2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE ECO mode

ª3º THIRD / ª2º SECOND
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desired.
Also use it when climbing long grades, and for engine
braking when descending moderately steep grades.
Engine braking is automatically applied when necessary,
depending on road conditions.
ªLº LOW
This position is for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds when descending steep
gradients.
WARNING!
Be very careful not to shift into ªLº suddenly. Doing
so may cause the tires to slip.
Driving speed (Vehicles with automatic transaxle)
In order to avoid damage to the engine from excessively
high rpm, do not exceed the listed driving speed when
the selector lever is set to the ª3º (THIRD) position, the
ª2º (SECOND) position or the ªLº (LOW) position.
ConditionDriving speed mph (km/h)
2.4 liter engine 3.0 liter engine
ª3º (THIRD) 114 (180) 118 (190)
ª2º (SECOND) 74 (115) 80 (130)
ªLº (LOW) 28 (45) 31 (45)
WARNING!
Always obey posted speed limits. Use common
sense and drive safely, regardless of posted speed
limits. Drive at speeds that are safe for the traffic,
weather, or road conditions.
Holding on an upgrade
To avoid transaxle overheating, never hold the vehicle
stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal.
Instead, use the brake pedal.
STARTING AND DRIVING 159
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Transaxle Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the trans-
axle automatically shifts into second gear. The transaxle
remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected.
Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will continue to
operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven
to a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
If the problem has been momentary, the transaxle can be
reset to regain all forward gears.
²Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
²Turn the key to OFF then start the engine.
²Shift into ªDº and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE AUTOSTICK
(IF SO EQUIPPED)
Designed for optimum control and equipped with adap-
tive control capabilities, the electronically controlled
transaxle optimally matches gear shifts to almost all
driving and road conditions.
DRIVING UPHILL
The transaxle may not upshift to a higher gear if the
computer determines the current speed cannot be main-
tained once a higher gear is engaged.
For smoother vehicle performance, if you release the
throttle while climbing a steep grade, the transaxle may
not upshift. This is normal, as the computer is controlling
the shifting. After reaching the top of the hill, normal gear
shift function will resume.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
When traveling down steep grades and depressing the
brake pedal, the computer may automatically select a
lower gear. This function assists engine braking efforts,
reducing the need to use the brakes.
160 STARTING AND DRIVING

Transaxle Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the trans-
axle automatically shifts into second gear. The transaxle
remains in second gear despite the forward gear selected.
Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral (N) will continue to
operate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven
to a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
If the problem has been momentary, the transaxle can be
reset to regain all forward gears.
²Stop the vehicle and shift into PARK (P).
²Turn the key to OFF then start the engine.
²Shift into ªDº and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
The shift pattern is shown on the gearshift lever. Depress
the clutch pedal fully while shifting gears.
NOTE: During cold weather, shifting may be difficult/
stiff until the transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is
normal and not a sign of a problem.
I29A0020
168 STARTING AND DRIVING

To turn off the function, press the display switch (C) more
than 6 seconds, less than 9 seconds. When the green
indicator (A) goes off, the automatic anti-glare will not
function.
To turn the function back on, press the display switch (C)
more than 6 seconds, less than 9 seconds.
NOTE:
²
Do not spray glass cleaner on the sensor (B), as
reduced sensitivity could result.
Electrochromic mirror operation (if so equipped)
A-Garage door opener button
Press the button to operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, or home lighting.!P.
134
NOTE:Garage door button must be programmed.B-Display switch
Press the switch to change the mode of compass,
outside temperature and anti-glare operation.!P.
182.
C-Dome light switch.
D-Display.
The compass and outside temperature are displayed.
To turn on/off the display, press the display switch
(C) less than 3 seconds.!P. 183.I08A0560
STARTING AND DRIVING 181
5

How to change the display mode
The mode will change in order by pressing the display
switch for the following seconds.1. When the ignition key is ªACCº or ªONº position,
automatic anti-glare operate and current outside tem-
perature and compass are displayed.
I08A0600
182 STARTING AND DRIVING

CAUTION!
²For safety reasons, the main switch (A) should be
set to the OFF position when you are not using the
cruise/speed control system.
²Cruise/speed control is not recommended when
driving conditions will not allow you to stay at the
same speed, such as in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered, wet, or slip-
pery, or on a steep downhill.
²For vehicles with manual transaxles, if you shift to
ªNº (Neutral) in cruise/speed control mode with-
out pressing the clutch first, the engine will run
too fast and might be damaged.
NOTE
²
Cruise/speed control may not be able to keep your
speed on uphills or downhills.
²Your speed may drop on a steep uphill. You must
use the accelerator if you want to stay at your set
speed.
²Your speed may increase to more than the set speed
on a steep downhill. You must use the brake to
control your speed. If your speed increases too
much, turn off the cruise/speed control. (Refer to
the section ªTo deactivateº on page 196.)
To activate
1. Momentarily push in the main switch (A) at the end of
the cruise/speed control lever.
I10A1490
192 STARTING AND DRIVING

mVents................................237
NAir flow rate and direction adjustments......237
mAir conditioning.......................238
NControl panel........................238
NChanging the blower speed...............239
NChanging the temperature...............239
NChanging mode selection................240
NChanging air selection..................244
NAir conditioning switch.................245NHow to use the controls.................246
NDefrosting or defogging of the windshield
and door windows.....................246
NImportant operation tips for air conditioning . . 249
NAir conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations...............249
NDuring a long period of disuse............250
mInstallation of accessories.................250
210 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

FM reception is not as sensitive to electrical disturbances
as AM. AM reception is sensitive to electrical distur-
bances such as power lines, lightning and other types of
similar electrical phenomena.
WHIP ANTENNA
To remove the whip antenna, turn it counterclockwise.
CAUTION!
It is recommended to remove the whip antenna
before going into an automatic vehicle wash or
passing under places with a low height clearance.
AM STEREO & FM STEREO RADIO WITH
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER, CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER
AND CD PLAYER (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
NOTE:
Power to operate the radio is supplied through
the ignition switch. It must be in the ON or ACC position
to operate the radio.
H11A3220
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 221
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