2004 DODGE STRATUS COUPE spare tire

Trunk Area1. Inside emergency trunk release handle!p. 37
2. Trunk light!p. 303
3. Jack!p. 265
4. Spare tire!p. 265
5. Tools!p. 264
INTRODUCTION 9
1

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The automatic transaxle does not shift
when accelerating and/or the vehicle
does not easily begin to move.There may be a problem in the automatic transaxle.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.
1.Vehicles with automatic transaxle
Shift the lever into ª2º (SECOND) position when
starting the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a level road, shift
the lever back to ªDº (DRIVE) position.
2.Vehicles with Autostick automatic transaxle
Shift the lever into 2nd gear of the Autostick mode
when starting the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a level
road, shift the lever back to ªDº (DRIVE) position.
(These methods may or may not work depending on the
contents of malfunction.)P. 156, 164
A tire is punctured.
1.Park the vehicle in a safe place where the surface is flat
and level.
2.Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.P. 268
INTRODUCTION 19
1

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

CAUTION!
²Anti-lock braking system can not prevent acci-
dents. It remains the driver's task to exercise
safety precautions and to drive prudently.
²To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,
be sure all 4-wheels and tires are the same size
and type (space saver spare excluded).
²If the anti-lock brake system warning light illu-
minates after starting the engine or while driving,
it indicates that the anti-lock braking system is
not functioning and that only the normal brake
system is in operation. (The normal brake system
will still function properly.)
NOTE
1. After the vehicle is driven for a while a whining sound
and the sound of a motor operating will be heard from
the engine compartment. These are normal sounds of the
anti-lock braking system performing a self check and do
not indicate a malfunction.
2. The anti-lock braking system becomes operative after
the vehicle has accelerated to a speed over approximately
I24A1590
174 STARTING AND DRIVING

Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (including spare
tire) for proper pressure. Maintain specified tire inflation
pressures. Replace tires before they are excessively worn.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you activate the controls. Check the turn signals
and highbeam indicators on the instrument panel.
Fluid leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Make sure all fluid
levels are at the proper levels. Also, if fuel leaks are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
Driver
Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Do not drive if you
have been drinking or taking drugs. Unless you are alert
and able to concentrate on your driving, you could have
an accident, resulting in serious or fatal injury to yourself
and others.
SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Even this vehicle's safety equipment, and your safest
driving, cannot guarantee that you can avoid accident or
injury. However, we recommend that you give extra
attention to the following, to help maximize the safety of
you and your passengers:
1. Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and
weather conditions. Leave adequate stopping distance
for your vehicle.
2. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash
the proper turn-signal light.
3. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. During an emergency stop, switch on the hazard
warning flasher.
5. When leaving the vehicle, set the parking brake and
place the gearshift lever into low gear.
In vehicles with an automatic transaxle, place the selector
lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. Remove the key.
200 STARTING AND DRIVING

EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mIf the vehicle breaks down................263
NIf the engine quits.....................263
mOperation under adverse driving conditions...263
NIf your vehicle becomes stuck in sand, mud or
snow..............................263
NOnawetroad........................264
NOn snowy or icy roads..................265
mSpare tire, jack and tool set storage.........266
NHandling spare tire....................266
NJack...............................267
mCompact spare tire.....................267
mWheel covers (if so equipped).............268
mJacking and tire changing................270
NJacking up the vehicle..................270
mEngine overheating.....................278
mJump-starting the engine.................279
NIf your vehicle has anti-lock brakes.........284
mTowing..............................284
mFuses...............................286
NFuse block...........................286
mFusible links..........................287
NFuse load capacities....................287
mReplacement of light bulbs................292
NBulb capacity.........................292
8

SPARE TIRE, JACK AND TOOL SET STORAGE
The spare tire, jack and tool set are stowed in the trunk.
Handling spare tire
Remove the installation clamp to remove the spare tire.
To install the spare tire, tighten the clamp firmly with
your fingers until the spare tire has no more play.
N01A1180
Tool setJack
N03A1870
Clamp Loosen
266 EMERGENCIES

Jack
To remove
Turn the shaft end so that the jack contracts and detach it
from the storage bracket.
To store
Turn the shaft end by hand to expand the jack until it is
secured firmly in position.
COMPACT SPARE TIRE
The compact spare tire is designed to save space in the
trunk and its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat
tire occurs.
CAUTION!
²The tire pressure should be periodically checked
and maintained at the specified pressure while
the tire is stowed.
²Driving with an insufficient tire pressure can lead
to an accident. If you have no choice but to drive
with an insufficient tire pressure, keep your speed
down and adjust to the specified pressure [60 psi
(420 kPa)] as soon as possible.
²The compact spare should only be used temporarily
and should be returned to the trunk and the
original
tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If your
vehicle is equipped with aluminum type wheels, the
wheel nuts for aluminum type wheels can be used
temporarily on the compact spare tire wheel.
²Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) while the com-
pact spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
N21C0010To removeTo storeStorage
bracket
EMERGENCIES 267
8