2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE tow

If this warning light comes on¼
Warning light Do this Ref. page
´Have the vehicle inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.P. 163
ªNº indicator light in the
instruemnt cluster flashes slowly
(once per second)
´Your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, have the engine system checked at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is not drivable, contact Emergency
Roadside Service (ERS), authorized dealer, or local
towing company for assistance.P. 1 1 7
Malfunction indicator light
(ªSERVICE ENGINE SOONº)
SRS
´Have the air bag system checked at an authorized dealer. P. 118
Air bag warning light
´It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately but we
recommend that you have the system checked at an
authorized dealer as soon as possilble.
P. 121
Traction control system warning light
12 INTRODUCTION

If this problem occurs¼
Problem Do this Ref. page
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or
snow.1. Carefully rock the vehicle by shifting the transmission
from low to reverse.
WARNING
1.When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The
rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch
forward or backward, and injure bystanders.
2.Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels.
Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking
attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.P. 263
The brakes are not functioning
properly after crossing a puddle or
stream.Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.Ð
18 INTRODUCTION

Key reminder chime
After the ignition switch is off, if the driver's door is
opened while the ignition key is in the ignition, a chime
will sound to remind you to remove the key.
Forgotten-key prevention mechanism
If the inside lock knobs on the doors are set to the locked
position and the driver 's door or passenger 's door is
closed while the key is still in the ignition switch, the lock
will automatically be released.
Door-ajar warning chime
When the vehicle is moving at more than 5 mph (8 km/h)
and the door or the trunk is open, a chime will sound to
inform the driver that the door is not properly shut.
To lock the door with the key
Rotate the key toward the front of the vehicle to lock the
door. After checking that the door is locked, turn the key
back to the center and remove it from the lock cylinder.
F12A2330
LockUnlock
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 27
2

Using the panic alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened, you may
activate the alarm to call attention.
1. Press the PANIC button.
2. The headlights will blink on and off and the horn will
sound intermittently for about 3 minutes.
3. To turn off the alarm, press any button on the keyless
transmitter.
NOTE
1. The keyless entry system will not operate if the key is
in the ignition switch.
2. The keyless transmitter will operate within about 12 m
(39 ft) from the vehicle. However, the operating range
may change if the vehicle is located near a TV transmit-
ting tower, power station, or radio broadcasting station.
3. If the UNLOCK button is pressed when all doors are
closed and no door is opened within approximately 30
seconds, re-locking will automatically occur.
4. If the following conditions are observed after pressing
a keyless transmitter button, the battery in the keyless
transmitter may need to be replaced.
·The doors cannot be locked or unlocked.
·The trunk lid cannot be unlocked.
·The panic alarm cannot be operated.
5. Do not leave the keyless transmitter where it may be
exposed to heat caused by the direct rays of the sun.
6. If your transmitter is lost or damaged, please contact
an authorized dealer for a replacement.
F12D0360
PANIC
button
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING 31
2

WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a
spray of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove
the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
The fuel filler is located on the right rear of the body.
Hook a finger behind the fuel filler door, and pull the
door toward you.
Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap slowly by turning it
counterclockwise.
To close, securely turn the fuel tank filler tube cap
clockwise until you hear clicking sounds, and gently
push the fuel filler tank door into the closed position.
C20A1140
RemoveClose
40 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

ENGINE HOOD RELEASE
The engine hood release lever (located under the instru-
ment panel near the driver's door) is used to unlock the
engine hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the engine hood
latch.
WARNING!
²Never release the engine hood using the release
lever while the vehicle is in motion.
²Do not operate the vehicle unless the engine hood
is latched.
Release the safety lever and lift the engine hood.
F13A1480
F13A2240
42 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

Alarm deactivation
The alarm can be deactivated in the following ways.
1. By turning the key (in the driver's or passenger 's
door) in either direction (toward lock or unlock).
2. By using the remote keyless transmitter (if equipped)
to lock or unlock the door or trunk lid.
Disarmed stage
The system will be disarmed when either of the following
steps are taken:
1. The front driver's door, passenger's door or the trunk
lid is unlocked by using the key or the remote keyless
transmitter (if equipped).
2. The ignition key is turned to the ªACCº or ªON º
position.
F30A0040T
Disarm....by key (or by keyless transmitter)
52 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

5. The shoulder belt portion will allow regular move-
ment under normal conditions. The belt will lock in the
event of an abrupt change in vehicle motion.
6. To release the belt, push the button on the buckle. The
belt retracts automatically, so hold the tongue when the
belt is released and while it retracts. Should the belt not
fully return to its stowed position, pull the shoulder belt
down slightly and release quickly.
Adjustable seat belt shoulder anchor (front seats)
The seat belt shoulder anchor height can be adjusted for
greater comfort.
To move the anchor down, depress the lock knob (A). To
move the anchor up, simply slide the anchor up to the
desired position (there is no need to depress the lock
knob).
G28A0260
G08C0070
SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS 73
3