2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE gas type

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of an engine malfunction, particularly one
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Prolonged operation of your vehicle while it is
overheated may result in damage to the converter
and vehicle.
WARNING!
²Do not park or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as dry grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust, since a fire
could occur.
²Undercoating should not be applied to the cata-
lytic converter.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
1. Use UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY of the type rec-
ommended in ªFuel selectionº.
2. Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running
out of fuel could damage the catalytic converter.
3. Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion.
4. Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle. If the battery is weak or discharged, use jumper
cables to properly start the engine.
5. Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when performing
diagnostic tests.
6. Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods if it is
idling roughly or otherwise obviously malfunctioning.
7. To prevent the catalytic converter from being dam-
aged due to unburned gas, do not race the engine when
turning off the ignition switch.
198 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
²Some types of washers (including coin-operated
washers) apply high temperature and high pres-
sure to the vehicle, which may cause heat distor-
tion and damage to the resin parts of the vehicle
body, leakage of water into the vehicle, etc. There-
fore, be sure to observe the following.
²Maintain a good distance of approx. 16 in. (40 cm)
or more between the vehicle body and the wash-
ing nozzle.
²When washing around the door glass, hold the
nozzle at a distance of more than 40 in.(1m) and at
right angles to the glass surface.
During cold weather
Salt and other chemicals that are spread on winter roads
in some geographical areas can have a detrimental effect
on the vehicle underbody. You should flush the under-
body with a high pressure hose every time you wash the
exterior of your vehicle.
Special care should be taken to remove mud or other
debris which could trap and hold salt and moisture.
After washing your vehicle, wipe off all water drops from
the rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors
from freezing.
NOTE: When a door is frozen, opening it by force may
tear or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door.
Therefore, pour warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to
wipe off water thoroughly after opening the door. To help
prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors,
hood, etc., treat the rubber seal with a lubricant designed
for rubber.
256 VEHICLE CARE

Electric rear window defroster switch........ 125
Emission-control system maintenance........ 313
Engine compartment.................259,311
Engine coolant......................... 322
Engine coolant level warning light.......... 107
Engine coolant temperature gauge.......106,111
Engine hood release...................... 41
Engine oil and oil filter.................. 318
Engine overheating..................... 278
Engine serial number.................... 365
Engine specifications.................... 369
Exhaust system.....................330,369
Fluid
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 327
Brake fluid.......................... 323
Clutch fluid......................... 324
Fog light switch........................ 123
Front fog lamp indicator lamp............. 114
Front seat adjustment..................... 57
Fuel
Filler Cap........................... 148
Fuel economy........................ 149Fuel filler............................ 39
Fuel gauge.......................106,109
Fuel hoses.......................... 315
Fuel selection........................ 144
Low-fuel warning light..............107,113
Fuses................................ 286
Fusible links.......................... 287
Garage Door Opener.................... 132
GasCap .............................. 148
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 146
Gauges.........................106,109,111
Gear positions......................... 156
General maintenance
Maintenance service................... 318
General vehicle data..................... 367
Glove compartment..................213,214
Handling of Compact Discs............... 232
Hazard warning flasher switch............. 124
Hazard warning light.................107,112
Head restraints......................... 66
Headlights (Type 1)..................... 294
384 INDEX