2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE warning light

IF THE VEHICLE BREAKS DOWN
If the vehicle breaks down on the road, move to the
shoulder and activate the hazard warning flashers. If
there is no shoulder, or the shoulder is not safe, drive in
the right lane, slowly, with the hazard flashers activated,
until you reach a safe place to stop. Keep the flashers
activated.
If the engine quits
If the engine stops, power will be lost to the steering and
brakes, making steering and braking difficult.
1. The brake booster becomes inoperative and the brake
pedal will be harder to push than usual.
2. Since power steering system is not operative, the
steering wheel will be stiff when turning. Turn the wheel
with more effort than usual.
OPERATION UNDER ADVERSE DRIVING
CONDITIONS
If your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the wheels.
Move the gearshift lever or selector lever rhythmically
between the 1st and REVERSE position (with manual
transaxle), ``L'' (Low) and ``R'' (REVERSE) position (with
automatic transaxle), Autostick and ``R'' (REVERSE posi-
tion (with automatic transaxle autostick), while applying
slight pressure to the accelerator pedal.
Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels. Pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes to let the
transaxle cool between rocking attempts.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking at-
tempts, seek other assistance.
EMERGENCIES 263
8

WARNING!
When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that the area around the vehicle is
clear of people. The rocking motion may cause the
vehicle to suddenly lurch forward or backward,
causing injury to by-standers.
On a wet road
CAUTION!
²Avoid flooded roads. Water depth can be decep-
tive, and you could be seriously hurt by driving
into flood water.
²When driving in rain, on water-covered roads, or
through a vehicle wash, water could enter the
brake drum linings or discs, resulting in tempo-
rarily ineffective brakes. In such cases, lightly
depress the brake pedal to see if the brakes
operate properly. If they do not, lightly depress
the pedal several times while driving in order to
dry the brake pads or linings, then check them
again.
264 EMERGENCIES

Before installing the wheel cover to the wheel, make sure
that the opening with the symbol mark is correctly
aligned with the air valve.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
If a tire must be changed, do so only after making sure
the vehicle is stopped in a safe, flat location.
Jacking up the vehicle
1. Park the vehicle on level and stable ground.
2. Switch on the hazard warning flashers, set up a
warning triangle, flashing signal light, etc., at an ad-
equate distance from the vehicle, and have all passengers
leave the vehicle. Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº
position.
3. Set the parking brake firmly, and move the gearshift
lever (manual transaxle) to the ªNº (Neutral) position or
move the selector lever (automatic transaxle) to the ªPº
(PARK) position.4. Apply a chock or block (A) at the tire diagonally
opposite the tire (B) to be changed.
NOTE: The chock shown is not supplied with the ve-
hicle. It is recommended that you keep one in the vehicle
for use if required.
N24A0100
A
B
270 EMERGENCIES

NOTE: Turn off all lights, heater and other electrical
loads. This will avoid sparks and help save both batter-
ies.
4. Make sure battery electrolyte is at the proper level.
(See ªBatteryº on page 323.)
WARNING!
If electrolyte fluid is not visible, or appears to be
frozen, do not attempt jump starting.
The battery might rupture or explode if the tempera-
ture is below the freezing point or if it is not filled to
the proper level.
N29A0790
EMERGENCIES 281
8

WARNING!
²Always wear protective clothing and goggles
when working near the battery.
²Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes
If the vehicle is driven without sufficient battery charge,
after the engine has been started by using booster cables,
the engine may misfire. This can cause the anti-lock
braking system warning light to blink on and off. This is
a result of insufficient battery voltage; it is not a malfunc-
tion of the brake system. If this happens, fully charge the
battery before driving.
TOWING
When towing your vehicle, all state and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. When towing is required, contact a
professional towing service and make sure that flat bed type,
dolly type or wheel lift type towing equipment is used. Do
not attempt to be towed by another vehicle with a rope using
the tie-down hooks.
CAUTION!
²Tie-down hooks should never be used for towing
purposes.
²This vehicle can NOT be towed by a tow truck
using sling lift type equipment. This is to prevent
the bumper from deformation. If this vehicle is
towed, use wheel lift, dolly type or flat bed
equipment.
²Use the flat bed type, dolly type or dolly type
equipment if a vehicle has the following condi-
tions:
·Any of the transaxle, axles, steering system or
power train is damaged.
·Automatic transaxle fluid level is low.
284 EMERGENCIES

No. Symbol Electrical system Capacity
1
Fuse (+B) 60A
2
Radiator fan motor 50A
3
Anti-lock braking system 60A
4
Ignition switch 40A
5
Electric window controls 30A
6
Fog lights 15A
7Ð Ð Ð
8
Horn 15A
9
Engine control 20A
10
Air conditioning 10A
11
Stop lights 15A
12
ÐÐ
13
Alternator 7.5A
14
Hazard warning flasher 10A
15
Automatic transaxle 20A
16
Headlights high beam (right) 10A
17
Headlights high beam (left) 10A
18
Headlights low beam (right) 10A
19
Headlights low beam (left) 10A
20
Position lights (right) 7.5A
21
Position lights (left) 7.5A
No. Symbol Electrical system Capacity
22
Dome lights 10A
23
Audio 10A
24
Fuel pump 15A
25
Defroster 40A
²Some fuses may not be installed on your vehicle. Fuse
application depends on the vehicle model, specifica-
tions, or options.
7.5A BROWN
10A RED
15A LIGHT BLUE
20A YELLOW
30A GREEN
40A GREEN
50A RED
60A YELLOW
290 EMERGENCIES

If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel. Tighten the cap until you hear it ªclick.º
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to insure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
Fuel system (tank, filler tube, connections, and
fuel tank filler cap)
Check periodically for damage or leakage in the fuel lines
and connections, and check for damage and looseness of
the fuel tank filler tube cap. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those fuel lines nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
WARNING!
If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not
operate the vehicle. Any spark (including from the
ignition ), flame or smoking material could cause an
explosion or fire. Call an authorized dealer for
assistance.
Fuel hoses
Inspect the surfaces of hoses for evidence of heat and
mechanical damage, hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
tears, cuts and abrasions. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those hose surfaces nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect all
hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make
sure they are secure and that no leaks exist. If there is any
evidence of deterioration or damage, hoses should be
replaced immediately.
MAINTENANCE 315
9

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