2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE snow chains

WARNING!
Driving on worn brake pads can reduce your ability
to stop, and can result in an accident.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING (ABS) SYSTEM (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce optimal signals
for the computer. However, the system will compensate
when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to anaccident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
General driving hints (standard/anti-lock brakes)
1. During anti-lock braking, steering differs slightly from
normal driving conditions. Be sure to operate steering
wheel carefully.
2. The anti-lock braking system is not restricted to situ-
ations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also operate to prevent wheel lock when driving
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.
3. Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you. If your vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock braking
system, allow for a greater braking distance when:
·Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
·Driving with tire chains installed.
·Driving on uneven road surfaces.
STARTING AND DRIVING 173
5

procedure:
(1) The ignition key is turned OFF.
(2) The main switch is turned OFF.
TRACTION CONTROL (IF SO EQUIPPED)
On slippery surfaces, traction control system prevents the
drive wheels (front wheels) from excessive spinning,
during starting or while accelerating in turns on slippery
roads.
NOTE
²
The traction control system functions at speeds
below about 25mph (40km/h).
²Some vibration will be felt in the vehicle body and a
whining sound of a motor will be heard from the
engine compartment when the traction control sys-
tem functions. This is a normal result of the traction
control system operation, and does not indicate a
malfunction.
Driving hints
1. Traction control system does not actively apply brakes.
Always decelerate the vehicle sufficiently before entering
corners or bends.
2. On snowy or icy roads, drive slowly using tire chains
or snow tires.
3. Never mix or use tires of different size since the
traction control system could function incorrectly and
make safe driving difficult.
196 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
²When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (hydroplan-
ing).
This reduces a tire's frictional resistance on the
road, resulting in loss of steering stability and
braking capability. When driving on a wet road,
observe the following:
(a) Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
(b) Do not drive on worn tires.
(c) Always maintain the specified tire inflation
pressures.
On snowy or icy roads
1. When driving on a road covered by snow or ice, it is
recommended that you use snow tires.
CAUTION!
Tire chains are not recommended for your vehicle.
The clearance between the chains and the body is
small, and body damage may occur.
2. Drive slowly. Avoid any sudden starts or stops, abrupt
brake application or sharp cornering.
3. Depressing the brake pedal during travel on snowy or
icy roads may cause tire slippage and skidding. When a
skid occurs, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer gently
into the skid. Braking will differ, depending upon
whether you have anti-lock brakes (ABS). If you do have
ABS, brake by pressing the brake pedal firmly, and
keeping it pressed. If you do not have ABS (vehicles
without anti-lock braking system) pump the brake pedal
with short rapid jabs, each time fully applying and fully
releasing for greatest effect.
4. Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.
EMERGENCIES 265
8

CAUTION!
²Avoid rapid starting and braking with a compact
spare tire.
²Avoid driving through automatic vehicle washes
and over obstacles that could possibly damage the
vehicle's under-carriage. Because the tire is
smaller than the original tire, vehicle ground
clearance is slightly reduced.
²As the compact spare tire is specifically designed
for your vehicle, it should not be used on any
other vehicle.
²The compact spare tire should not be used on any
other wheels, nor should standard tires, snow tires,
wheel covers or trim rings be used with the compact
spare wheel. If such use is attempted, damage to
these items or other vehicle components may occur.
²Do not use snow chains with your compact spare
tire. Because of the smaller tire size, a snow chain
will not fit properly. This could cause damage to
the vehicle and could result in loss of the chains.
²The compact spare tire pressure should be
checked once a month while the tire is stowed.
WHEEL COVERS (IF SO EQUIPPED)
To remove
Wrap the tip of the bar with a cloth, insert it deeply into
the notch provided in the wheel cover, and pry the cover
away from the wheel.
Using the same procedure on the other side, work the
wheel cover away from the wheel to remove it com-
pletely.
N23B0630
268 EMERGENCIES

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

The first rotation is the most important to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Do not use the compact spare tire for tire rotation.
Tire chains
CAUTION!
Tire chains are not recommended for your vehicle.
The clearance between the chains and the body is
small, and the body might be damaged.
Snow tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.Snow tires should be inflated 4 psi (28 kPa) higher than
the inflation pressure shown on the vehicle's tire placard.
Never inflate over the maximum pressure shown on the
tire sidewall.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
NOTE: As flange nuts are used on your vehicle, change
to tapered nuts when snow tires (steel wheels) are used.
MAINTENANCE 339
9

UNIBELT restraint system............... 69
Seatback.............................. 60
Seats
Front seats........................... 57
Rear seats............................ 66
SECURITY indicator................49,107,112
Service Assistance...................... 372
Service Manuals........................ 377
Setting the clock........................ 216
Severe maintenance schedule.............. 349
Snow tires............................ 339
Spare tire.......................266,267,367
Spark plugs........................317,369
Speedometer.......................106,108
Starting
At extremely cold ambient temperature..... 153
Flooded engine....................... 153
Normal conditions.................... 152
Steering system
Steering lock......................... 151
Tilt lock lever........................ 175
Sun visors............................ 209
Sunroof............................... 46Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag
Maintenance......................... 329
Warning light.....................107,116
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Air bag . . 89
Supplemental Restraint System warning light . . 116
Tachometer........................106,108
Tape Player........................... 219
Temperature Gage, Engine Coolant.......... 279
Theft protection........................ 151
Theft-alarm
SECURITY indicator..............49,107,112
System.............................. 48
Timing belt........................... 334
Tips for driving in various conditions........ 201
Tire chains............................ 339
Ti re s
Compact spare tire.................... 267
Inflation pressure...............334,366,367
Maintenance......................334,337
Quality Grading...................... 379
Rotation............................ 338
Size (tire and wheels).................. 367
INDEX 387

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