heater DODGE STRATUS SEDAN 2005 Owners Manual

▫CD Player—Single Disc In Radio.........123
▫CD Player—6 Disc CD Changer..........123

Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance......123

Compact Disc Maintenance...............124

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones.......125

Climate Controls......................125
▫Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)—If
Equipped...........................125
▫Manual Air Conditioning/Heater Control—If
Equipped...........................132
86 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
11. Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the“H”mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the 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 cooling system.
13. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition.
14. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear
when in the trip odometer mode. To reset the trip
odometer, press and hold the button for at least 1/2
second.
15. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

NOTE:If the system is in the AUTO mode and the fan
control is already rotated fully clockwise or fully coun-
terclockwise, the control may have to be rotated to the
middle and then to the desired fan setting for manual
adjustment of fan speed.
Manual Air Conditioning/Heater Control—If
Equipped
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle.The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere.
The controls are as follows:
Fan and Air Conditioning Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the sys-
tem in any mode you select. The 0
Setting represents OFF and the 4 Set-
ting is the greatest amount of air flow.
Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning,
choose the direction of the air through
the outlets by selecting between the
Air Conditioning Recirculation, Panel-
Air Conditioning, or Bi-Level Air Con-
ditioning modes on the Mode Control.
Air Conditioning modes are indicated
by the snowflake symbol shown above in illustration.
Adjust the Temperature and Fan Controls.
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating Controls
132 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures....................142
▫Automatic Transaxle...................142
▫Manual Transaxle.....................142
▫Normal Starting......................142
▫Extreme Cold Weather (Below -20°F Or -29°C) . 144
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................144
▫After Starting........................145

Battery And Engine Block Heaters—
If Equipped
..........................145

Automatic Transaxle....................145
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............145▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................147
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........147
▫Reset Mode.........................147
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................148

Parking Brake.........................150

Brake System.........................151
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)—If Equipped . 152

Power Steering........................153

Traction Control—If Equipped...........153

Tire Safety Information..................154
5

Extreme Cold Weather (below -20°For-29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater and
battery blanket heater package (available from your
dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”or“EXTREME COLD
WEATHER”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“NORMAL STARTING”or“EX-
TREME COLD WEATHER”procedure should be re-
peated.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

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—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.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Brake/Transmission Interlock
This interlock system prevents you from moving the gear
selector out of the Park position unless the brake pedal is
pressed. The system is active when the ignition switch is
in the RUN position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
5

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“H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle in Park
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the“H”, 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 Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 187
6

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES IF BATTERY IS
LOW
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removingthe tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK and turn ignition to OFF for
both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end to
the positive jump start attachment of the discharged
battery.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 193
6

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the coolant level should be between
the“MIN”and“MAX”marks on the side of the coolant
bottle. Some darkening of the coolant bottle will occur
over time. This is normal. If the coolant level is hard to
see, jostling the coolant bottle will make it easier to see.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point, adding, or replacing
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, thecoolant bottle need only be checked once a month. Heater
performance may also be adversely affected by low
coolant levels.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling
the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your
authorized dealer for details.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat-
ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia-
tor.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Special Additives..................... 230
Autostick............................. 172
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 81
Ball Joints............................ 216
Battery............................... 213
Emergency Starting.................... 193
Gas Caution......................195,214
Heater............................. 145
Jump Starting........................ 193
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
Location.........................193,213
Belts, Drive........................... 210
Belts, Engine.......................... 212
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 216
B-Pillar Location....................... 159
Brake, Parking......................... 150
Brake System.......................151,225
Anti-Lock........................... 152
Fluid Check......................... 227
Hoses.............................. 226
Master Cylinder...................... 227
Warning Light........................ 93Brake/Transmission Interlock...........145,148
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 48
Bulb Replacement...................... 238
Bulbs, Light........................... 238
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 244
Capacities, Fluid....................... 244
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 176
Oil (Engine)......................... 209
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 223
Car Washes........................... 231
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 176
Carpeting............................. 232
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 123
Cassette Tape Player...............100,108,111
Catalytic Converter..................... 211
CD Changer..................107,112,117,119
CD Player....................105,113,115,123
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 242
Central Locking......................... 17
Chains, Tire........................... 170
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 188
INDEX 281
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