heater DODGE STRATUS COUPE 2005 2.G Owners Manual

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. Page
Cannot turn the key
(1)ªLOCKº to ªACCº
Turn the key while slightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.
(2)ºACCº to ªLOCKº
Vehicle with automatic transaxle
Check the position of gear selector lever.
The key cannot be removed unless the gear selector
lever is set to the ªPº (PARK) position.
Vehicle with manual transaxle
Place the key at the ``ACC'' position. Push the key in
and turn it.P. 153
Cannot shift the gear selector lever
from the ªPº (PARK) positionShift the gear selector lever while depressing the brake
pedal. Check if the ignition key is in the ªONº position.P. 156, 161
The windows are fogged up.
1.Set the heater/air conditioning mode selection dial to
the ªºorªº position.
2.Turn on the blower.P. 246
16 INTRODUCTION

8. Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance
is noticeably less, or that there is unnecessary engine
miss, or any other engine trouble, such as with the
ignition, etc. If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for only a short time.
Have an inspection made by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
9. In an unusual event of a severe engine malfunction, a
scorching odor may indicate severe and abnormal cata-
lytic converter overheating. If this occurs, the vehicle
should be stopped in a safe place, the engine shut off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine is cool, the
vehicle should immediately be taken to a dealer for
service.
VEHICLE PREPARATION BEFORE DRIVING
Before starting on a trip, perform the following checks to
obtain the greatest possible enjoyment and safety from
your vehicle:
Seat belts and seats
1. Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and
all your passengers are seated and properly wearing the
seat belts (with children in the rear seat, in appropriate
restraints), and that all doors are locked.
2.
Adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible, while still
maintaining good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Examine the instru-
ment panel indicators for any possible malfunction.
3. Have the front passenger adjust their seat as far
rearward as possible.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defroster mode and set
the blower switch for high speed operation. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the windshield.
(See ªHeater /Air conditioningº page 238.)
Tires
Examine all tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks.
STARTING AND DRIVING 201
5

(3) In the following circumstances, moisture can form on
compact discs and inside the audio system, prevent-
ing normal operation.
²When there is high humidity (for example, when it
is raining).
²When the temperature suddenly rises, such as right
after the heater is turned on in cold weather.
In this case, wait until the moisture has had time to
dry out.
(4) When the CD player is subjected to violent vibra-
tions, such as during off-road driving, the tracking
may not work.
(5) When storing compact discs, always store them in
their separate cases. Never place compact discs in
direct sunlight, or in any place where the temperature
or humidity is high.(6) Never touch the flat surface of the disc where there
isn't a label. This will damage the disc surface and
could affect the sound quality. When handling a
compact disc, always hold it by the outer edge and
the center hole.
(7) To clean a disc, use a soft, clean, dry cloth. Wipe
directly from the center hole toward the outer edge.H12F090
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 235
6

ENGINE OVERHEATING
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator enters
the ªHº (hot) position, the engine may be overheated.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
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.
EMERGENCIES 279
8

connection. 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.
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 325.)
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.
EMERGENCIES 281
8

Passenger compartment fuse location
Fuse location table
No. Symbol Electrical system Capacity
1
Audio 20A
2
ÐÐÐ
3
Sunroof 20A
4
SOCKETAccessory socket 15A
5
Rear window defogger 30A
6
Heater 30A
7
ÐÐÐ
8
ÐÐÐ
9
SOCKETAccessory socket 15A
10
Door lock 15A
11
Rear window wiper 15A
12
ÐÐÐ
13
Relay 7.5A
14
R/C MIRElectric remote-controlled outside
mirror7.5A
15
ÐÐÐ
16
Cigarette lighter 15A
17
Engine Control 7.5A
18
Windshield wiper 20A
No. Symbol Electrical system Capacity
19
Door mirror heater 7.5A
20
Relay 7.5A
21
CRUISECruise control 7.5A
22
Back up light 7.5A
23
Gauge 7.5A
24
Engine control 10A
30A
25
ÐSpare fuse 20A
15A
10A
ISome fuses may not be installed on your vehicles,
depending on the vehicle model or specifications.
IThe table above shows the main equipment corre-
sponding to each fuse.
Spare fuse location
Spare fuses are contained in the cover of the instru-
ment panel (driver 's side). Always use a fuse of the
same capacity for replacement.
EMERGENCIES 289
8

ENGINE COOLANT
To check the coolant level
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level. When the
engine is cold, the level of the coolant in the reserve tank
should be between the FULL and LOW marks. The
radiator normally remains completely full so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap except for checking the
coolant freeze point or replacing the antifreeze coolant.
To add coolant
Use DaimlerChrysler Genuine Coolant or an equivalent.
Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection against
corrosion and rust formation of all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in the radiator, heater,
cylinder head, engine block, etc.
If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level
in the reserve tank does not drop when the engine cools,
the system should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for inspection of the
cooling system.
CAUTION!
²Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can
cause corrosion of aluminum components.
²When additional coolant is needed to maintain
the proper level, a minimum of 50% concentration
of ethylene-glycol antifreeze in water should be
added to the reserve tank. Do not overfill. A
higher concentration (not to exceed 60%) should
be used if a lower freezing point is required. The
concentration level can be checked using instru-
ments available at automotive supply stores, or
can be done by your authorized dealer or service
station. Use only high quality ethylene-glycol
antifreeze coolant formulated to prevent corrosion
of all cooling system metals.
²Do not top off with water only. Water by itself
reduces the rust-protective and anti-freeze quali-
ties of the coolant and has a lower boiling point. It
can also cause damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Do not use tap water, as it may
cause corrosion and rust formation.
322 MAINTENANCE

²Vehicle normal load on the tire : load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and nor-
mal occupant weight and dividing by two.
²Maximum loaded vehicle weight : the sum of ±
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight:
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
²Curb weight : the weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine.
²Accessory weight : the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the
extent that these items are available as factory-
installed equipment (whether installed or not).
²Vehicle capacity weight : the rated cargo and luggage
load plus 150 lbs (68kg) times the vehicle's designated
seating capacity.
²Production options weight : the combined weight of
those installed regular production options weighing
over 5 lbs (2.3kg) in excess of those standard items
which they replace, not previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and
special trim.
²Normal occupant weight : 150 lbs (68kg) times the
number of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the
number is 3).
²Occupant distribution : distribution of occupants in a
vehicle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is
2 in front, 1 in second seat).
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement9The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds9on
your vehicle's placard.
MAINTENANCE 343
9

!24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
350 MAINTENANCE

!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NChange manual transaxle oil.
NChange automatic transaxle fluid.
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!33,000 Miles (52 800 km) or at 33 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
360 MAINTENANCE