2005 DODGE STRATUS COUPE transmission

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

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

FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
CONTENTS
mSun visors............................211
NTo adjust the sun visor position...........211
NVanity mirror........................212
mAccessory socket.......................213
mCup holder...........................214
mAccessory boxes.......................215
NGlove compartment....................216
NCenter console with lid..................217
NTrunk net (if so equipped)...............217
mElectronic digital clock...................218
NClock setting procedure.................218
mGeneral information about your radio.......218
NSignal transmission....................219NWeak reception (fading).................219
NReflections...........................219
NCross modulation......................220
NFM stereo reception....................220
NCauses of disturbances..................220
mWhip antenna.........................221
mAM Stereo & FM Stereo Radio With Graphic
Equalizer, Cassette Tape Player And CD Player
(if so equipped)
.......................221
NOperating Instructions - Radio Mode.......221
NPower Switch, Volume Control............222
NSeek Button (Radio Mode)...............222
NTuning.............................222
NBalance............................222
6

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in hours
and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position.
Clock setting procedure
1. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press either the hour (H) or minute (M) buttons on the
radio. The time setting will increase each time you press
the button.
2. Press any other button to exit from the clock setting
mode.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RADIO
A vehicle is not an ideal place to listen to the radio,
because the vehicle moves, and reception conditions are
constantly changing. Buildings, terrain, signal distance
and noise from other vehicles are all working against
good reception.
Please read the following information regarding radio
reception, especially those regarding stereo transmission.
H12G0010
FM AM
25 to 40 mile radius
(40 to 64 Km)100 mile radius
(160 Km)
218 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

Signal transmission
FM signals do not follow the earth's surface nor are they
reflected by the upper atmosphere. For this reason, FM
broadcasts cannot be received over long distances.
AM signals follow the earth's surface and are reflected by
the upper atmosphere. For this reason, AM broadcasts
can be received over longer distances.
Weak reception (fading)
Because of the limited range of FM transmissions and the
way FM waves spread, fading usually occurs with FM
reception.
When the broadcast is blocked by mountains or similar
obstructions, reception disturbance may result.
Reflections
The reason why one can hear FM but not AM in parking
garages, under bridges etc., is that FM signals unlike AM
signals, are reflected by solid objects such as buildings,
etc.
Because FM signals are easily reflected by buildings, this
can also cause reception disturbances.
H12G0020
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 219
6

²Vehicle normal load on the tire : load on an individual
tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and nor-
mal occupant weight and dividing by two.
²Maximum loaded vehicle weight : the sum of ±
(a) Curb weight;
(b) Accessory weight:
(c) Vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) Production options weight.
²Curb weight : the weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine.
²Accessory weight : the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the
extent that these items are available as factory-
installed equipment (whether installed or not).
²Vehicle capacity weight : the rated cargo and luggage
load plus 150 lbs (68kg) times the vehicle's designated
seating capacity.
²Production options weight : the combined weight of
those installed regular production options weighing
over 5 lbs (2.3kg) in excess of those standard items
which they replace, not previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and
special trim.
²Normal occupant weight : 150 lbs (68kg) times the
number of specified occupants. (In your vehicle the
number is 3).
²Occupant distribution : distribution of occupants in a
vehicle as specified. (In your vehicle the distribution is
2 in front, 1 in second seat).
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement9The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds9on
your vehicle's placard.
MAINTENANCE 343
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