2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE engine coolant

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The engine does not start.
The lights do not come on or dim.
The horn does not honk or weak sound.
The battery may have a weak charge. P. 277
The engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator enters the ªHº (hot) position.
Steam comes out of the engine
compartment.
The engine is overheated.
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe place.
If necessary call for roadside assistance.P. 276
INTRODUCTION 17
1

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
CONTENTS
mInstrument cluster......................106
NMeter cluster.........................106
NIndicator and warning light package........107
NSpeedometer.........................108
NTachometer..........................108
NFuel gauge..........................109
NOdometer/Trip odometer................110
NEngine coolant temperature gauge..........111
NTurn signal indicators/hazard warning lights . . 112
NHigh beam indicator...................112
NTheft-alarm indicator...................112
NDoor-ajar warning light and chime.........112NAnti-lock braking system warning light
(if so equipped).......................113
NCruise/speed control indicator............113
NLow-fuel warning light and chime..........113
NFront fog light indicator (if so equipped).....114
NCharging system warning light............114
NOil pressure warning light...............114
NMalfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)...............115
NSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)-air bag
warning light.........................116
NBrake warning light....................117
NSeat belt reminder/warning light...........118
4

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Meter cluster
1. Fuel gauge
2. Tachometer
3. Speedometer
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Odometer6. Trip odometer
7. Trip odometer reset button
D01A2700
106 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

since the current trip began and Tripcan be used to
measure the distance from an intermediate location.
To return either Trip
or Tripdisplay to zero,
press the reset button (3) for more than one second. Only
the currently displayed value will be reset.
If Trip
is displayed, for example, only Tripwill
be reset.
NOTE
1. Display TRIPand TRIPeach have a maxi-
mum distance of 9999.9 mile (16 093.28 km)
2. When disconnecting the battery for a long time, the
memory of trip meter display
andwill clear,
and the display returns to ª0º.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
This gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature.
When the engine temperature is low, the indicator will
remain at the ªCº (cold) position. The indicator will
gradually rise as the engine is warmed up.
The indicator will normally stay near the center while
driving, but may rise slightly in congested traffic or when
the engine is under a heavy load.
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 111
4

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

over curbs or parking stop blocks. Always use caution
when traveling up or down sharp inclines as your
bumper may contact the road surface.
2. Maintain specified tire inflation pressures. Replace
tires before they are excessively worn.
3. If you plan to drive in another country, comply with
the vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel.
OPERATION DURING COLD WEATHER
1. Check the battery, including terminals and cables.
During extremely cold weather, the battery capacity will
decrease. Also, the battery power level may drop because
more power is needed for cold starting and operation.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are at their usual
intensity. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
During cold weather, it is possible that a discharged
battery could freeze.
WARNING!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could seriously injury or kill you.
Always wear protective clothes and a face shield
when doing battery maintenance, or let a skilled
technician do it.
2. Manual transaxles may be more difficult to shift
during cold weather operation. This is normal and shift
effort will become easier as the transaxle reaches a
normal operating temperature.
Maintain low-speed operation at first to allow the trans-
axle oil to be distributed to all lubrication points.
3. Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is a shortage of coolant due to leakage or engine
overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water. The recommended ratio is about 50% water
and 50% anti-freeze. This ratio provides adequate corro-
sion, boiling, and freeze protection.
202 STARTING AND DRIVING

Changing the blower speed
The blower may be operated (when the ignition key is in
the ON position) at 4 different speeds. Select the best
speed to fit your needs. When the blower switch is set to
the ``O'' position, all air conditioning functions will stop.
Changing the temperature
Select the desired temperature level by turning the tem-
perature control dial either clockwise or counterclock-
wise. Turning the temperature control dial clockwise
makes the air warmer.
NOTE: When the engine coolant temperature is low, the
temperature of air introduced into the passenger com-
partment does not change even if the temperature control
dial is moved to the high temperature side.
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FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 237
6

CAUTION!
²The emergency tire is to be used only temporarily
when the standard tire is damaged. Repair the
damaged tire as soon as possible. Replace the
emergency tire with the standard tire.
²After changing the tire and driving the vehicle
approximately 621 miles (1000 km), retighten the
wheel nuts to make sure that they are not loose.
²If the steering wheel vibrates after changing the
tire, have the tire checked for balance at an autho-
rized dealer.
²Avoid mixing one type of tire with another type or
using tires of a size other than the specified size.
Premature mechanical wear and reduced handling
may result.
ENGINE OVERHEATING
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator enters
the ªHº (hot) position, the engine may be overheated.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
278 EMERGENCIES