2004 DODGE STRATUS Owners Manual

NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the ª3º range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
ªLº Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts occur as early as possible.
WARNING!
Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Use each gear in numerical order ± do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
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NOTE:During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-
cant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting. This
is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for both fuel economy and
performance, it should be upshifted as listed. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts
during cruise conditions (relatively steady speeds) will
result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as
indicated.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED SHIFT
SPEEDS
ENGINE
SIZEMINIMUM ACCELERATION SHIFT
SPEEDS
1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.7L 15 mph 25 mph 35 mph 45 mph
(24
km/h)(40
km/h)(56
km/h)(72
km/h)
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade, shift
down early so that the engine will not be overburdened.
Cruise Control
In most cases, the cruise control system will not operate
with the transmission in 1st or 2nd gear.
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PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the brake light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
for automatic transaxle vehicles, or reverse for vehicles
with manual transaxle. To release the parking brake,
apply the brake pedal and pull up on the parking brake
lever. Push the release button and lower the lever fully.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transaxle locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
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WARNING!
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don't leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop.
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If 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 accurate
signals for the ABS 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.
WARNING!
Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the effec-
tiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when
you need to slow down or stop.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
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POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel
slip and maintains traction at the driving
(front) wheels. The system reduces wheel slip
by engaging the brake on the wheel that is
losing traction while spinning. The traction system oper-
ates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the ªstand byº mode unless:
²The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
²There is an Anti-Lock Brake or Traction System mal-
function;
²The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off the Traction Control
Light.
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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
²
P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
²European Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter9P9is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H
²LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters ªLTº that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
²Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter ªTº
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
²High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
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Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Size Designation:
P= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards
(....blank....(= Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT= Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards
T= Temporary Spare tire
31= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)
215= Section Width in Milimeters (mm)
65= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)
ÐRatio of section height to section width of tire.
10.5= Section Width in Inches (in)
R= Construction Code
Ð9R9means Radial Construction.
Ð9D9means Diagonal or Bias Construction.
15= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)
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