2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE lights

mCruise/speed control....................189
NTo activate...........................190
NTo deactivate.........................194
NTo resume the set speed.................195
mTraction control (if so equipped)...........196
mCatalytic converter.....................197
mVehicle preparation before driving..........199
NSeat belts and seats....................199
NDefrosters...........................199
NTires...............................199NLights..............................200
NFluid leaks..........................200
NDriver..............................200
mSafe driving techniques..................200
mDriving, alcohol and drugs...............201
mTips for driving in various conditions........201
mOperation during cold weather............202
mTrailer Towing.........................203
NWarranty Requirements.................203
STARTING AND DRIVING 143
5

FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your per-
sonal driving habits can have a significant effect on your
fuel economy. Several recommendations for achieving
maximum fuel economy are listed below.
1. When pulling away from traffic lights or stop signs,
accelerate slowly and smoothly.
2. When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.
3. Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.
4. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pres-
sures.
5. For freeway driving, maintain a constant speed within
the posted limits when traffic, roadway and weather
conditions safely permit, for the best fuel economy.
6. Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this manual.
7. Keep your vehicle ªtuned-upº.
An out-of-tune engine wastes fuel and costs money.
8. Reduce excess vehicle load.
IGNITION SWITCH
LOCK
For vehicles with a manual transaxle, when removing the
key, push the key in at the ªACCº position and keep it
depressed until it is turned to the ªLOCKº position, and
remove the key.
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle: When remov-
ing the key, first set the gear selector lever to the ªPº
(PARK) position, and then turn the key to ªLOCKº and
remove it.
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STARTING AND DRIVING 149
5

WARNING!
Never run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated
area any longer than is needed to move your vehicle
in or out of the area. Carbon monoxide gas, which is
odorless, colorless and extremely poisonous, could
build up, and cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
²Do not start the vehicle by pushing or pulling.
²Do not run the engine at high rpm or drive the
vehicle at high speed until the engine has had a
chance to warm up.
²Release the ignition key as soon as the engine
starts to avoid damaging the starter motor.
This vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled
fuel injection system that automatically controls fuel
quantity. When starting the engine, there is normally no
need to depress the accelerator pedal.
Normal conditions
The starting procedure is as follows:
1. Insert the ignition key and make sure all occupants are
properly seated with seat belts fastened.
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal down with your
right foot.
3. Set the gearshift selector lever (manual transaxle) in
the ªNº (NEUTRAL) position, or the selector lever (au-
tomatic transaxle) in the ªPº (PARK) position.
4. Fully depress the clutch pedal (manual transaxle).
NOTE: For models equipped with a manual trans-
axle, the starter will not operate unless the clutch
pedal is fully depressed (Clutch interlock).
5. After turning the ignition key to the ªONº position,
make certain that all warning lights are functioning
properly before starting the engine.
6. Turn the ignition key to the ªSTARTº position without
depressing the accelerator pedal, and release the key
when the engine starts.
152 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a gear from the ªNº (NEUTRAL)
position. When beginning to drive, do not shift the
selector lever from the ªNº (NEUTRAL) position
while depressing the accelerator pedal; doing so may
cause the vehicle to ªjumpº forward or backward.
CAUTION!
If the button is always depressed to operate the
selector lever, the lever may be accidentally shifted
into the ªPº, ªRº position. Be sure not to depress the
button when performing the operations indicated by
in the illustration.
NOTE:
If the brake pedal is not depressed and held, the
shift-lock device activates to prevent the selector lever
from being moved from the ªPº (PARK) position.Indicator lights
A - Selector lever position indicator light
B - ªNº indicator light
The indicator lights in the instrument panel are for
indicating the selector lever position (A).
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STARTING AND DRIVING 161
5

3. In Autostick, downward shifts are made automatically
when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops,
1st gear is automatically selected.
4. When starting out on slippery roads, push the selector
lever forward into the + (UP) position. This puts the
transmission into 2nd gear and is better for starting out
on slippery roads. Push the selector lever to the ±
(DOWN) side to shift back to 1st gear.
5. Move the selector lever gently between the manual
and main gates and between positions in the manual
gate. Undue force could damage the selector lever.Indication lights
In Autostick, the currently selected gear is indicated by
the lights on the instrument panel.
NOTE: When Autostick is selected, the ªDº indicator
goes off.
Holding on an upgrade
To avoid transaxle overheating, never hold the vehicle
stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal.
Instead, use the brake pedal.
I04S0530
STARTING AND DRIVING 165
5

INSIDE DAY/NIGHT REARVIEW MIRRORS
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to adjust the rearview mirrors
while driving. This can be dangerous.
²Your passenger's side mirror is convex. The ob-
jects you see in the mirror will look smaller and
farther away than they actually are. Do not use
this mirror to estimate the distance of following
vehicles when changing lanes.
Adjust the inside mirror to maximize the view through
the rear window. Make this adjustment while the day/
night knob (A) is in the daytime position (1). To reduce
glare from other vehicle's headlights, switch the lever to
the night position (2).
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STARTING AND DRIVING 177
5

Electrochromic inside rearview mirror (if so
equipped)
When the ignition key is in the ªACCº or ªONº position,
the green indicator (A) should be illuminated. If not,
press the display switch (C) for more than 6 seconds, less
than 9 seconds, until the indicator illuminates. Now the
mirror automatically dims to the proper level to mini-
mize glare from lights behind you after dark.
I08A0630I08A0640
178 STARTING AND DRIVING

Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (including spare
tire) for proper pressure. Maintain specified tire inflation
pressures. Replace tires before they are excessively worn.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you activate the controls. Check the turn signals
and highbeam indicators on the instrument panel.
Fluid leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Make sure all fluid
levels are at the proper levels. Also, if fuel leaks are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
Driver
Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Do not drive if you
have been drinking or taking drugs. Unless you are alert
and able to concentrate on your driving, you could have
an accident, resulting in serious or fatal injury to yourself
and others.
SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Even this vehicle's safety equipment, and your safest
driving, cannot guarantee that you can avoid accident or
injury. However, we recommend that you give extra
attention to the following, to help maximize the safety of
you and your passengers:
1. Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and
weather conditions. Leave adequate stopping distance
for your vehicle.
2. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash
the proper turn-signal light.
3. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. During an emergency stop, switch on the hazard
warning flasher.
5. When leaving the vehicle, set the parking brake and
place the gearshift lever into low gear.
In vehicles with an automatic transaxle, place the selector
lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. Remove the key.
200 STARTING AND DRIVING