2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE alarm

THEFT PROTECTION
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition switch and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lighted
area.
The ignition key can only be removed in the ªLOCKº
position. If the key is left in the lock cylinder, a warning
chime sounds when the driver's door is opened.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a Theft-alarm
system, refer to ªTheft-alarm systemº.
STEERING LOCK
Withdraw the key and the steering wheel will be locked.
Turn the steering wheel to confirm that it is locked.
CAUTION!
If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the
(ACC(position to unlock the steering wheel.
STARTING
Tips for starting
1. Do not operate the starter motor continuously for
longer than 15 seconds at a time; doing so could run
down the battery. If the engine does not start, turn the
ignition switch back to ªLOCKº, wait a few seconds, and
then try again.
2. If the engine will not start because the battery is weak
or dead, refer to ªJump-starting the engineº section (page
280) for instructions on starting the engine.
3. The engine is well warmed up if the pointer of the
coolant temperature gauge starts to move. Extended
warm up operation will result in excessive fuel consump-
tion.
STARTING AND DRIVING 153
5

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
POWER BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard
equipment. In the event you lose power assist for any
reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be substantially in-
creased over that required with the power system oper-
ating.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evidentby increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
WARNING!
²Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep
the engine running whenever the vehicle is in
motion. If the engine is stopped while driving, the
power assist servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deteriorate.
²If power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic
systems lose normal capability, take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE PAD WEAR ALARM
The disc brakes are equipped with an alarm device that
produces a metallic sound (squeal) when the brake pads
have worn down to the serviceable limit. If you hear this
sound, have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.
174 STARTING AND DRIVING

Accessory boxes........................ 215
Accessory (installation)................... 250
Adding Fuel.......................... 149
Air cleaner filter........................ 316
Air conditioning........................ 238
Aluminum wheel....................... 259
Antenna.............................. 221
Anti-lock braking system warning light . . . 109,115
Assist-starting procedures if battery is low.... 280
Automatic transaxle indicator.............. 121
Automatic transaxle oil temperature warning
light................................. 109
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle fluid............... 329
Driving speed........................ 159
Gear positions....................... 158
Holding on an upgrade................ 167
Oil temperature warning light............ 109
Parking............................ 171
Reset Mode.......................160,168
Selector lever operation................. 155
Automatic transmission.................. 160
Autostick............................. 165Ball joint, steering linkage seal and drive shaft
boots................................ 331
Battery............................... 325
Charging system warning light........109,116
During cold weather................... 204
Specification......................... 374
Brake pad wear alarm................... 174
Brake System.......................... 174
Fluid.............................. 323
Hose.............................. 331
Parking brake.....................171,334
Pedal.............................. 173
Power brakes........................ 174
Warning light........................ 119
Warning sound for brake pad wear........ 174
Brake
Parking brake........................ 334
Pedal.............................. 173
Break-in recommendations................ 146
Bulb chart.........................293,294
Car preparation before driving............. 201
Cargo loads........................... 346
390 INDEX

Seats
Front seats........................... 57
Rear seats............................ 66
SECURITY indicator................49,109,114
Service Assistance...................... 380
Service Manuals........................ 385
Setting the clock........................ 218
Severe maintenance schedule.............. 357
Snow tires............................ 348
Spare tire.......................266,267,375
Spark plugs........................317,377
Speedometer.......................108,110
Starting
At extremely cold ambient temperature..... 155
Flooded engine....................... 155
Normal conditions.................... 154
Steering system
Steering lock......................... 153
Tilt lock lever........................ 177
Sun visors............................ 211
Sunroof............................... 46
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag
Maintenance......................... 331Warning light.....................109,118
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Air bag . . 89
Supplemental Restraint System warning light . . 118
Tachometer.........................108,110
Tape Player........................... 221
Temperature Gage, Engine Coolant.......... 279
Theft protection........................ 153
Theft-alarm
SECURITY indicator..............49,109,114
System.............................. 49
Timing belt........................... 336
Tips for driving in various conditions........ 203
Tire chains............................ 348
Ti re s
Compact spare tire.................... 267
Inflation pressure...............340,374,375
Maintenance......................336,342
Quality Grading...................... 387
Rotation............................ 347
Size (tire and wheels).................. 375
Snow tires.......................... 348
Spare tire........................... 266
INDEX 395