2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE key

Transaxle Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the trans-
axle automatically shifts into second gear. The transaxle
remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected.
Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will continue to
operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven
to a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
If the problem has been momentary, the transaxle can be
reset to regain all forward gears.
²Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
²Turn the key to OFF then start the engine.
²Shift into ªDº and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
The shift pattern is shown on the gearshift lever. Depress
the clutch pedal fully while shifting gears.
NOTE: During cold weather, shifting may be difficult/
stiff until the transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is
normal and not a sign of a problem.
I29A0020
166 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don't leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
BRAKE PEDAL
Excessive use of the brake can cause fading, resulting in
poor brake response and premature wear of brake lin-
ings.
When driving down a long or steep grade, use engine
braking by shifting the transaxle into a lower gear
(manual transaxle and Autostick A/T) or ª3º (THIRD) or
ª2º (SECOND) or ªLº (LOW) position (except Autostick
A/T).
WARNING!
Do not leave any objects on the floor near the brake
pedal or permit a floor mat to interfere with the
brake pedal. Doing so could prevent proper depres-
sion of the pedal. Make sure that the pedal can be
operated freely at all times.
STARTING AND DRIVING 171
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

How to change the display mode
The mode will change in order by pressing the display
switch for the following seconds.1. When the ignition key is ªACCº or ªONº position,
automatic anti-glare operate and current outside tem-
perature and compass are displayed.
I08A0600
180 STARTING AND DRIVING

6. If you press the display switch more than 12 seconds,
you can recalibrate compass variance.!186Outside temperature (if so equipped)
When the ignition key is in the ªACCº or ªONº position,
the current outside temperature is displayed.I08A0590
I08A0600
STARTING AND DRIVING 183
5

Compass operation
When the ignition key is in the ªACCº or ªONº position,
the vehicle's current directional heading (N, NE, E, SE, S,
SW, W and NW) will be displayed.
Magnetic variation of compass
Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance
cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for
magnetic variation of compass. Magnetic variation of
compass is the difference between earth's magnetic northand true geographic north. If not adjusted to account for
magnetic variation of compass, your compass could give
false readings.
To adjust for magnetic variation of compass
1. Press the display switch more than 9 seconds, less than
12 seconds. The current zone number will appear in the
display.
I08A0600
I08A0610
STARTING AND DRIVING 185
5

If the ªCALº is not displayed, but compass calibration is
required, press and hold the display switch for 12 sec-
onds, or until ªCALº is displayed. With ªCALº dis-
played, drive the vehicle in a circle at less than 5mph
(8km/h) or less until the ªCALº goes off.
Cleaning of the mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause the liquid
cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Electric remote-controlled outside mirrors
The outside rearview mirrors can be adjusted when the
ignition key is in the ªONº or ªACCº position.
Place the lever to the same side as the mirror whose
adjustment is desired:
L - Left outside mirror adjustment
R - Right outside mirror adjustment
I08B2160
188 STARTING AND DRIVING

procedure:
(1) The ignition key is turned OFF.
(2) The main switch is turned OFF.
TRACTION CONTROL (IF SO EQUIPPED)
On slippery surfaces, traction control system prevents the
drive wheels (front wheels) from excessive spinning,
during starting or while accelerating in turns on slippery
roads.
NOTE
²
The traction control system functions at speeds
below about 25mph (40km/h).
²Some vibration will be felt in the vehicle body and a
whining sound of a motor will be heard from the
engine compartment when the traction control sys-
tem functions. This is a normal result of the traction
control system operation, and does not indicate a
malfunction.
Driving hints
1. Traction control system does not actively apply brakes.
Always decelerate the vehicle sufficiently before entering
corners or bends.
2. On snowy or icy roads, drive slowly using tire chains
or snow tires.
3. Never mix or use tires of different size since the
traction control system could function incorrectly and
make safe driving difficult.
196 STARTING AND DRIVING