2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE light

Warning light
When the ignition key is turned to ªONº, the warning
light illuminate and go out after a few seconds.
CAUTION
²If the warning light illuminates, a malfunction
may have occurred in the system.
When this happens, have your vehicle checked at an
authorized dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter.
Under normal operating conditions the catalytic con-
verter does not require maintenance. However, it is
important to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper converter operation and prevent damage.
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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.
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over curbs or parking stop blocks. Always use caution
when traveling up or down sharp inclines as your
bumper may contact the road surface.
2. Maintain specified tire inflation pressures. Replace
tires before they are excessively worn.
3. If you plan to drive in another country, comply with
the vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel.
OPERATION DURING COLD WEATHER
1. Check the battery, including terminals and cables.
During extremely cold weather, the battery capacity will
decrease. Also, the battery power level may drop because
more power is needed for cold starting and operation.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are at their usual
intensity. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
During cold weather, it is possible that a discharged
battery could freeze.
WARNING!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could seriously injury or kill you.
Always wear protective clothes and a face shield
when doing battery maintenance, or let a skilled
technician do it.
2. Manual transaxles may be more difficult to shift
during cold weather operation. This is normal and shift
effort will become easier as the transaxle reaches a
normal operating temperature.
Maintain low-speed operation at first to allow the trans-
axle oil to be distributed to all lubrication points.
3. Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is a shortage of coolant due to leakage or engine
overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water. The recommended ratio is about 50% water
and 50% anti-freeze. This ratio provides adequate corro-
sion, boiling, and freeze protection.
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WARNING!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
TRAILER TOWING
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with manual
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with automatic
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
²If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of the
tow vehicle load capacity when loading the vehicle.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for transmission fluid replacement.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are recom-
mended for motoring safety.
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Opening the lid of the vanity mirror will automatically
turn on the mirror lights (C).
CAUTION!
If the lid of the lighted vanity mirror is kept open for
prolonged periods of time, the battery may be dis-
charged.
ACCESSORY SOCKET
Two accessory sockets are provided in the center console.
To use a ªplug-inº type accessory, insert it in the socket.
The accessory socket (A) can be operated when the
ignition key is in the ªONº or ªACCº positions. This
socket can also be used for a lighter when an optional
smokers kit is ordered from your dealer.
The accessory socket (B) is a direct feed from the battery
so it can be operated whether the ignition is ON or OFF.
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CAUTION!
²Be sure to use a ªplug-inº type accessory operat-
ing on 12V and at 120W or less.
Extended use of electronic equipment with the
engine off may run down the battery.
²When the accessory socket is not in use, be sure to
close the socket cap. This will prevent the socket
from becoming clogged and short circuiting.
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
CUP HOLDER
FRONT SEAT
The front holder (A) can be used to accept an ash receiver
when an optional smokers kit is purchased from your
dealer. The rear holders (B) are provided for use as
cupholders.
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Glove compartment
To open the glove compartment, pull the lever.
WARNING!
An open glove compartment door can result in
serious injury to the front passenger in an accident,
even if the passenger is wearing the seat belt. Al-
ways keep the glove compartment door closed when
driving.
NOTE: If the glove compartment is opened, the glove
compartment light illuminates.
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The direct signal from the broadcast station reaches the
antenna slightly before the reflected signal. This time
difference may cause some reception disturbance or
flutter.
This typically occurs in urban areas.
Cross modulation
If one listens to a weak station and is in the vicinity of
another strong station, both stations might be received
simultaneously.
FM stereo reception
Stereo reception requires a very high broadcast signal
quality. This means that disturbances mentioned previ-
ously become more marked and the reception range is
somewhat diminished during stereo reception.
Causes of disturbances
FM can be affected by electrical systems of vehicles in the
vicinity, especially those without electronic noise sup-
pression for the ignition system. The disturbance is even
greater if the station is weak or poorly tuned.
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