2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE overheating

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or
snow.1. Carefully rock the vehicle by shifting the transmission
from low to reverse.
WARNING
1.When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The
rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch
forward or backward, and injure bystanders.
2.Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels.
Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking
attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.P. 261
The brakes are not functioning
properly after crossing a puddle or
stream.Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.Ð
18 INTRODUCTION

11. High beam indicator!P. 1 1 2
12. Cruise control indicator!P. 1 1 3
13. Theft-alarm indicator (if so equipped)!P. 1 1 2
14. Malfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)!P. 1 1 5
15. Oil pressure warning light!P. 1 1 4
16. Charging system warning light!P. 1 1 4
17. Overheating warning light!P. 1 1 6
18. Traction control system warning light
(if so equipped)!P. 1 1 8
19. Automatic transaxle indicator
(Vehicles with Autostick automatic transaxle-if so
equipped)!P. 1 1 8
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
·The outer scale indicates miles per hour.
·The inner scale indicates kilometers per hour.
Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine revolutions per minute.
This allows the driver to determine the most efficient
gear range and engine speed combinations.
D04A0500
2.4 liter
engine3.0 liter
engine
108 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

CAUTION!
While driving, care should always be taken to main-
tain normal engine operating temperature. If the
indicator enters the ªHº (hot) position while driving,
the engine is overheating. (Refer to ªEngine over-
heatingº on page 276.)
Turn signal indicators/hazard warning lights
The arrow will flash in unison with the
corresponding exterior turn signals when
the turn signal lever is operated.
Both arrows will flash intermittently when the hazard
warning flasher switch is pressed.
NOTE: If the signal indicator blinks too fast, the cause
may be a faulty turn-signal connection or faulty lamp
bulb.
High beam indicator
A blue light illuminates when the head-
lights are on high beam.
Theft-alarm indicator
When the theft-alarm system has been
armed, the indicator located in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate and go off in 20
seconds, indicating the system is armed. (See ªTheft-
alarm systemº on page 48.)
Door-ajar warning light and chime
This light illuminates when either door or
the trunk is open or not completely closed.
When the vehicle is moving at more than 5
mph (8 km/h) and the door is open or ajar,
a chime will sound to inform the driver that
the door is not properly shut.
CAUTION!
Before driving, check to ensure that the door-ajar
warning light is off.
112 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the malfunction indicator
light on may result in further damage to the
emission control system. Continued driving could
also affect fuel economy and driveability.
²If the light does not illuminate when the ignition
key is turned to the ªONº position (bulb check),
have the system checked at an authorized dealer.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the battery cable when the
Malfunction indicator light (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) is
ON.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
data, which may be lost if the battery is disconnected.
This can make rapid diagnosis more difficult.
If the fuel tank filler cap is not secured properly, the
light may come on. Be sure the fuel tank filler tube cap
is tightened every time you add fuel. (Turn the fuel
tank filler cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)Overheating warning light
If the warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, it is possible that the
engine is overheated.
Immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and make the necessary corrections.
(Refer to ``Engine overheating'' on page 276.)
While driving, care should always be taken to maintain
the normal operating temperature.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)-air bag
warning light
This light illuminates when the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System-air bag is not working
properly. It will also illuminate for about 7
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position or after the engine is started. The light should
then go out.
Check the light every time the vehicle is started.
If it does not illuminate, or stays on for more than
approximately 7 seconds after the ignition key is turned
ªONº or after the engine is started, or if it comes on while
116 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

ª3º THIRD / ª2º SECOND
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desired.
Also use it when climbing long grades, and for engine
braking when descending moderately steep grades.
Engine braking is automatically applied when necessary,
depending on road conditions.
ªLº LOW
This position is for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds when descending steep
gradients.
WARNING!
Be very careful not to shift into ªLº suddenly. Doing
so may cause the tires to slip.
Driving speed (Vehicles with automatic transaxle)
In order to avoid damage to the engine from excessively
high rpm, do not exceed the listed driving speed when
the selector lever is set to the ª3º (THIRD) position, the
ª2º (SECOND) position or the ªLº (LOW) position.
ConditionDriving speed mph (km/h)
2.4 liter engine 3.0 liter engine
ª3º (THIRD) 114 (180) 118 (190)
ª2º (SECOND) 74 (115) 80 (130)
ªLº (LOW) 28 (45) 31 (45)
WARNING!
Always obey posted speed limits. Use common
sense and drive safely, regardless of posted speed
limits. Drive at speeds that are safe for the traffic,
weather, or road conditions.
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.
STARTING AND DRIVING 157
5

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

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

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