2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE engine

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or
snow.1. Carefully rock the vehicle by shifting the transmission
from low to reverse.
WARNING
1.When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The
rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch
forward or backward, and injure bystanders.
2.Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels.
Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking
attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.P. 261
The brakes are not functioning
properly after crossing a puddle or
stream.Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.Ð
18 INTRODUCTION

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
CONTENTS
mKeys.................................23
mSentry Key............................23
mDoor locks (Manual).....................26
NTo lock the door without using the key.......26
NTo lock the door with the key..............27
NTo lock the door from the inside............28
mKeyless entry system (if so equipped)........29
NConfirmation function...................29
NUsing the panic alarm...................31
NProcedure for replacing keyless transmitter
battery..............................32
mPower door locks........................34NLocking and unlocking with the door lock
switch...............................34
NLocking and unlocking with key or inside lock
knob................................35
NLocking by means of the inside lock knob.....35
mTrunk lid..............................35
NRemote trunk lid release..................37
NInside emergency trunk release.............37
mFuel filler.............................39
mEngine hood release......................41
mPower windows........................43
NDriver switch..........................44
2

NOTE
1. In the following cases, the vehicle may not be able to
receive the registered ID code from the key. This
means the engine will not start even when the regis-
tered key is turned to the9START9position:
·When the key comes into contact with a metallic or
magnetic object.
·When the key comes into contact with another
immobilizing key, or with some other transponder.In case like these, the theft-alarm indicator (located in
the instrument cluster) will blink after 10 seconds. The
theft-alarm indicator will flash for approximately 30
seconds and then go off.
Remove the above object from the key and turn the
key back to the9ACC9or9LOCK9position. Then try
again to start the engine. If the engine does not start,
consult an authorized dealer.
2. Since there is a transponder built into the key, be
careful not to cause shock to the key, such as by dropping
it or by putting heavy objects on top of it.
3. Do not leave the key where it may be exposed to heat
caused by the high temperature and high humidity.
4. Sentry key is not compatible with remote starting
systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle
starting problems and a loss of security protection.
5. A system failure is suspected when the ignition key is
turned to the9START9position, the engine does not start.
In such a case, consult an authorized dealer.
F30A0210
24 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

CAUTION!
²When loading objects in the trunk, position them
so that they will not contact the emergency trunk
release handle when closing the trunk. This will
prevent damage to the handle that could render it
inoperable.
²Always keep the handle in its holder when oper-
ating the vehicle to prevent trunk cargo from
moving the handle that might result in the open-
ing of the trunk lid.
FUEL FILLER
WARNING!
Turn off the engine while refueling.
Do not smoke and do not operate other ignition
sources while refueling.
C20A1520
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 39
2

NOTE: If the fuel tank filler tube cap is not tight while
driving, the ªMalfunction indicator light (SERVICE EN-
GINE SOON)º may illuminate when the onboard diag-
nostic (OBD) system performs its self check.
Always tighten the fuel tank filler tube cap until you hear
clicking sounds. The indicator light will go off after
driving several times. If the indicator light does not go
off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.ENGINE HOOD RELEASE
The engine hood release lever (located under the instru-
ment panel near the driver's door) is used to unlock the
engine hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the engine hood
latch.
F13A1480
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 41
2

WARNING!
²Never release the engine hood using the release
lever while the vehicle is in motion.
²Do not operate the vehicle unless the engine hood
is latched.
Release the safety lever and lift the engine hood.
NOTE: Only open the engine hood when the wipers are
at their parked position to prevent damage to the engine
hood and wipers.
Support the engine hood with the hood prop by
inserting the hood prop securely in the opening in the
hood marked with an arrow.
F13A2240
F13A1710
42 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

To close, unlatch the hood prop from the engine hood
and place the hood prop in its retainer. Slowly lower
the engine hood to about 12 inches (30 cm) from the
closed position, then release it. The hood should latch
from its own weight.
NOTE
: If this does not latch the engine hood, release it
from a slightly higher position.
CAUTION!
Be careful that hands or fingers are not trapped
when closing the engine hood.
POWER WINDOWS
NOTE
1. The windows can be operated when the ignition key is
in the ªON ºposition. The door windows can be opened
F13A1720
F17A0250
Open
Close
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 43
2

or closed for a 30-second period even after the ignition
switch is turned off. However, once the driver's door or
the front passenger's door is opened, the windows can-
not be operated until the ignition switch is turned on
again.
2. Never try to operate the driver switch and passenger
switch in opposing directions at the same time. Doing so
will cause the window to freeze in position.
3. Repeated operation with the engine stopped (key
ªONº) will run down the battery. Operate the window
switches while the engine is running.
WARNING!
²Before operating the power windows, make sure
that nothing can be trapped (head, hand, finger,
etc.) in the window.
²Never leave the vehicle without removing the key.
²Never leave a child in the vehicle alone.
Driver switch
The main driver switch can be used to operate both door
windows.
Windows will move while the switch is being operated
and stop when the switch is released.
1. Driver's door window switch
(To fully open the driver's door window, it is not neces-
sary to hold the switch down for the entire time the
window is being lowered.)
F17A1600
44 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING