2004 DODGE INTREPID ABS

have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The Trip Odometer shows individual trip mileage and is
accessed by pressing the reset button.
20. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or RearDefroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system and should be serviced immedi-
ately. See your local authorized dealer.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
22. ABS Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake system
described elsewhere in this manual. The yellow
ABS light will come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ON position and may stay on for several
seconds. If the ABS light does not come on have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. The warning
light should be checked frequently to assure that it is
operating properly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the red BRAKE warning light is not on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes.
23. Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capability if a failure occurs in a
portion of the hydraulic system.
This light monitors both the brake fluid level and the
parking brake. If the light comes on, it indicates either
that the parking brake is on or there is a low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder. On vehicles equipped with
anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake light may also indicate
reduced braking performance. If the parking brake is off
and the light remains on, have the brake system in-
spected as soon as possible.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to START. The light should come on.
If the red brake light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
In an ABS equipped vehicle, the Brake System Warning
light will come on if the ABS light is not functioning or if
the ABS system is not communicating.
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................127
▫Normal Starting......................127
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................127
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................128
▫After Starting........................129
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................129
Automatic Transaxle....................129
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............129
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................130
▫Gear Ranges.........................130
Parking Brake.........................132
Brake System.........................134
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................134
Power Steering........................135
Traction Control— If Equipped............135
Ti re s................................136
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................137
▫High Speed Operation..................138
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................138
▫Compact Spare Tire....................139
▫Tire Spinning........................140
5

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard
equipment. In the event you lose power assist for any
reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be substantially in-
creased over that required with the power system oper-
ating.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the ABS computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
WARNING!
Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the effec-
tiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when
you need to slow down or stop.
POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted steering as
standard equipment. The power assisted steering system
of your vehicle provides mechanical steering capability
in the event power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL— IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction while spinning. The traction
system operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the “stand by” mode unless:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
STARTING AND OPERATING 135
5

Cavity Fuse Circuits
8 10 Amp Red Airbag
9 10 Amp Red Turn Signal Lights, Turn
Signal/Hazard Indicator
10 15 Amp Lt. Blue Right Low Beam
11 20 Amp Yellow High Beam Relay, High
Beam Indicator, High Beam
Switch
12 15 Amp Lt. Blue Left Low Beam Headlight
13 10 Amp Red Fuel Pump Relay, Power
Train Control Module
14 10 Amp Red Cluster, Day/Night Mirror,
Sunroof, Overhead Console,
Garage Door Opener, Body
Control Module
15 10 Amp Red Daytime Running Light
Module (Canada)
16 20 Amp Yellow Fog Light Indicator
17 10 Amp Red ABS Control, Back Up
Lights, Daytime Running
Lights, A/C Heater Con-
trol,Cavity Fuse Circuits
18 20 Amp Yellow Power Amplifier, Horn
19 15 Amp Lt. Blue Overhead Console, Garage
Door Opener, Trunk, Over-
head, Rear Reading, and
Visor Vanity Lights, Trunk
Release Solenoid, Power
Mirrors, Power Door Locks,
Body Control Module, As-
pirator Motor
20 20 Amp Yellow Brake Lights
21 10 Amp Red Leak Detection Pump, Low
Rad Relay, High Rad Relay,
A/C Clutch Relay
22 10 Amp Red Airbag
23 30 Amp Green Blower Motor, ATC Power
Module
24 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Window Motors
25 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Door Lock Motors,
Power Seats
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech
Impaired (TDD/TTY)
To assist customers who have hearing difficulties, the
manufacturer has installed special TDD (Telecommuni-
cation Devices for the Deaf) equipment at its Customer
Center. Any hearing or speech impaired customer who
has access to a TDD or a conventional teletypewriter
(TTY) in the United States can communicate with the
manufacturer by dialing 1–800–380–CHRY.
Service Contract
You may have purchased a service contract for your
vehicle to help protect you from the high cost of unex-
pected repairs after your manufacturer’s new vehicle
limited warranty expires. The manufacturer stands be-
hind only the manufacturer’s Service Contracts. If you
purchased a manufacturer’s Service Contract, you will
receive Plan Provisions and an Owner Identification Card
in the mail within three weeks of your vehicle delivery
date. If you have any questions about your service
contract, call the manufacturer’s Service Contract Na-
tional Customer Hotline at 1-800-521-9922.The manufacturer will not stand behind any service
contract that is not the manufacturer’s Service Contract. It
is not responsible for any service contract other than the
manufacturer’s Service Contract. If you purchased a
service contract that is not a manufacturer’s Service
Contract, and you require service after your manufactur-
er’s new vehicle limited warranty expires, please refer to
your contract documents, and contact the person listed in
those documents.
We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased your new vehicle. Your dealer has
also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
your ownership experience. You’ll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns.
230 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

About Your Brakes...................... 134
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System...........91,134
Accident Damage....................... 199
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 189
Adding Fuel.......................... 146
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 180
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 182
Air Conditioning.................... 114,117
Air Conditioning Controls............. 114,117
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 123
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 182
Air Conditioning System................. 182
Air Pressure, Tires...................136,137
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................36,37
Airbag Light.....................37,40,48,90
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 143
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 188
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 189
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 134
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 91Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23
Anti-Theft System....................... 23
Appearance Care....................... 197
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Mirrors....................... 53
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 60
Automatic Temperature Control............ 117
Automatic Transaxle..................129,194
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 197
Fluid Level Check..................... 195
Reset Mode......................... 130
Selection Of Lubricant................. 194
Shifting............................ 130
Special Additives..................... 197
Backfire, Engine........................ 180
Ball Joints............................ 184
Battery............................158,181
Emergency Starting.................... 158
Gas Caution......................158,181
Jump Starting........................ 158
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 22
238 INDEX