DODGE STRATUS SEDAN 2005 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..................................83
5
STARTING AND OPERATING................................................139
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES.............................................185
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................199
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................................................247
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.......................................269
10
INDEX...................................................................279
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS

Introduction........................... 4

How To Use This Manual................. 4

Warnings And Cautions.................. 6

Vehicle Identification Number.............. 6▫Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) For 2.4L —
If Equipped.......................... 7

Vehicle 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 Moparparts, 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.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) for 2.4L — If
Equipped
NOTE:
If the 8th digit of the vehicle identification
number (VIN) contains aJthen 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

A Word About Your Keys.................11
▫Ignition Key Removal...................11
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .12
▫Manual Transaxle......................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................12

Sentry Key—If Equipped................13
▫Replacement Keys......................14
▫Customer Key Programming..............14
▫General Information....................15

Illuminated Entry System.................15

Door Locks...........................15▫Power Door Locks.....................16
▫Central Locking—If Equipped............17
▫Door Ajar Warning.....................17
▫Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks............17
▫Automatic Unlock On Exit—Only Available If
Automatic Door Locks Are Enabled.........18
▫“Child Protection”Door Lock System
(Rear Doors)..........................18

Remote Keyless Entry—If Equipped........19
▫To Unlock The Doors...................19
▫To Lock The Doors.....................20
▫To Unlock The Trunk....................20
2

▫Panic Alarm..........................21
▫To Use The Panic Alarm.................21
▫To Program Additional Transmitters.........21
▫General Information....................21
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............22

Vehicle Theft Alarm.....................23
▫Tamper Alert.........................23
▫Security System Manual Override...........23

Trunk Lock And Release..................24

Trunk Safety Warning....................24
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release..........25

Windows.............................25
▫Power Windows.......................25

Occupant Restraints.....................26▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................27
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners...................31
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................32
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............33
▫Seat Belt Extender......................33
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............34

Engine Break-In Recommendations..........48

Safety Tips............................49
▫Exhaust Gas..........................49
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................49
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle..........................50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE