2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE hood release

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

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
CONTENTS
mKeys.................................23
mSentry Key............................23
mDoor locks (Manual).....................26
NTo lock the door without using the key.......26
NTo lock the door with the key..............27
NTo lock the door from the inside............28
mKeyless entry system (if so equipped)........29
NConfirmation function...................29
NUsing the panic alarm...................31
NProcedure for replacing keyless transmitter
battery..............................32
mPower door locks........................34NLocking and unlocking with the door lock
switch...............................34
NLocking and unlocking with key or inside lock
knob................................35
NLocking by means of the inside lock knob.....35
mTrunk lid..............................35
NRemote trunk lid release..................37
NInside emergency trunk release.............37
mFuel filler.............................39
mEngine hood release......................41
mPower windows........................43
NDriver switch..........................44
2

NOTE: If the fuel tank filler tube cap is not tight while
driving, the ªMalfunction indicator light (SERVICE EN-
GINE SOON)º may illuminate when the onboard diag-
nostic (OBD) system performs its self check.
Always tighten the fuel tank filler tube cap until you hear
clicking sounds. The indicator light will go off after
driving several times. If the indicator light does not go
off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.ENGINE HOOD RELEASE
The engine hood release lever (located under the instru-
ment panel near the driver's door) is used to unlock the
engine hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the engine hood
latch.
F13A1480
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 41
2

WARNING!
²Never release the engine hood using the release
lever while the vehicle is in motion.
²Do not operate the vehicle unless the engine hood
is latched.
Release the safety lever and lift the engine hood.
NOTE: Only open the engine hood when the wipers are
at their parked position to prevent damage to the engine
hood and wipers.
Support the engine hood with the hood prop by
inserting the hood prop securely in the opening in the
hood marked with an arrow.
F13A2240
F13A1710
42 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

To close, unlatch the hood prop from the engine hood
and place the hood prop in its retainer. Slowly lower
the engine hood to about 12 inches (30 cm) from the
closed position, then release it. The hood should latch
from its own weight.
NOTE
: If this does not latch the engine hood, release it
from a slightly higher position.
CAUTION!
Be careful that hands or fingers are not trapped
when closing the engine hood.
POWER WINDOWS
NOTE
1. The windows can be operated when the ignition key is
in the ªON ºposition. The door windows can be opened
F13A1720
F17A0250
Open
Close
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 43
2

NDisconnection and connection.............325
mAutomatic transaxle.....................327
NTo check the fluid level..................328
NProcedure for checking the fluid level.......328
mManual transaxle.......................329
mDisc brake pads, rear drum brake linings
and rear wheel cylinders.................329
mBrake hoses...........................329
mBall joint, steering linkage seal and drive
shaft boots...........................329
mSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)........329
mDoor hinges, rear hatch hinges, hood lock
release mechanism and safety catch
.........330
mExhaust system........................330
mWindshield wiper blades.................331
NWindshield washers....................331
mParking brake.........................332
mDrive belt (for generator, water pump, power
steering pump)
........................333
mTiming belt...........................334
mTi re s................................334
NTire inflation pressures..................334
NRadial ply tires.......................336
N
Tire pressure for sustained high-speed driving...336
NOversize tires........................336
NTire maintenance......................337
NCargo loads..........................337
NTread wear indicators...................337
NTire rotation.........................338
NTire chains...........................339
NSnow tires...........................339
mRegular Maintenance Schedule.............340
mSevere Maintenance Schedule..............349
310 MAINTENANCE

DOOR HINGES, REAR HATCH HINGES, HOOD
LOCK RELEASE MECHANISM AND SAFETY
CATCH
The door hinges, trunk hinges, hood lock release mecha-
nism and hood safety catch should be inspected, cleaned,
and lubricated as required to maintain ease of operation
and to provide protection against rust and wear. Apply
engine oil to door hinges, hood hinges, and trunk hinges.
Apply Multipurpose Grease NLGI Grade 2 sparingly to
all sliding contact areas of the hood latch and release
lever. Work lubricant into the hood lock mechanism until
all frictional surfaces are covered.
Also, apply a film of the same lubricant to the pivot
contact areas of the safety catch.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide gas found in the vehicle's exhaust
is poisonous. Inhalation of exhaust fumes can cause
unconsciousness or death.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle interior is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system; when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle; or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent technician inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
In addition inspect the exhaust system each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
Open seams or loose connections could permit danger-
ous exhaust fumes to seep into the trunk and passenger
compartments.
Do this service when performing underbody service.
Check for any of the following conditions:
1. Check for holes or exhaust gas leakage caused by
corrosion or damage.
2. Check the joints and connections for looseness or
exhaust gas leakage.
3. Check the rubber hangers and brackets for damage.
330 MAINTENANCE

Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 224
Cassette Tape Player..................219,221
CD Player.........................219,227
Center console......................... 215
Center console box...................... 213
Charging system warning light..........107,114
Check engine/malfunction indicator
lamp.............................107,115
Child restraint.......................... 76
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 145
Cleaning
Exterior of your car................... 254
Interior of your car.................... 253
Clock................................ 216
Compact spare tire...................267,367
Contract, Service....................... 374
Coolant (engine)....................... 322
Cruise control (for non-turbo)
Indicator.........................107,113
Cruise control (for turbo)
Indicator.........................107,113
Cup holder........................... 212Customer Arbitration Board............... 375
Customer Assistance.................... 372
Dealer Service......................... 372
Defroster (rear window).................. 125
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 314
Dimmer control........................ 122
Disc brake pads........................ 329
Dome light........................... 305
Dome light/Reading light................ 129
Door hinges, rear hatch hinges, hood lock
release mechanism and safety catch......... 330
Door Opener, Garage.................... 132
Door-ajar warning light...............107,112
Doors
Lock............................... 26
Power door locks...................... 34
Drive belt............................ 333
Driving, alcohol and drugs................ 201
Driving speed
Automatic transaxle................... 157
Manual transaxle..................... 169
INDEX 383