2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE ECU

Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS 103
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CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the malfunction indicator
light on may result in further damage to the
emission control system. Continued driving could
also affect fuel economy and driveability.
²If the light does not illuminate when the ignition
key is turned to the ªONº position (bulb check),
have the system checked at an authorized dealer.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the battery cable when the
Malfunction indicator light (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) is
ON.
The engine electronic control module stores critical OBD
data, which may be lost if the battery is disconnected.
This can make rapid diagnosis more difficult.
If the fuel tank filler cap is not secured properly, the
light may come on. Be sure the fuel tank filler tube cap
is tightened every time you add fuel. (Turn the fuel
tank filler cap clockwise until you hear clicking
sounds.)Overheating warning light
If the warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, it is possible that the
engine is overheated.
Immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and make the necessary corrections.
(Refer to ``Engine overheating'' on page 279.)
While driving, care should always be taken to maintain
the normal operating temperature.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)-air bag
warning light
This light illuminates when the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System-air bag is not working
properly. It will also illuminate for about 7
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position or after the engine is started. The light should
then go out.
Check the light every time the vehicle is started.
If it does not illuminate, or stays on for more than
approximately 7 seconds after the ignition key is turned
ªONº or after the engine is started, or if it comes on while
118 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

2. When the indicator light (D) begins to flash slowly
(after 20 seconds) position the hand held transmitter (E)
1 to 3 inches away from the universal transceiver button
to be trained.
3. Press and hold the hand held transmitter button.
4. The indicator light will begin to flash, first slowly, then
rapidly. When the indicator lights begin to flash rapidly,
release both buttons.
Security
If you sell your vehicle, be sure to erase the frequencies.
1. To erase all of the previously trained frequencies, hold
down both outside buttons (A and C) until the indicator
light (D) begins to flash after 20 seconds.
2. Release both buttons. Do not hold for longer than 30
seconds.
F21A0130
140 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (ªSERVICE ENGINE
SOONº) will come on if the gas cap is not properly
secured. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each
time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger's side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light (ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº) to
turn on.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
150 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.
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

+ (UP) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.
± (DOWN) : Pull the lever backward once to shift down
one gear.
CAUTION!
²Upward shifts do not take place automatically in
Autostick. The driver must execute upward shifts
in accordance with road conditions, make sure the
engine rpm remains below the red zone on the
tachometer.
²By rapidly moving the selector lever backwards
(DOWN) twice, it is possible to skip one gear, (i.e.
3rd to 1st or 4th to 2nd). Since sudden engine
de-acceleration or acceleration can cause a loss of
traction, downshifts must be made carefully in
accordance with the vehicle's speed.
NOTE
1. In Autostick, only the 4 forward gears can be selected.
To reverse or park the vehicle, move the selector lever to
the ªRº or ªPº position in the main gate.
2. To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance
and safety, the system may not allow certain gear shifts
when the selector lever is operated, such as 4th gear at
low speed.
I04S0170
166 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

6 mph (10 km/h). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 3 mph (5
km/h).
3. After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow
and ice that may have adhered to the wheel areas. When
doing this be careful not to damage the wheel speed
sensors and cables located at each wheel on vehicles
equipped with an anti-lock braking system.STEERING WHEEL TILT LOCK LEVER
To adjust the steering wheel height, release the tilt lock
lever while raising or lowering the steering wheel to the
desired height.
After adjustment, securely lock the lever by pulling it
downward.
I24A0060
Wheel speed
sensorG09A0270
Unlock
Lock
STARTING AND DRIVING 177
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