2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE engine

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

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
CONTENTS
mKeys.................................23
mSentry Key............................23
mDoor locks (Manual).....................26
NTo lock the door without using the key.......26
NTo lock the door with the key..............27
NTo lock the door from the inside............28
mKeyless entry system (if so equipped)........29
NConfirmation function...................29
NUsing the panic alarm...................31
NProcedure for replacing keyless transmitter
battery..............................32
mPower door locks........................34NLocking and unlocking with the door lock
switch...............................34
NLocking and unlocking with key or inside lock
knob................................35
NLocking by means of the inside lock knob.....35
mTrunk lid..............................35
NRemote trunk lid release..................37
NInside emergency trunk release.............37
mFuel filler.............................39
mEngine hood release......................42
mPower windows........................44
NDriver switch..........................45
2

NOTE
1. In the following cases, the vehicle may not be able to
receive the registered ID code from the key. This
means the engine will not start even when the regis-
tered key is turned to the9START9position:
·When the key comes into contact with a metallic or
magnetic object.
·When the key comes into contact with another
immobilizing key, or with some other transponder.In case like these, the theft-alarm indicator (located in
the instrument cluster) will blink after 10 seconds. The
theft-alarm indicator will flash for approximately 30
seconds and then go off.
Remove the above object from the key and turn the
key back to the9ACC9or9LOCK9position. Then try
again to start the engine. If the engine does not start,
consult an authorized dealer.
2. Since there is a transponder built into the key, be
careful not to cause shock to the key, such as by dropping
it or by putting heavy objects on top of it.
3. Do not leave the key where it may be exposed to heat
caused by the high temperature and high humidity.
4. Sentry key is not compatible with remote starting
systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle
starting problems and a loss of security protection.
5. A system failure is suspected when the ignition key is
turned to the9START9position, the engine does not start.
In such a case, consult an authorized dealer.
F30A0210
24 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a
spray of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove
the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
The fuel filler is located on the right rear of the body.
Hook a finger behind the fuel filler door, and pull the
door toward you.
Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap slowly by turning it
counterclockwise.
To close, securely turn the fuel tank filler tube cap
clockwise until you hear clicking sounds, and gently
push the fuel filler tank door into the closed position.
C20A1140
RemoveClose
40 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

ENGINE HOOD RELEASE
The engine hood release lever (located under the instru-
ment panel near the driver's door) is used to unlock the
engine hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the engine hood
latch.
WARNING!
²Never release the engine hood using the release
lever while the vehicle is in motion.
²Do not operate the vehicle unless the engine hood
is latched.
Release the safety lever and lift the engine hood.
F13A1480
F13A2240
42 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

NOTE: Only open the engine hood when the wipers are
at their parked position to prevent damage to the engine
hood and wipers.
Support the engine hood with the hood prop by
inserting the hood prop securely in the opening in the
hood marked with an arrow.To close, unlatch the hood prop from the engine hood
and place the hood prop in its retainer. Slowly lower
the engine hood to about 12 inches (30 cm) from the
closed position, then release it. The hood should latch
from its own weight.
NOTE
: If this does not latch the engine hood, release it
from a slightly higher position.
F13A1710
F13A1720
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 43
2

CAUTION!
Be careful that hands or fingers are not trapped
when closing the engine hood.
POWER WINDOWS
NOTE
1. The windows can be operated when the ignition key is
in the ªON ºposition. The door windows can be openedor closed for a 30-second period even after the ignition
switch is turned off. However, once the driver's door or
the front passenger's door is opened, the windows can-
not be operated until the ignition switch is turned on
again.
2. Never try to operate the driver switch and passenger
switch in opposing directions at the same time. Doing so
will cause the window to freeze in position.
3. Repeated operation with the engine stopped (key
ªONº) will run down the battery. Operate the window
switches while the engine is running.
WARNING!
²Before operating the power windows, make sure
that nothing can be trapped (head, hand, finger,
etc.) in the window.
²Never leave the vehicle without removing the key.
²Never leave a child in the vehicle alone.
F17A0250
Open
Close
44 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

3. Do not try to operate the sunroof if it is frozen closed
(after snowfall or during extreme cold).
4. Do not sit on or place heavy luggage on the sunroof or
roof opening edge.
5. Do not apply any force that may cause damage to the
sunroof.
6. When waxing your vehicle, be careful not to put any
wax on the weatherstrip (black rubber) around the sun-
roof opening. If stained with wax, the weatherstrip
cannot maintain a weatherproof seal with the sunroof.
7. Release the switch when the sunroof has reached a
completely open or completely closed position.
THEFT-ALARM SYSTEM (IF SO EQUIPPED)
The theft-alarm system is designed to provide protection
from unauthorized entry into the vehicle. This system is
operated in three stages: the first is the ªarmedº stage, the
second is the ªalarmº stage, and third is the ªdisarmedº
stage. If triggered, the system provides both audible and
visual alarm signals.
Armed stage
Park the vehicle and stop the engine. Arm the system as
described below.
1. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
2. Make sure the trunk lid is locked.
F30A0010
Arm the system and leave.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 49
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