2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE child seat

working properly. The SRS warning light is shared by the
driver 's air bag, the front passenger 's air bag, and the
optional side air bags.
The air bags will operate only when the ignition switch is
in the ``ON'' or ``START'' position
WARNING!
²If any of the following conditions occur, the SRS
is not working properly and you should immedi-
ately have it inspected by an authorized dealer;
²The SRS warning light does not illuminate
when you start the vehicle.
²The SRS warning light does not go out after
several seconds.
²The SRS warning light comes on while driving.
SRS servicing
The entire SRS must be inspected by an authorized dealer
10 years after the vehicle's manufacture date as shown on
the certification label located on the center pillar of the
vehicle, on the driver's side.
WARNING!
²Any maintenance performed on or near the com-
ponents of the SRS should be performed only by
an authorized dealer. Do not permit anyone else to
do service, inspection, maintenance or repair on
any SRS components or wiring. Similarly, no part
of the SRS should ever be handled, removed or
disposed of by anyone except at an authorized
dealer.
Improper work on the SRS components or wiring
could result in an accidental air bag deployment
or could make the SRS inoperative. Either of these
situation could result in serious injury.
²Do not modify your steering wheel or any other SRS
components or related vehicle part. For example,
replacement of the steering wheel, or modifications
to the front bumper or body structure can negatively
affect SRS performance and may lead to possible
injury.
²If your vehicle has received any front-end dam-
age, you should have the SRS inspected by an
authorized dealer to make sure it is in proper
working order.
SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS 101
3

WARNING!
²On vehicles with side air bags, do not modify
your front seats, center pillar or center console.
Such modifications can adversely affect SRS per-
formance and may lead to possible injury.
Also, if you discover any tear or open seam in the
seat fabric near the side air bag, have the seat
inspected by an authorized dealer.
²On vehicles with side air bags, if your vehicle has
received any damage on either side, you should
have the SRS inspected by an authorized dealer to
make sure it is in proper working order.
NOTE:
²
When you transfer ownership of the vehicle to another
person, we urge you to alert the new owner that it is
equipped with the SRS and refer that owner to the
applicable sections in this owner 's manual.
²If you decide to junk or scrap your vehicle, we urge
you to first take it to an authorized dealer so that the
SRS can be made safe for disposal.
Caution label
Passenger restraint warning/caution labels for the SRS
are located in the vehicle as shown in the illustration.
102 SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS

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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WARNING!
In order to reduce risk of serious or fatal injury in an
accident, always wear your own seat belt, and do not
allow anyone to ride in your vehicle unless he or she
is properly seated and wearing a seat belt. Children
should be properly seated and restrained in an
appropriate child restraint system.
Automatic transaxle indicator (if so equipped)
When the ignition key is turned to the ªONº position, the
indicator light illuminates to show the position of the
selector lever. (i.e. ªPARKº, ªDRIVEº, ªREVERSEº, etc.)
Traction Control System warning light
(if so equipped)
This light will illuminate in the event of a
malfunction in the traction control system.
It will also come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ªONº position and should go out after the
engine starts. (See9Traction control system9on page 198)
Washer fluid level indicator
This light will illuminate and the chime will
sound when the windshield washer level is
low. (approximately 0.1 gal/0.4 L) When
the light comes on, add fluid.
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 121
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8. Stop driving the vehicle if you think the performance
is noticeably less, or that there is unnecessary engine
miss, or any other engine trouble, such as with the
ignition, etc. If it is impractical to stop driving immedi-
ately, reduce the speed and drive for only a short time.
Have an inspection made by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
9. In an unusual event of a severe engine malfunction, a
scorching odor may indicate severe and abnormal cata-
lytic converter overheating. If this occurs, the vehicle
should be stopped in a safe place, the engine shut off and
the vehicle allowed to cool. Once the engine is cool, the
vehicle should immediately be taken to a dealer for
service.
VEHICLE PREPARATION BEFORE DRIVING
Before starting on a trip, perform the following checks to
obtain the greatest possible enjoyment and safety from
your vehicle:
Seat belts and seats
1. Before starting the vehicle, make certain that you and
all your passengers are seated and properly wearing the
seat belts (with children in the rear seat, in appropriate
restraints), and that all doors are locked.
2.
Adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible, while still
maintaining good visibility, and good control of the steering
wheel, brakes, accelerator, and controls. Examine the instru-
ment panel indicators for any possible malfunction.
3. Have the front passenger adjust their seat as far
rearward as possible.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defroster mode and set
the blower switch for high speed operation. You should
be able to feel the air directed against the windshield.
(See ªHeater /Air conditioningº page 238.)
Tires
Examine all tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks.
STARTING AND DRIVING 201
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Odometer..........................108,112
Oil pressure gauge...................... 108
Oil pressure warning light.............109,116
Oil
Engine oil........................... 318
Onboard Diagnostic System............... 314
Opener, Garage Door.................... 134
Operation during cold weather............. 204
Operation under adverse driving conditions . . . 263
Overdrive indicator..................... 109
Oversize tires.......................... 342
Owner 's Manual....................... 385
Parking brake
Operating method.................... 171
Parking brake lever stroke.............. 334
Polishing............................. 258
Power brakes.......................... 174
Power door locks........................ 34
Power windows......................... 44
Proper shift points...................... 169
Puncture (tire changing).................. 274Radial ply tires........................ 341
Radiator cap..................... 311,322,323
Radio................................ 221
General information................... 218
Reading lamps......................... 133
Reading light.......................... 133
Rear seats............................. 66
Rear window defroster................... 127
Replacement of light bulbs................ 293
Reporting Safety Defects................. 383
Safe driving techniques.................. 202
Scheduled maintenance.................. 349
Seat belt extender....................... 75
Seat Belts
Adjustable seat belt anchor.............73,80
And Pregnant Women.................. 87
Child restraint........................ 76
Maintenance and inspection.............. 88
Seat belt extender...................... 75
Seat belt reminder/warning light......... 109
UNIBELT restraint system............... 69
Seatback.............................. 60
394 INDEX