2004 DODGE STRATUS check engine

NPanic Alarm..........................21
NTo Use The Panic Alarm.................21
NTo Program Additional Transmitters.........21
NGeneral Information....................21
NTransmitter Battery Service...............22
mVehicle Theft Alarm.....................22
NTamper Alert.........................23
NSecurity System Manual Override...........23
mTrunk Lock And Release..................23
mTrunk Safety Warning....................24
NTrunk Internal Emergency Release..........24
mPower Windows........................25
NWind Buffeting........................25
mOccupant Restraints.....................25NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................26
NPretensioners.........................30
NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)...........................31
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
NSeat Belt Extender......................32
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............33
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........48
mSafety Tips............................49
NExhaust Gas..........................49
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................49
NPeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If your Remote Lock Control fails to operate from a
normal distance, check for these two conditions:
1. Weak batteries in transmitter. The expected life of
batteries is from one to two years
2. Closeness to a radio transmitter such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios.
Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement batteries are CR2016.
1. Pry the transmitter halves apart with a dime or similar
object. Make sure not to damage the rubber gasket
material during removal.2. Remove and replace the batteries. Avoid touching the
new batteries with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch the battery, clean it
with rubbing alcohol.
3. Reassemble the transmitter case. Snap the halves
together and test transmitter operation.VEHICLE THEFT ALARM
The system monitors the doors, trunk, and ignition for
unauthorized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
up to 18 minutes. For the first three minutes the horn will
sound and the headlights and interior lights will flash.
Then the horn will stop and if the source of the trigger is
still present, the lights will continue to flash for another
15 minutes.
NOTE:The engine will not start until you disarm the
system.
To set the alarm:
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
²To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason itmust remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

5. Tachometer
The red area of the scale shows the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear
range. Before reaching the red area (over 6,500 rpm), ease
up on the accelerator to prevent engine over speed.
6. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.
7. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
8. Speedometer
Shows the vehicle speed in miles-per-hour and
kilometers-per-hour.
9. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on
briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on orcomes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle's
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or Rear
Defroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY. See your local authorized dealer.
10. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate as long as the key is in the ON
position, prior to engine start up. Approximately 15
seconds later the MIL may blink for 10 seconds then
resume to full illumination. (See ªEMISSIONS IN-
SPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMSº in
the ªMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLEº section of
your Owner Manual for more details). If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON,
have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
86 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

18. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on briefly when the igni-
tion is turned on as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb repaired
promptly.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. Do not operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
19. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors both the brake fluid level
and the parking brake. If the light comes on,
it indicates either that the parking brake is
on or there is a low fluid level in the brake
master cylinder. On vehicles equipped with Anti-lock
brakes (ABS), the brake light may also indicate re-
duced braking performance.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have an accident. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
RUN position. (Refer to ªA Word About Your Keys,
Ignition Key Removalº in this manual for an illustration
of the ignition positions.) The light should come on. If the
light does not come on, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89
4

The controls are as follows:
Fan and Air Conditioning Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the sys-
tem in any mode you select. The 0
Setting represents OFF and the 4 Set-
ting is the greatest amount of air flow.
Air Conditioning Operation
To turn on the Air Conditioning,
choose the direction of the air through
the outlets by selecting between the
Air Conditioning Recirculation, Panel-
Air Conditioning, or Bi-Level Air Con-
ditioning modes on the Mode Control.
Air Conditioning modes are indicated
by the snowflake symbol shown above in illustration.
Adjust the Temperature and Fan Controls.Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the air condition-
ing condenser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. The
air conditioning condenser is located in front of the
radiator. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the
radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passenger
compartment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 121
4

WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to
move the gearshift lever back and forth without
depressing the shift button after you have set it in P.
Make sure it is in Park before leaving the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the Park position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
ªRº Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
ªNº Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
ªDº Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers), use the ª3º range.
ª3º Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
A delayed shift from second to third will occur at speeds
of about 31 to 38 mph (50 to 60 km/h) and low levels of
accelerator pedal travel. An early down-shift from third
to second will occur at a speed of about 34 to 30 mph (54
to 48 km/h). This is done to provide second gear engine
braking at speeds less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Engine..........................187
m2.7L Engine..........................188
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......189
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................190
mReplacement Parts.....................191
mDealer Service........................191
mMaintenance Procedures.................192
NEngine Oil..........................192
NCrankcase Emission Control System........198
NMaintenance-Free Battery................198
NAir Conditioner......................199NPower Steering Fluid Check..............200
NSuspension Ball Joints..................201
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............201
NWindshield Wiper Blades................203
NWindshield Washers...................203
NExhaust System......................204
NCooling System.......................205
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......209
NBrakes.............................209
NFuel System Hoses....................211
NAutomatic Transmission................211
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