hood release DODGE STRATUS SEDAN 2004 Owners Manual

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Then lift the secondary latch located under the front edge
of the hood, near the center and raise the hood.Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the upper end of the prop rod in the hole
marked ªpropº on the underside of the hood.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the center of the
hood to ensure that both latches engage.
60 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº or ªEXTREME COLD
WEATHERº procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNORMAL STARTINGº or ªEX-
TREME COLD WEATHERº procedure should be re-
peated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
BATTERY AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS Ð If
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood near the air cleaner
housing.
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add
fluid to restore the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Suspension Ball Joints
There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints.
Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is
done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be
replaced.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
7

Fuel
Adding............................. 162
Filler Cap........................... 162
Filter.............................. 196
Gauge.............................. 85
Hoses.............................. 211
Light............................... 90
Tank Capacity........................ 227
Fuses................................ 219
Garage Door Opener..................... 70
GasCap .............................. 162
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 160
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 160
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 87
Fuel................................ 85
Gearshift............................. 135
Glass Cleaning......................... 218
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 172
Head Restraints......................... 58
Headlights............................ 222Aiming............................. 227
Bulb Replacement..................... 222
Cleaning............................ 217
High Beam........................... 86
Switch.............................. 63
Time Delay........................... 64
Heater............................... 120
Homelink Transmitter.................... 70
Hood Prop............................ 60
Hood Release.......................... 60
Hoses.............................209,211
Ignition
Key ................................ 11
Lock................................ 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 15
Immobilizer............................ 13
Infant Restraint......................... 41
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 55
Instrument Cluster....................... 84
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 83
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 218
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 218
266 INDEX

Traction Control....................67,85,142
Trailer Towing......................... 164
Minimum Requirements................ 164
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 164
Warnings........................... 164
Transaxle............................. 211
Additives........................... 213
Automatic........................... 211
Filter.............................. 213
Manual..........................137,184
Selection of Lubricant.................. 212
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 87
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 70
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 19
Transporting Pets........................ 48
Tread Wear Indicators................... 155
Trip Computer.......................... 90
Trip Odometer.......................... 88
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 24
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 23Turn Signals.........................64,86
Underhood Fuses....................... 219
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 258
Universal Transmitter.................... 70
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 209
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 56
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading.....................147,164
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 22
Vinyl Trim............................ 216
Viscosity, Engine Oil..................194,227
Voltmeter.............................. 86
Warning, Door Ajar...................... 17
Warning Flasher, Hazard................. 172
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 254
Washers, Windshield..................65,203
Washing Vehicle........................ 215
Waxing and Polishing................... 215
272 INDEX