gas type DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2005 2.G Owners Manual

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.
200 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
²Some types of washers (including coin-operated
washers) apply high temperature and high pres-
sure to the vehicle, which may cause heat distor-
tion and damage to the resin parts of the vehicle
body, leakage of water into the vehicle, etc. There-
fore, be sure to observe the following.
²Maintain a good distance of approx. 16 in. (40 cm)
or more between the vehicle body and the wash-
ing nozzle.
²When washing around the door glass, hold the
nozzle at a distance of more than 40 in.(1m) and at
right angles to the glass surface.
During cold weather
Salt and other chemicals that are spread on winter roads
in some geographical areas can have a detrimental effect
on the vehicle underbody. You should flush the under-
body with a high pressure hose every time you wash the
exterior of your vehicle.
Special care should be taken to remove mud or other
debris which could trap and hold salt and moisture.
After washing your vehicle, wipe off all water drops from
the rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors
from freezing.
NOTE: When a door is frozen, opening it by force may
tear or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door.
Therefore, pour warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to
wipe off water thoroughly after opening the door. To help
prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors,
hood, etc., treat the rubber seal with a lubricant designed
for rubber.
256 VEHICLE CARE

Engine coolant......................... 322
Engine coolant level warning light.......... 109
Engine coolant temperature gauge.......108,113
Engine hood release...................... 42
Engine oil and oil filter.................. 318
Engine overheating..................... 279
Engine serial number.................... 373
Engine specifications.................... 377
Exhaust system.....................332,377
Fluid
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 329
Brake fluid.......................... 323
Clutch fluid......................... 324
Fog light switch........................ 125
Front fog lamp indicator lamp............. 116
Front seat adjustment..................... 57
Fuel
Filler Cap........................... 150
Fuel economy........................ 151
Fuel filler............................ 39
Fuel gauge.......................108,111
Fuel hoses.......................... 315Fuel selection........................ 146
Low-fuel warning light..............109,115
Fuses................................ 286
Fusible links.......................... 287
Garage Door Opener.................... 134
GasCap .............................. 150
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 148
Gauges.........................108,111,113
Gear positions......................... 158
General maintenance
Maintenance service................... 318
General vehicle data..................... 375
Glove compartment..................215,216
Handling of Compact Discs............... 234
Hazard warning flasher switch............. 126
Hazard warning light.................109,114
Head restraints......................... 66
Headlights (Type 1)..................... 295
Headlights
Aiming............................. 297
Dimmer............................ 124
392 INDEX