2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE automatic transmission

3. In Autostick, downward shifts are made automatically
when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops,
1st gear is automatically selected.
4. When starting out on slippery roads, push the selector
lever forward into the + (UP) position. This puts the
transmission into 2nd gear and is better for starting out
on slippery roads. Push the selector lever to the ±
(DOWN) side to shift back to 1st gear.
5. Move the selector lever gently between the manual
and main gates and between positions in the manual
gate. Undue force could damage the selector lever.Indication lights
In Autostick, the currently selected gear is indicated by
the lights on the instrument panel.
NOTE: When Autostick is selected, the ªDº indicator
goes off.
Holding on an upgrade
To avoid transaxle overheating, never hold the vehicle
stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal.
Instead, use the brake pedal.
I04S0530
STARTING AND DRIVING 167
5

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
I07A0020I07A0030
172 STARTING AND DRIVING

WARNING!
Never open the radiator cap when the radiator is hot.
You could be seriously burned.
TRAILER TOWING
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with manual
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with automatic
transaxles is 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
²If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of the
tow vehicle load capacity when loading the vehicle.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for transmission fluid replacement.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are recom-
mended for motoring safety.
STARTING AND DRIVING 205
5

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

Tire chains.......................... 348
Tread wear indicators.................. 346
Tools................................ 266
Towing.............................. 284
Trailering........................... 205
Trailer Towing......................... 205
Transaxle
Automatic transaxle................... 155
Autostick........................... 165
Manual transaxle..................... 168
Transmission
Automatic transmission................ 160
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 134
Transporting Pets....................... 103
Trip odometer......................... 108
Trip odometer reset button................ 108
Trunklid .............................. 35
Turbocharger boost gauge................ 108
Turn signal indicators.................109,114
Lever.............................. 124
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 387
Universal Transmitter.................... 134Vanity mirror.......................... 211
Vehicle Identification Number............... 5
Vehicle labeling........................ 372
Vehicle Weights........................ 375
Ventilators............................ 237
Warnings and Cautions.................... 5
Warranty Information.................... 382
Washer fluid level indicator............... 109
Washer
Windshield.......................130,333
Washing.............................. 255
Waxing.............................. 257
Wheel covers.......................... 268
Whip antenna......................... 221
Windshield washers..................130,333
Windshield wiper blades................. 333
Windshield wipers...................... 128
396 INDEX