2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE air condition

Overview - Instruments and controls
1. Instrument cluster!p. 106
2. Ignition switch!p. 1473. Supplemental restraint system-air bag
(For driver 's seat)!p. 89
Horn switch!p. 132
4. Hazard warning flasher switch!p. 123
5. Windshield wiper and washer switch!p. 126
6. Vents!p. 233
7. Supplemental restraint system-air bag
(For front passenger 's seat)!p. 89
8. Audio
9. Rear window defroster switch!p. 125
10. Air conditioning!p. 234
11. Fog light switch (if so equipped)!p. 123
12. Hood release lever!p. 41
13. Instrument panel light dimmer control!p. 124
14. Combination headlight, dimmer and turn-signal
lever!p. 119
15. Cruise control lever!p. 113
16. Accessory socket!p. 209
17. Parking brake lever!p. 167
18. Gearshift or selector lever!p. 151, 156
6 INTRODUCTION

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. Page
Cannot turn the key
(1)ªLOCKº to ªACCº
Turn the key while slightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.
(2)ºACCº to ªLOCKº
Vehicle with automatic transaxle
Check the position of gear selector lever.
The key cannot be removed unless the gear selector
lever is set to the ªPº (PARK) position.
Vehicle with manual transaxle
Place the key at the ``ACC'' position. Push the key in
and turn it.P. 149
Cannot shift the gear selector lever
from the ªPº (PARK) positionShift the gear selector lever while depressing the brake
pedal. Check if the ignition key is in the ªONº position.P. 152, 157
The windows are fogged up.
1.Set the heater/air conditioning mode selection dial to
the ªºorªº position.
2.Turn on the blower.P. 242
16 INTRODUCTION

5. The shoulder belt portion will allow regular move-
ment under normal conditions. The belt will lock in the
event of an abrupt change in vehicle motion.
6. To release the belt, push the button on the buckle. The
belt retracts automatically, so hold the tongue when the
belt is released and while it retracts. Should the belt not
fully return to its stowed position, pull the shoulder belt
down slightly and release quickly.
Adjustable seat belt shoulder anchor (front seats)
The seat belt shoulder anchor height can be adjusted for
greater comfort.
To move the anchor down, depress the lock knob (A). To
move the anchor up, simply slide the anchor up to the
desired position (there is no need to depress the lock
knob).
G28A0260
G08C0070
SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS 73
3

SRS warning light
There is a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning
light on the instrument panel. The system checks itself
each time the ignition is turned on and the light indicates
if there is a problem.
When the ignition key is turned to the ``ON'' or ``START''
position, the warning light should come on for several
seconds and then go out. This means the system isworking properly. The SRS warning light is shared by the
driver 's air bag, the front passenger 's air bag, and the
optional side air bags.
The air bags will operate only when the ignition switch is
in the ``ON'' or ``START'' position
WARNING!
²If any of the following conditions occur, the SRS
is not working properly and you should immedi-
ately have it inspected by an authorized dealer;
²The SRS warning light does not illuminate
when you start the vehicle.
²The SRS warning light does not go out after
several seconds.
²The SRS warning light comes on while driving.
SRS servicing
The entire SRS must be inspected by an authorized dealer
10 years after the vehicle's manufacture date as shown on
the certification label located on the center pillar of the
vehicle, on the driver's side.
G28G3980
100 SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS

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.
I21A0230
STARTING AND DRIVING 149
5

8. Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance
is noticeably less, or that there is unnecessary engine
miss, or any other engine trouble, such as with the
ignition, etc. If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for only a short time.
Have an inspection made by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
9. In an unusual event of a severe engine malfunction, a
scorching odor may indicate severe and abnormal cata-
lytic converter overheating. If this occurs, the vehicle
should be stopped in a safe place, the engine shut off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine is cool, the
vehicle should immediately be taken to a dealer for
service.
VEHICLE PREPARATION BEFORE DRIVING
Before starting on a trip, perform the following checks to
obtain the greatest possible enjoyment and safety from
your vehicle:
Seat belts and seats
1. Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and
all your passengers are seated and properly wearing the
seat belts (with children in the rear seat, in appropriate
restraints), and that all doors are locked.
2.
Adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible, while still
maintaining good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Examine the instru-
ment panel indicators for any possible malfunction.
3. Have the front passenger adjust their seat as far
rearward as possible.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defroster mode and set
the blower switch for high speed operation. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the windshield.
(See ªHeater /Air conditioningº page 234.)
Tires
Examine all tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks.
STARTING AND DRIVING 199
5

6. Always obey applicable laws and regulations. Be a
courteous and alert driver.
Always leave room for unexpected events, such as sud-
den braking.
7. Never drive when you are sleepy or fatigued. Never
drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medica-
tion.
8. Never leave the engine running while you take a short
sleep/rest. Leaving the engine running while sleeping
risks injury or death from accidentally moving the gear-
shift lever or the accumulation of toxic exhaust fumes in
the passenger compartment.
DRIVING, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired even with
blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you
have been drinking, don't drive. Ride with a designated
non-drinking driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public
transportation. Drinking coffee, or taking a cold shower,
will not make you sober.Similarly, prescription and nonprescription drugs affect
your alertness, perception and reaction time. Consult
with your doctor or pharmacist.
WARNING!
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
Your perceptions are less, your reflexes slower and
your judgment impaired.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking alcohol can lead to an acci-
dent. Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes
are slower, and your judgment is impaired when you
have been drinking.
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
1. Your front bumper fascia may become damaged if you
do not stop your vehicle prior to the bumper extending
STARTING AND DRIVING 201
5

mVents................................235
NAir flow rate and direction adjustments......235
mAir conditioning.......................236
NControl panel........................236
NChanging the blower speed...............237
NChanging the temperature...............237
NChanging mode selection................238
NChanging air selection..................242
NAir conditioning switch.................243NHow to use the controls.................244
NDefrosting or defogging of the windshield
and door windows.....................244
NImportant operation tips for air conditioning . . 247
NAir conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations...............247
NDuring a long period of disuse............248
mInstallation of accessories.................248
208 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING