2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE ECU

Jack
To remove
Turn the shaft end so that the jack contracts and detach it
from the storage bracket.
To store
Turn the shaft end by hand to expand the jack until it is
secured firmly in position.
COMPACT SPARE TIRE
The compact spare tire is designed to save space in the
trunk and its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat
tire occurs.
CAUTION!
²The tire pressure should be periodically checked
and maintained at the specified pressure while
the tire is stowed.
²Driving with an insufficient tire pressure can lead
to an accident. If you have no choice but to drive
with an insufficient tire pressure, keep your speed
down and adjust to the specified pressure [60 psi
(420 kPa)] as soon as possible.
²The compact spare should only be used temporarily
and should be returned to the trunk and the
original
tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If your
vehicle is equipped with aluminum type wheels, the
wheel nuts for aluminum type wheels can be used
temporarily on the compact spare tire wheel.
²Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) while the com-
pact spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
N21C0010To removeTo storeStorage
bracket
EMERGENCIES 267
8

NOTE: The wheel cover is made of plastic; use caution
when prying it off.
NOTE: Some styles of wheels will have bolt-on type
wheel covers. To remove this style, remove the bolts that
hold the cover to the wheel.
CAUTION!
Trying to simply remove the wheel cover with your
bare hands may severely injure your fingers.
To install
Align the air valve with the valve opening provided on
the wheel cover.
Then pound around the outer edge of the wheel cover
with your hand to secure it in place.
NOTE: The full wheel cover has its reverse side pro-
vided with a symbol mark to show the air valve location.
N23B0920
EMERGENCIES 269
8

CAUTION!
²Towing should only be done by a professional
tow service particularly if it will involve towing
on winding roads, hills or heavy traffic. If you
have any doubts, use a professional tow service.
TowingÐfront wheel lift
Place the gearshift lever (manual transaxle) to Neutral or
the selector lever (automatic transaxle) in the ªNº (NEU-
TRAL) position. Release the parking brake.
TowingÐrear wheel lift
Turn the ignition key to the ªACCº position and secure
the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the
ªLOCKº position. This will result in damage to the
steering lock mechanism.
If you have to tow an automatic transaxle model with the rear
wheels raised (with the front wheels on the ground):
Observe the following restricted towing speeds and distances.
·Speed: 30 mph (50 km/h)
·Distance: 18 miles (30 km)
CAUTION!
Never tow an automatic transaxle model with the
rear wheels raised (with the front wheels on the
ground) when the automatic transaxle fluid level is
low. This may cause serious and expensive damage
to the transaxle.
FUSES
N09A1230
Passenger compartment
286 EMERGENCIES

4. There is a fuse puller in the cover of the instrument
panel (driver 's side). Remove the fuse puller, clamp it on
the fuse you wish to remove, and pull the fuse straight
out from the fuse block. If the fuse is not blown, some-
thing else must be causing the problem; contact an
authorized dealer to have the problem checked.5. Insert a new fuse of the same capacity securely into the
fuse block location.
N29C0200N29C0010
292 EMERGENCIES

If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel. Tighten the cap until you hear it ªclick.º
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopar parts for normal/scheduled main-
tenance and repairs is highly recommended to insure the
designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the
use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
Fuel system (tank, filler tube, connections, and
fuel tank filler cap)
Check periodically for damage or leakage in the fuel lines
and connections, and check for damage and looseness of
the fuel tank filler tube cap. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those fuel lines nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold.
WARNING!
If you see a fuel leak or if you smell fuel, do not
operate the vehicle. Any spark (including from the
ignition ), flame or smoking material could cause an
explosion or fire. Call an authorized dealer for
assistance.
Fuel hoses
Inspect the surfaces of hoses for evidence of heat and
mechanical damage, hard and brittle rubber, cracking,
tears, cuts and abrasions. Particular attention should be
paid to examining those hose surfaces nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect all
hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make
sure they are secure and that no leaks exist. If there is any
evidence of deterioration or damage, hoses should be
replaced immediately.
MAINTENANCE 315
9

WARNING!
²If the battery goes flat, be sure to check the battery
electrolyte level before connecting booster cables.
²After checking the battery electrolyte level, make
sure the caps are fitted securely.
²If any of the caps has a loose fit, replace the
battery.
During cold weather
The capacity of the battery is reduced at low tempera-
tures. This is the result of its chemical and physical
properties and this is why a very cold battery, particu-
larly one that is not fully charged, will only deliver a
fraction of the starter current that is normally available.
It is recommended that you have the battery checked by
an authorized dealer before the start of cold weather and,
if necessary, have it charged or replaced. This not only
ensures reliable starting, but prolongs battery life.
Disconnection and connection
To disconnect the battery cable, stop the engine, discon-
nect the negative terminal first, then the positive termi-
nal. To reconnect the battery, first connect the positive
terminal and then the negative terminal, before starting
the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE 327
9

NOTE
1. Check each battery terminal for corrosion. If necessary,
neutralize corrosion by washing with a solution of bak-
ing soda and water. Apply grease to posts and clamps
after cleaning or tightening.
2. Before cleaning the battery, tighten all filler port caps
to prevent foreign matter from entering the battery.
3. Check to see if the battery is securely installed and
cannot be moved. Also check each terminal for tightness.
4. When the vehicle is to be left unused for a long period
of time, remove the battery and store it in a place where
the battery fluid will not freeze. The battery should be
stored only in a fully charged condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
The automatic transaxle should be maintained and ser-
viced by an authorized dealer to obtain the best perfor-
mance and maximize life. It is important that the trans-
axle fluid be maintained at the level prescribed.
M05A0530
Good
MAINTENANCE 329
9

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