2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE ignition

WINDSHIELD WASHER
The windshield washer can be operated by pulling the
lever toward you to spray fluid when the ignition key is
in either the ªONº or ªACCº position.
When washer fluid is sprayed, the wipers will automati-
cally operate several times.
The spraying fluid stops when the lever is released.
PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE WHEN USING
WIPERS AND WASHERS
CAUTION!
If the washer is used in cold weather, the washer
fluid sprayed onto the glass might freeze, resulting
in poor visibility. Heat the glass with the defroster
before using the washer.
NOTE
1. Do not use the wipers when the glass is dry; this could
scratch the glass and wear the wiper blades prematurely.
2. Before operating the wipers in cold weather, check to
be sure that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
windshield. Attempting to operate the wipers while the
blades are frozen could damage the wiper motor.
3. If the wipers become blocked by ice or other deposits
on the glass, the motor may be damaged even if the
wiper switch is OFF. If obstruction occurs, park your
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128 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

vehicle in a safe place, turn off the ignition, and clean the
deposits from the glass so that the wipers operate
smoothly.
4. Avoid using the washer for more than 20 seconds at a
time. To avoid pump damage, do not operate the washer
when the fluid reservoir is empty.
5. During cold weather, be sure to add a washer solution
that will not freeze in the washer reservoir. Failure to do
so could result in the loss of windshield washer function
and damage to the system components.
6. Replace wiper blades when they are worn to avoid
loss of visibility when in use. Use the appropriate size
replacement blades; if you have questions, ask your
authorized dealer.DOME LIGHT
The dome/reading light can be operated by moving the
switch as follows:
1. (ON) - The dome light ``ON''.
2. (DOOR) - The dome light goes on when any door is
opened.
3. (OFF) - The dome light stays ``OFF''.
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Type 1
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 129
4

Push the light switch (A) to turn on the light, and push
the light switch again to turn them off.
LIGHTS (DOME LIGHTS, ETC.) AUTO-CUTOUT
FUNCTION
If any of the interior lights is left on with the ignition key
in the ``LOCK'' position, the light goes off automatically
after approximately 30 minutes to prevent the battery
from running down.
The light comes on again if the ignition key is turned to
the9ON9or9ACC9position (except ``Dome Light'' Type
2), or ``ON'' position (``Dome light'' Type 2 only), any
door is opened and closed, or the keyless entry system is
operated.
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130 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

STARTING AND DRIVING
CONTENTS
mBreak-in recommendations................144
mFuel selection.........................144
NGasoline additives.....................145
NOctane requirement....................145
NReformulated gasoline..................145
NGasoline/Oxygenate blends..............146
NMMT in gasoline......................146
NSulfur in gasoline......................146
NMaterials added to fuel..................147
NAdding fuel..........................147
mFuel economy.........................149
mIgnition switch........................149
mKey reminder chime....................150
mTheft protection........................151
mSteering lock..........................151
mStarting..............................151
NTips for starting.......................151
NNormal conditions.....................152
NFlooded engine.......................153
NAt extremely cold ambient temperature......153
mAutomatic transaxle (if so equipped)........153
NSelector lever operation.................154
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

NOTE: For vehicles with an automatic transaxle, the key
cannot be removed unless the selector lever is set to the
ªPº (PARK) position.
ACC
Allows operation of electrical accessories with the engine
off.
START
Engages the starter. After the engine starts, release the
key and it will return automatically to the ªONº position.
ON
The engine runs and all accessories can be used.
NOTE:Do not use the ªONº position to operate acces-
sories.
CAUTION!
²Do not remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch while driving. The steering wheel will
lock, causing loss of control.
²If the engine is turned off while driving, the
power brake servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deteriorate. Also,
the power steering system will not function and it
will require greater effort to operate the steering.
²Do not leave the key in the ªONº position for a
long time when the engine is not running; doing
so will cause the battery to discharge.
²Do not turn the key to the ªSTARTº position
when the engine is running; doing so could dam-
age the starter motor.
KEY REMINDER CHIME
If the driver's door is opened while the ignition key is in
the ªLOCKº or ªACCº position, a warning chime
sounds.
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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!
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