2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE service

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your manufac-
turers dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-
trained technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is
interested in your satisfaction.
This manual includes instructions for standard and op-
tional equipment available at the time this manual was
printed. The manufacturer reserves the right to make
changes in design and specifications and to make addi-
tions or improvements in its product without imposing
any obligations upon itself to install them on previously
manufactured products.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
4 INTRODUCTION

If this warning light comes on¼
Warning light Do this Ref. page
´Have the vehicle inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.P. 163
ªNº indicator light in the
instruemnt cluster flashes slowly
(once per second)
´Your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, have the engine system checked at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is not drivable, contact Emergency
Roadside Service (ERS), authorized dealer, or local
towing company for assistance.P. 1 1 7
Malfunction indicator light
(ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº)
SRS
´Have the air bag system checked at an authorized dealer. P. 118
Air bag warning light
´It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately but we
recommend that you have the system checked at an
authorized dealer as soon as possilble.
P. 121
Traction control system warning light
12 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound¼
Sound Do this Ref. page
If you hear a metallic sound (squeal)
when you depress the brake pedal
while driving.ªBrake pad wear alarmº
The brake pads have worn down near the serviceable
limit.
Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.P. 174
If you hear a chime from the engine
compartment continuously while the
engine is on.ªBrake system (hydraulic brake booster) warning chime
(Vehicle with anti-lock braking system)º
The brake circuit may not be operating correctly.
If this chime does not stop after a few minutes, carefully
stop the vehicle in a safe location and contact your nearest
authorized dealer.P. 1 1 9
14 INTRODUCTION

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. 263
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

Low fuel warning chime
If a chime sounds when the low fuel warning light is on,
that means the fuel is low.
NOTE: If the low fuel warning light goes off, then comes
back on again, the chime will not sound.
Fuel tank capacity 62 L (16.4 gal)
CAUTION!
²As the fuel system may be under pressure, remove the
fuel tank filler tube cap slowly. Removing the cap
slowly relieves any pressure or vacuum that might have
built up in the fuel tank. If the cap is venting vapor or
if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
²If you need to replace the fuel tank filler tube cap,
use only a cap specified for your model vehicle.
²To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop-offº
the fuel tank again and again after filling.
NOTE: If the fuel tank filler tube cap is not tight while
driving, the ªMalfunction indicator light (SERVICE EN-
GINE SOON)º may illuminate when the onboard diag-
nostic (OBD) system performs its self check.
Always tighten the fuel tank filler tube cap until you hear
clicking sounds. The indicator light will go off after
driving several times. If the indicator light does not go
off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 41
2

working properly. The SRS warning light is shared by the
driver 's air bag, the front passenger 's air bag, and the
optional side air bags.
The air bags will operate only when the ignition switch is
in the ``ON'' or ``START'' position
WARNING!
²If any of the following conditions occur, the SRS
is not working properly and you should immedi-
ately have it inspected by an authorized dealer;
²The SRS warning light does not illuminate
when you start the vehicle.
²The SRS warning light does not go out after
several seconds.
²The SRS warning light comes on while driving.
SRS servicing
The entire SRS must be inspected by an authorized dealer
10 years after the vehicle's manufacture date as shown on
the certification label located on the center pillar of the
vehicle, on the driver's side.
WARNING!
²Any maintenance performed on or near the com-
ponents of the SRS should be performed only by
an authorized dealer. Do not permit anyone else to
do service, inspection, maintenance or repair on
any SRS components or wiring. Similarly, no part
of the SRS should ever be handled, removed or
disposed of by anyone except at an authorized
dealer.
Improper work on the SRS components or wiring
could result in an accidental air bag deployment
or could make the SRS inoperative. Either of these
situation could result in serious injury.
²Do not modify your steering wheel or any other SRS
components or related vehicle part. For example,
replacement of the steering wheel, or modifications
to the front bumper or body structure can negatively
affect SRS performance and may lead to possible
injury.
²If your vehicle has received any front-end dam-
age, you should have the SRS inspected by an
authorized dealer to make sure it is in proper
working order.
SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS 101
3

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
CONTENTS
mInstrument cluster......................108
NMeter cluster.........................108
NIndicator and warning light package........109
NSpeedometer.........................110
NTachometer..........................110
NFuel gauge..........................111
NOdometer/Trip odometer................112
NEngine coolant temperature gauge..........113
NTurn signal indicators/hazard warning lights . . 114
NHigh beam indicator...................114
NTheft-alarm indicator...................114
NDoor-ajar warning light and chime.........114NAnti-lock braking system warning light
(if so equipped).......................115
NCruise/speed control indicator............115
NLow-fuel warning light and chime..........115
NFront fog light indicator (if so equipped).....116
NCharging system warning light............116
NOil pressure warning light...............116
NMalfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)...............117
NSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)-air bag
warning light.........................118
NBrake warning light....................119
NSeat belt reminder/warning light...........120
4

11. High beam indicator!P. 1 1 4
12. Cruise control indicator!P. 1 1 5
13. Theft-alarm indicator!P. 1 1 4
14. Malfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)!P. 1 1 7
15. Oil pressure warning light!P. 1 1 6
16. Charging system warning light!P. 1 1 6
17. Overheating warning light!P. 1 1 8
18. Traction control system warning light
(if so equipped)!P. 121
19. Automatic transaxle indicator
(Vehicles with Autostick automatic transaxle-if so
equipped)!P. 121
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
110 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS