DODGE STRATUS SEDAN 2004 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...........................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................51
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL..................................79
5
STARTING AND OPERATING................................................127
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES.............................................171
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................185
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................................................231
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.......................................251
10
INDEX...................................................................261
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction........................... 4
mHow To Use This Manual................. 4
mWarnings And Cautions.................. 6
mVehicle Identification Number.............. 6NPartial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV)
For 2.4L Ð If Equipped.................. 7
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations.......... 7
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used throughout this owner's
manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual containsWARNINGSagainst operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also containsCAUTIONSagainst procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a stamped
plate on the left front corner on the body of the vehicle,
visible through the windshield. This number also ap-
pears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label as a
convenient record of your vehicle identification number
and optional equipment.
6 INTRODUCTION

Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) for 2.4L Ð If
Equipped
NOTE:
If the 8th digit of the vehicle identification
number (VIN) contains a9J9then your vehicle is
equipped with the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
package.
NOTE:There are specific instructions regarding when
to change the ignition cables and spark plugs with the
PZEV package. Please refer to the Maintenance Sched-
ules section in your owner's manual for specific mainte-
nance instructions.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys.................11
NIgnition Key Removal...................11
NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .12
NManual Transaxle......................12
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................12
mSentry Key Ð If Equipped................13
NReplacement Keys......................14
NCustomer Key Programming..............14
NGeneral Information....................15
mIlluminated Entry System.................15
mDoor Locks...........................15NPower Door Locks.....................16
NCentral Locking Ð If Equipped............17
NDoor Ajar Warning.....................17
NAutomatic (Rolling) Door Locks............17
NAutomatic Unlock On Exit Ð Only Available If
Automatic Door Locks Are Enabled.........18
NªChild Protectionº Door Lock System
(Rear Doors)..........................18
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped........19
NTo Unlock The Doors...................19
NTo Lock The Doors.....................20
NTo Unlock The Trunk....................20
2

NPanic Alarm..........................21
NTo Use The Panic Alarm.................21
NTo Program Additional Transmitters.........21
NGeneral Information....................21
NTransmitter Battery Service...............22
mVehicle Theft Alarm.....................22
NTamper Alert.........................23
NSecurity System Manual Override...........23
mTrunk Lock And Release..................23
mTrunk Safety Warning....................24
NTrunk Internal Emergency Release..........24
mPower Windows........................25
NWind Buffeting........................25
mOccupant Restraints.....................25NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................26
NPretensioners.........................30
NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................31
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
NSeat Belt Extender......................32
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............33
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........48
mSafety Tips............................49
NExhaust Gas..........................49
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................49
NPeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE