2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE automatic transmission

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

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
I07A0020I07A0030
170 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
TRAILER TOWING
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with manual
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with automatic
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
²If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of the
tow vehicle load capacity when loading the vehicle.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for transmission fluid replacement.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are recom-
mended for motoring safety.
STARTING AND DRIVING 203
5

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

Snow tires.......................... 339
Spare tire........................... 266
Tire chains.......................... 339
Tread wear indicators.................. 337
Tools................................ 266
Towing.............................. 284
Trailering........................... 203
Trailer Towing......................... 203
Transaxle
Automatic transaxle................... 153
Autostick........................... 163
Manual transaxle..................... 166
Transmission
Automatic transmission................ 158
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 132
Transporting Pets....................... 102
Trip odometer......................... 106
Trip odometer reset button................ 106
Trunklid .............................. 35
Turbocharger boost gauge................ 106
Turn signal indicators.................107,112
Lever.............................. 122Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 379
Universal Transmitter.................... 132
Vanity mirror.......................... 209
Vehicle Identification Number............... 5
Vehicle labeling........................ 364
Vehicle Weights........................ 367
Ventilators............................ 235
Warnings and Cautions.................... 5
Warranty Information.................... 374
Washer fluid level indicator............... 107
Washer
Windshield.......................128,331
Washing.............................. 255
Waxing.............................. 257
Wheel covers.......................... 268
Whip antenna......................... 219
Windshield washers..................128,331
Windshield wiper blades................. 331
Windshield wipers...................... 126
388 INDEX