the engine has become flooded during starting, first
operate the starter for 5 to 6 seconds while fully depress-
ing the accelerator pedal (clear flood), then start the
engine without depressing the accelerator pedal at all.
At extremely cold ambient temperature
If the engine won't start, depress the accelerator pedal
about halfway while cranking the engine. Once the
engine starts, release the accelerator pedal.
CAUTION!
When starting the engine, make sure that you step on
the brake pedal. During very cold weather, when
you start the engine while putting your foot on the
accelerator pedal, move your foot to the brake pedal
immediately after the engine has started.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
The automatic transaxle is designed for optimum control
and equipped with adaptive control capabilities. The
electronically controlled transaxle optimally matches
gear shifts to almost all driving and road conditions.
DRIVING UPHILL
The transaxle may not upshift to a higher gear if the
computer determines the current speed cannot be main-
tained once a higher gear is engaged.
For smoother vehicle performance, if you release the
throttle while climbing a steep grade, the transaxle may
not upshift. This is normal, as the computer is controlling
the shifting. After reaching the top of the hill, normal gear
shift function will resume.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
When traveling down steep grades and depressing the
brake pedal, the computer may automatically select a
lower gear. This function assists engine braking efforts,
reducing the need to use the brakes.
STARTING AND DRIVING 155
5

WARNING!
Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a gear from the ªNº (NEUTRAL)
position. When beginning to drive, do not shift the
selector lever from the ªNº (NEUTRAL) position
while depressing the accelerator pedal; doing so may
cause the vehicle to ªjumpº forward or backward.
CAUTION!
If the button is always depressed to operate the
selector lever, the lever may be accidentally shifted
into the ªPº, ªRº position. Be sure not to depress the
button when performing the operations indicated by
in the illustration.
NOTE:
If the brake pedal is not depressed and held, the
shift-lock device activates to prevent the selector lever
from being moved from the ªPº (PARK) position.Indicator lights
A - Selector lever position indicator light
B - ªNº indicator light
The indicator lights in the instrument panel are for
indicating the selector lever position (A).
I04A3420
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STARTING AND DRIVING 163
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