2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE alarm

NGear positions........................156
NDriving speed
(Vehicles with automatic transaxle).........157
NHolding on an upgrade.................157
NTransaxle reset mode...................158
mAutomatic transaxle Autostick
(if so equipped)
........................158
NSelector lever operation.................159
NIndicator lights.......................161
NSelector positions (Main gate).............162
NSelector positions Manual gate Autostick.....163
NHolding on an upgrade.................165
NTransaxle reset mode...................166
mManual transaxle (if so equipped)..........166
NTo start.............................167
NProper shift points.....................167NRecommended downshifting speed.........169
NDriving precautions....................169
mParking brake.........................169
mBrake pedal...........................171
mPower brakes.........................172
mBrake pad wear alarm...................172
mAnti-lock braking (ABS) system
(if so equipped)
........................173
NGeneral driving hints
(standard/anti-lock brakes)...............173
mSteering wheel tilt lock lever..............175
mPower steering........................176
mInside Day/Night rearview mirrors.........177
NElectrochromic inside rearview mirror
(if so equipped.......................178
NElectrochromic mirror operation
(if so equipped).......................179
142 STARTING AND DRIVING

THEFT PROTECTION
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition switch and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lighted
area.
The ignition key can only be removed in the ªLOCKº
position. If the key is left in the lock cylinder, a warning
chime sounds when the driver's door is opened.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a Theft-alarm
system, refer to ªTheft-alarm systemº.
STEERING LOCK
Withdraw the key and the steering wheel will be locked.
Turn the steering wheel to confirm that it is locked.
CAUTION!
If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
(ACC(position to unlock the steering wheel.
STARTING
Tips for starting
1. Do not operate the starter motor continuously for
longer than 15 seconds at a time; doing so could run
down the battery. If the engine does not start, turn the
ignition switch back to ªLOCKº, wait a few seconds, and
then try again.
2. If the engine will not start because the battery is weak
or dead, refer to ªJump-starting the engineº section (page
277) for instructions on starting the engine.
3. The engine is well warmed up if the pointer of the
coolant temperature gauge starts to move. Extended
warm up operation will result in excessive fuel consump-
tion.
STARTING AND DRIVING 151
5

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
POWER BRAKES
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 evidentby increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
WARNING!
²Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep
the engine running whenever the vehicle is in
motion. If the engine is stopped while driving, the
power assist servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deteriorate.
²If power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic
systems lose normal capability, take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE PAD WEAR ALARM
The disc brakes are equipped with an alarm device that
produces a metallic sound (squeal) when the brake pads
have worn down to the serviceable limit. If you hear this
sound, have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.
172 STARTING AND DRIVING

Accessory boxes........................ 213
Accessory (installation)................... 248
Adding Fuel.......................... 147
Air cleaner filter........................ 316
Air conditioning........................ 236
Aluminum wheel....................... 259
Antenna.............................. 219
Anti-lock braking system warning light . . . 107,113
Assist-starting procedures if battery is low.... 279
Automatic transaxle indicator.............. 119
Automatic transaxle oil temperature
warning light.......................... 107
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 327
Driving speed........................ 157
Gear positions....................... 156
Holding on an upgrade................ 165
Oil temperature warning light............ 107
Parking............................ 169
Reset Mode.......................158,166
Selector lever operation................. 153
Automatic transmission.................. 158
Autostick............................. 163Ball joint, steering linkage seal and drive
shaft boots............................ 329
Battery............................... 325
Charging system warning light........107,114
During cold weather................... 202
Specification......................... 366
Brake pad wear alarm................... 172
Brake System.......................... 172
Fluid.............................. 323
Hose.............................. 329
Parking brake.....................169,332
Pedal.............................. 171
Power brakes........................ 172
Warning light........................ 117
Warning sound for brake pad wear........ 172
Brake
Parking brake........................ 332
Pedal.............................. 171
Break-in recommendations................ 144
Bulb chart.........................293,294
Car preparation before driving............. 199
Cargo loads........................... 337
382 INDEX

UNIBELT restraint system............... 69
Seatback.............................. 60
Seats
Front seats........................... 57
Rear seats............................ 66
SECURITY indicator................49,107,112
Service Assistance...................... 372
Service Manuals........................ 377
Setting the clock........................ 216
Severe maintenance schedule.............. 349
Snow tires............................ 339
Spare tire.......................266,267,367
Spark plugs........................317,369
Speedometer.......................106,108
Starting
At extremely cold ambient temperature..... 153
Flooded engine....................... 153
Normal conditions.................... 152
Steering system
Steering lock......................... 151
Tilt lock lever........................ 175
Sun visors............................ 209
Sunroof............................... 46Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag
Maintenance......................... 329
Warning light.....................107,116
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Air bag . . 89
Supplemental Restraint System warning light . . 116
Tachometer........................106,108
Tape Player........................... 219
Temperature Gage, Engine Coolant.......... 279
Theft protection........................ 151
Theft-alarm
SECURITY indicator..............49,107,112
System.............................. 48
Timing belt........................... 334
Tips for driving in various conditions........ 201
Tire chains............................ 339
Ti re s
Compact spare tire.................... 267
Inflation pressure...............334,366,367
Maintenance......................334,337
Quality Grading...................... 379
Rotation............................ 338
Size (tire and wheels).................. 367
INDEX 387