2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE ABS

Children 12 years old and under should be restrained in
the rear seat only, whenever possible, although the front
passenger seat belt can also be the converted to ALR
mode.
WARNING!
²Before placing an infant or child in a child re-
straint system, be absolutely certain you con-
verted the retractor from the ELR mode to the ALR
mode. The ALR mode will keep the child restraint
system tightly secured to the seat.
Failure to convert the retractor to the ALR mode
may allow the child restraint system to move
forward during sudden braking or in a collision,
seriously injuring the child or other occupants.
Installation:
1. Place the child restraint system in the rear seating
position as shown in the illustration.
2. Route the unibelt through the child restraint system
according to the child restraint system manufacturer 's
instructions. Then insert the unibelt latch plate into the
buckle. Make sure you hear a9click9when you insert the
latch plate into the buckle.
G18C0540
SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS 83
3

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF SEAT
BELTS
The seat belt webbing may be cleaned with mild soap or
detergent solution. Allow the belts to dry in the shade.
Do not allow them to retract until completely dry. Do not
attempt to bleach or re-dye belts. The color may rub off
and webbing strength could be affected.
Regularly check seat belt buckles and release mecha-
nisms for positive action and the retractors when in the
automatic locking retractor mode for positive engage-
ment. Refer to ªInstalling a child restraint system to a
UNIBELTº on page 82.
Check that the anchor mounting bolts are tight. If the seat
belt webbing shows obvious cuts, tears, protruding bro-
ken fibers that cause a local increase in webbing thick-
ness, or severe fading which indicates weakening by
exposure to sunlight, the entire seat belt assembly should
be replaced.The lap belt portion of the front UNIBELT has a sleeve
inside which the belt is folded back over itself in a loop.
This allows the belt to help absorb the energy of a
collision through a controlled release of the loop. In the
event that the loop inside the sleeve has come loose,
replace the entire seat belt assembly.
G28A0420
Good
No GoodSleeve
Sleeve
88 SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS

NGear positions........................158
NDriving speed
(Vehicles with automatic transaxle).........159
NHolding on an upgrade.................159
NTransaxle reset mode...................160
mAutomatic transaxle Autostick
(if so equipped)
........................160
NSelector lever operation.................161
NIndicator lights.......................163
NSelector positions (Main gate).............164
NSelector positions Manual gate Autostick.....165
NHolding on an upgrade.................167
NTransaxle reset mode...................168
mManual transaxle (if so equipped)..........168
NTo start.............................169
NProper shift points.....................169NRecommended downshifting speed.........171
NDriving precautions....................171
mParking brake.........................171
mBrake pedal...........................173
mPower brakes.........................174
mBrake pad wear alarm...................174
mAnti-lock braking (ABS) system
(if so equipped)
........................175
NGeneral driving hints
(standard/anti-lock brakes)...............175
mSteering wheel tilt lock lever..............177
mPower steering........................178
mInside Day/Night rearview mirrors.........179
NElectrochromic inside rearview mirror
(if so equipped.......................180
NElectrochromic mirror operation
(if so equipped).......................181
144 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
Driving on worn brake pads can reduce your ability
to stop, and can result in an accident.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING (ABS) SYSTEM (IF SO
EQUIPPED)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce optimal signals
for the computer. However, the system will compensate
when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to anaccident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
General driving hints (standard/anti-lock brakes)
1. During anti-lock braking, steering differs slightly from
normal driving conditions. Be sure to operate steering
wheel carefully.
2. The anti-lock braking system is not restricted to situ-
ations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also operate to prevent wheel lock when driving
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.
3. Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you. If your vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock braking
system, allow for a greater braking distance when:
·Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.
·Driving with tire chains installed.
·Driving on uneven road surfaces.
STARTING AND DRIVING 175
5

CAUTION!
²When driving in rain, a layer of water may form
between the tires and the road surface (hydroplan-
ing).
This reduces a tire's frictional resistance on the
road, resulting in loss of steering stability and
braking capability. When driving on a wet road,
observe the following:
(a) Drive your vehicle at a safe speed.
(b) Do not drive on worn tires.
(c) Always maintain the specified tire inflation
pressures.
On snowy or icy roads
1. When driving on a road covered by snow or ice, it is
recommended that you use snow tires.
CAUTION!
Tire chains are not recommended for your vehicle.
The clearance between the chains and the body is
small, and body damage may occur.
2. Drive slowly. Avoid any sudden starts or stops, abrupt
brake application or sharp cornering.
3. Depressing the brake pedal during travel on snowy or
icy roads may cause tire slippage and skidding. When a
skid occurs, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer gently
into the skid. Braking will differ, depending upon
whether you have anti-lock brakes (ABS). If you do have
ABS, brake by pressing the brake pedal firmly, and
keeping it pressed. If you do not have ABS (vehicles
without anti-lock braking system) pump the brake pedal
with short rapid jabs, each time fully applying and fully
releasing for greatest effect.
4. Allow extra distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you, and avoid sudden braking.
EMERGENCIES 265
8

Radiator cap
The radiator cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of coolant and engine damage.
WARNING!
Make sure that the engine is thoroughly cooled
down before removing the radiator cap, otherwise
hot steam or boiling coolant may gush from the filler
port and scald you.
Points to remember
1. Do not overfill the reserve tank.
2. A special radiator cap is used to ensure sealing and to
allow the coolant to return from the reserve tank to the
radiator when the engine cools. If cap replacement is
necessary, use the proper cap.
3. Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator using
proper instruments, when it is safe to do so. If antifreeze
is added, the contents of the reserve tank must be
protected against freezing.
4. Keep the front of the radiator clean. Keep the front of
the condenser clean.5. If the temperature of the engine coolant does not rise
normally after engine warm-up, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer to have the thermostat checked, and
replaced if necessary.
BRAKE FLUID
Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
should be used. The reservoir cap must be fully tightened
to avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contact,
mix with, or otherwise contaminate the brake
fluid. Seal damage will result.
²Take care in handling brake fluid as it may cause
damage to painted surfaces.
²Use only the specified brake fluid. Also, the
additives in different brands may result in a
chemical reaction when mixed together, so avoid
mixing different brands if possible.
²Keep the reservoir tank cap closed to prevent the
brake fluid from evaporating or absorbing moisture.
MAINTENANCE 323
9

2. The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire
that has a particular side that must always face out-
ward when mounted on a vehicle.
·Rim : a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
Tire MarkingsSize Designation
EXAMPLE: P215/65R15
PPassenger car tire size based on U.S.A. design
standards
215 Section width in milimeters (mm)
65 Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
RConstruction code
·9R9means radial construction.
·9D9means diagonal or bias construction.
15 Rim diameter in inches (in)
NOTE:
²European/Japanese metric tire sizing is based on
European/Japanese design standards. Tires designed
to these standards have the tire size molded into the
sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter
9P9is absent from this tire size designation. Example:
215/65R15 96H.
²LT (Light Truck) -metric tire sizing is based on U.S.A.
design standards. The size designation for LT-metric
tires is the same as for P-metric tires except for theM32A0100
MAINTENANCE 337
9

Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech
Impaired (TDD/TTY)
To assist customers who have hearing difficulties,
DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation has installed spe-
cial TDD (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf)
equipment at its Customer Center. Any hearing or speech
impaired customer who has access to a TDD or a
conventional teletypewriter (TTY) in the United States
can communicate with DaimlerChrysler Motors Corpo-
ration by dialing 1±800±380±CHRY.
Service Contract
You may have purchased a service contract for your
vehicle to help protect you from the high cost of unex-
pected repairs after your DaimlerChrysler Motors Cor-
poration new vehicle limited warranty expires.
DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation stands behind only
Genuine DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Service
Contracts. If you purchased a Genuine DaimlerChrysler
Motors Corporation Service Contract, you will receive
Plan Provisions and an Owner Identification Card in the
mail within three weeks of your vehicle delivery date. If
you have any questions about your service contract, call
the DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Service Con-
tract National Customer Hotline at 1-800-521-9922.DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation will not stand be-
hind any service contract that is not a Genuine
DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Service Contract. It
is not responsible for any service contract other than a
Genuine DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Service
Contract. If you purchased a service contract that is not a
Genuine DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Service
Contract, and you require service after your
DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation new vehicle lim-
ited warranty expires, please refer to your contract docu-
ments, and contact the person listed in those documents.
We appreciate that you have made a major investment
when you purchased your new vehicle. Your dealer has
also made a major investment in facilities, tools, and
training to assure that you are absolutely delighted with
your ownership experience. You'll be pleased with their
sincere efforts to resolve any warranty issues or related
concerns.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
See your DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Warranty
Information Booklet for information on warranty cover-
age and transfer of warranty.
382 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE