2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE Owners Manual

Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
Select the desired blower speed.
NOTE: If the outside air is dusty or otherwise contami-
nated, or if maximum cooling performance is desired, set
air selection switch (A) to the recirculation position and
the temperature control dial all the way to the left.
Introduce outside air from time to time for proper
ventilation.
Important operation tips for air conditioning
1. Park the vehicle in the shade whenever possible.
Parking under the hot sun makes the vehicle interior
extremely hot, which requires more time to cool the
interior. If it is necessary to park in the sun, open the
windows for the first few minutes of air conditioning
operation to expel hot air.
2. Close the windows when the air conditioning is in use.
The entry of outside air through open windows will
reduce cooling efficiency.
3. When operating the system, make sure the air intake,
which is located in front of the windshield, is free of
obstructions such as leaves. Leaves collected in the
air-intake plenum may reduce air flow and plug the
plenum water drains.
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations
If the air conditioning seems less effective than usual, the
cause might be a refrigerant leak.
Have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
H04F0980
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 249
6

CAUTION!
The air conditioning system in your vehicle must be
charged with the refrigerant HFC-134a and the lubri-
cant SUN-PAG 56.
Use of any other refrigerant or lubricant will cause
severe damage which will result in the need to
replace your vehicle's entire air conditioning system.
The release of refrigerant into the atmosphere is not
recommended.
The new refrigerant (HFC-134a) in your vehicle is
designed not to harm the earth's ozone layer. How-
ever, it may slightly contribute to global warming.
It is recommended that the refrigerant be recovered
and recycled for future use.
During a long period of disuse
The air conditioning should be operated for at least five
minutes each a week, even in cold weather. This is to
maintain lubrication of the compressor internal parts and
maintain the air conditioning in the best operating con-
dition.
INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES
CAUTION!
Before any electrical or electronic accessories are
installed, consult an authorized dealer.
1. Improper installation of an electrical or electronic
accessory may cause a fire or electrical problem.
It also could result in failure of warranty coverage under
the new vehicle limited warranty.
2. When using a communication system such as a cellu-
lar phone or a radio set inside the vehicle, be sure to
install a separate external antenna. When a cellular phone
or a radio set is used by using an internal antenna alone,
it might cause failure to the vehicle's electrical system
and could interfere with safe operation of the vehicle.
WARNING!
If you use a cellular phone while driving, keep your
attention on your driving, in order to reduce risk of
accidents.
250 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

VEHICLE CARE
CONTENTS
mCleaning the inside of your vehicle.........253
NPlastic, vinyl leather, fabric, and flocked parts . . 253
NUpholstery..........................253
NGenuine leather (if so equipped)...........254
mCleaning the outside of your vehicle........254
NForeign material.......................254
NWashing............................255
NDuring cold weather...................256
NWaxing your vehicle....................257NPolishing your vehicle..................258
NDamaged paint.......................258
NCleaning plastic parts...................258
NChrome parts........................259
NAluminum wheels (if so equipped).........259
NWindow glass........................259
NWiper blades.........................259
NCleaning the sunroof (if so equipped).......259
NEngine compartment...................259
7

In order to maintain the value and good looks of your
vehicle, perform regular maintenance using proper ma-
terials and procedures.
Be sure to use only those materials and procedures that
are in compliance with all local environmental pollution
control regulations. Carefully select the materials to be
used to be sure that they do not contain corrosives; if in
doubt, contact an authorized dealer for assistance in the
selection of these materials.CAUTION!
Cleaning products can be dangerous. Some are poi-
sonous. Others are highly flammable. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed
space. When you use any product to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the instructions printed on
its container. Always open your vehicle doors or
windows when you're cleaning the inside. Never use
the following chemicals to clean your vehicle:
·Gasoline
·Carbon Tetrachloride
·Benzine
·Naphtha
·Acetone
·Turpentine
·Paint Thinner
·Lacquer Thinner
·Nail Polish Remover
These can all be dangerous, and can damage your vehicle.
252 VEHICLE CARE

CLEANING THE INSIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE
After cleaning the inside of your vehicle with cleaner,
wipe it dry in a shady, well ventilated area.
CAUTION!
Do not use organic substances (solvents, kerosene,
alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions.
These chemicals can cause discoloring, staining or
cracking of the surface.
If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure
their ingredients do not include the substances men-
tioned above.
NOTE: Always read the instructions on the cleaner
label.
Plastic, vinyl leather, fabric, and flocked parts
1. Lightly wipe with a soft cloth soaked in a 3% solution
of neutral detergent and water.2. After using detergent, dip the cloth in fresh water and
wring out well. Using this cloth, wipe off the detergent
thoroughly.
NOTE: Cleaners, conditioners, and protectants contain-
ing silicons or waxes may cause annoying reflections and
obscure vision.
Upholstery
1. To maintain the value of your new vehicle, maintain
the upholstery carefully and keep the interior clean.
Use a vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the seats. If
stained, vinyl and synthetic leather should be cleaned
with an appropriate cleaner. Cloth fabrics can be cleaned
with either upholstery cleaner or a 3% solution of neutral
detergent in lukewarm water.
2. Clean the carpeting with a vacuum cleaner and re-
move any stains with carpet cleaner. Oil and grease can
be removed by lightly dabbing with a clean colorfast
cloth and spot remover.
NOTE: If fuzzing is difficult to remove from the seat
upholstery, draw a suitable defuzzing brush over the
surface in one direction.
VEHICLE CARE 253
7

Genuine leather (if so equipped)
1. Lightly wipe with a soft cloth soaked in a 5% solution
of neutral detergent and water.
2. Dip the cloth in fresh water and wring it out well.
Using this cloth, wipe off the detergent thoroughly.
3. Apply a leather protecting agent to the genuine leather
surface.
NOTE
1. If genuine leather is wet with water, wipe off the water
as quickly as possible with a dry, soft cloth.
2. Slight stains on genuine leather may be removed with
a leather cleaner.
3. The genuine leather surface may be damaged if a
nylon brush is rubbed hard against it.
4. Organic solvents such as benzine, alcohol, gasoline,
acid or alkaline solvents may discolor the genuine leather
surface and should not be used.
5. Dirty genuine leather seats may mildew. Be very
careful about oil stains and remove them immediately.6. The genuine leather surface may harden and shrink if
it is exposed to the direct rays of the sun for long hours.
When your vehicle is parked, place it in the shade as
much as possible.
7. When the temperature of the vehicle interior rises in
the summer, vinyl products left on the genuine leather
seat may deteriorate and stick to the seat.
CLEANING THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE
To protect your vehicle's outside finish, it is important
that you wash it often and thoroughly. If desired, you
may wax your vehicle by using an automobile wax.
Foreign material
Industrial fallout, road tar, bird droppings, tree sap,
insect remains, sea water, and other foreign matter can
damage the finish of your vehicle.
Generally, the longer the foreign material remains in
contact with the outside finish the more extensive the
damage. Wash your vehicle as soon as possible if it
becomes contaminated with foreign material.
254 VEHICLE CARE

Washing
Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up from
air, rain, snow, or road surface can damage the paint coat
and body of your vehicle if left in prolonged contact.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to protect
your vehicle from this damage.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the
vehicle in the shade and spray it with water to remove
dust. Next, using an ample amount of clean water and a
car washing mitt or sponge, wash the vehicle from top to
bottom.
Use a mild vehicle washing soap. Rinse thoroughly and
wipe dry with a chamois or soft cloth. After washing the
vehicle, carefully clean the joints and flanges of the doors,
hood, etc., where dirt is likely to remain.CAUTION!
²When washing the under side of your vehicle,
wear a pair of rubber gloves in order to protect
your hands.
²Never spray or splash water on the electrical
components in the engine compartment, as this
may adversely affect the starting circuit.
Exercise caution also when washing the under-
body; be careful not to spray water into the engine
compartment.
²Using an automatic car wash, pay attention to the
following items, referring to the operation manual
or consulting a car wash operator.
²The outside mirrors and the antenna are retracted.
VEHICLE CARE 255
7

CAUTION!
²Some types of washers (including coin-operated
washers) apply high temperature and high pres-
sure to the vehicle, which may cause heat distor-
tion and damage to the resin parts of the vehicle
body, leakage of water into the vehicle, etc. There-
fore, be sure to observe the following.
²Maintain a good distance of approx. 16 in. (40 cm)
or more between the vehicle body and the wash-
ing nozzle.
²When washing around the door glass, hold the
nozzle at a distance of more than 40 in.(1m) and at
right angles to the glass surface.
During cold weather
Salt and other chemicals that are spread on winter roads
in some geographical areas can have a detrimental effect
on the vehicle underbody. You should flush the under-
body with a high pressure hose every time you wash the
exterior of your vehicle.
Special care should be taken to remove mud or other
debris which could trap and hold salt and moisture.
After washing your vehicle, wipe off all water drops from
the rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors
from freezing.
NOTE: When a door is frozen, opening it by force may
tear or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door.
Therefore, pour warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to
wipe off water thoroughly after opening the door. To help
prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors,
hood, etc., treat the rubber seal with a lubricant designed
for rubber.
256 VEHICLE CARE