2005 DODGE STRATUS instrument panel

Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine 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. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Console Features.......................54
▫Console Features—Without Heated Seats....54
▫Console Features—With Heated Seats.......55

Mirrors..............................56
▫Inside Day/Night Mirror—If Equipped......56
▫Automatic Dimming Mirror—If Equipped....56
▫Electric Remote-Control Mirrors—If Equipped .57
▫Outside Mirror—Driver’s Side............58
▫Outside Mirror—Passenger’s Side..........58
▫Illuminated Vanity Mirrors—If Equipped....58

Seats................................59▫Manual Front Seat Adjustments............59
▫Power Seats—If Equipped...............60
▫Adjustable Head Restraints...............61
▫Folding Rear Seat......................61

To Open And Close The Hood.............62

Lights...............................63
▫Interior Lights........................63
▫Front Map/Reading Lights—If Equipped....65
▫Multi-Function Control Lever..............65
▫Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights..............................66
▫Automatic Headlights—If Equipped.........66
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CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning,
never spray any cleaning solution directly onto the
mirror. Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and
wipe the mirror clean.
Electric Remote-Control Mirrors—If Equipped
Both of the outside mirrors can be adjusted by using the
remote controls mounted on the instrument panel to the
left of the steering wheel.
NOTE:Place the mirror selector switch in the center
(neutral) position to prevent accidental movement of the
mirrors.
Power Mirror Controls
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 57
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WARNING!
The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They could
be seriously injured in an accident. Children should
be seated and using the proper restraint system.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Hood Release Lever
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Dimmer Control
With the parking lights or headlights
on, rotating the dimmer control for the
interior lights on the Multi-Function
Control Lever upward will increase
the brightness of the instrument panel
lights.
Dome Light Position
Rotate the dimmer control completely
upward to the second detent to turn
on the interior lights. The interior
lights will remain on when the dim-
mer control is in this position.
Interior Light Defeat (OFF)
Rotate the dimmer control to the ex-
treme bottom full-circle position. The
interior lights will remain off when the
doors are open.
Daytime Mode (Daytime Brightness Feature)
Rotate the dimmer control to the first
detent (full-circle). This feature bright-
ens the odometer and radio display
when the parking lights or headlights
are on during daylight conditions.
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Front Map/Reading Lights—If Equipped
These lights are mounted between the sun visors. Each
light has a push-on push-off switch.
NOTE:The lights will remain on until the switch is
pressed a second time, so be sure that they have been
turned off before leaving the vehicle.
Multi-Function Control Lever
The Multi-Function lever controls the operation of the
headlights, turn signals, headlight beam select switch,
instrument panel light dimming, courtesy lights, passing
lights, dome light and fog lights.
Front Map/Reading Light Switches
Multi-Function Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65
3

Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights
Turn the end of the control lever to the first detent for
parking light operation. Turn to the second detent for
headlight operation.
To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
turn the center portion of the lever up or down. Turning
the dimmer control to the full up position also turns onthe courtesy lights. Turning the dimmer control to the full
down position prevents the courtesy lights from coming
on when a door is opened.
Automatic Headlights—If Equipped
This system automatically turns your headlights on at a
preset level of outdoor lighting. Turn the end of the
control lever to the third detent to turn the system on.
When the system is on, the headlight delay feature is also
on. This means that your headlights will stay on for about
90 seconds after you turn the ignition switch off. To turn
the Automatic system off, turn the control lever clock-
wise, to the off position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the automatic mode.
NOTE:The Automatic Headlight System will turn on
the headlights if it detects that the windshield wipers
have been in operation for more than 10 seconds.
Multi-Function Lever
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Sunroof Fully Closed
Press and hold the switch forward until the sunroof stops
completely to ensure that the sunroof is fully closed.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET
The power outlet is located in the lower center of your
instrument panel. If your vehicle is equipped with heated
seats, a second power outlet is located inside the center
console. All accessories connected to any outlet should be
removed or turned off when the vehicle is not in use.
CAUTION!
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
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