2005 DODGE STRATUS light

deposits each time a cassette is played. The result of
deposits on the capstan shaft may cause the tape to wrap
around and become lodged in the tape transport. The
other adverse condition is low or“muddy”sound from
one or both channels, as if the treble tone control were
turned all the way down. To prevent this, you should
periodically clean the head with a commercially available
WET cleaning cassette.
As preventive maintenance, clean the head about every
30 hours of use. If you wait until the head becomes very
dirty (noticeably poor sound), it may not be possible to
remove all deposits with a simple WET cleaning cassette.COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge or center; avoid touching
the surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
NOTE:If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-
lar disc, it may be damaged, oversized, or have theft
protection encoding. Try a known good disc before
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

lower it. The comfort setting range is from Low, 60,
61,....to 89,90, Hi, for automatic temperature control. You
can select a very hot or cold comfort setting by holding
the comfort control until it reaches its highest or lowest
levels.
The system adjusts to bring the interior temperature to
the desired comfort level. All comfort settings are auto-
matic; even Hi and Low.
NOTE:You can change the display from U.S. to metric
units by pressing the Mix and Panel mode buttons
simultaneously or by pressing the English/Metric button
on the overhead console.
Air Conditioning Button
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
compressor. A snow flake symbol in the display
shows that the compressor is on. Compressor
operation is automatic when you press the Auto button.
The compressor can operate at any temperature above
32°F(0°C).With the compressor off and the temperature set at Lo, air
entering the vehicle will be slightly warmer than the air
outside the vehicle.
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor is on. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle. Recirculation is automatically controlled when
the system is in Auto Mode. Use this mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual control of Recirculation is possible only in Panel,
Floor, and Bi-Level modes. It will not operate in Mix, or
Defrost modes.
NOTE:The Recirc button light will blink if you try to
use it in the Mix or Defrost modes.
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NOTE:The air conditioning compressor is on in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the defrost
mode only when necessary.
Rear Window Defroster
Press the button once to turn on the Rear Window
Defroster and a second time to turn it off. An
indicator light in the control shows that the defroster is
on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 7
1/2 minutes of operation.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Window Fogging
In mild but rainy or humid weather, your windows may
fog up on the inside. You can remove this fog by pressing
the Defrost button. The Mix mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide sufficient heat-
ing. If side window fogging becomes a problem, increase
blower speed. The compressor will remain on during
these conditions.
NOTE:Do not use the recirculated air mode under
these conditions as window fogging may occur.
Hot Weather Automatic Recirculation
The system will automatically recirculate the air inside
the vehicle when the interior is very warm. This will
provide maximum cooling. The system will also occa-
sionally return to REC on hot, humid or very hot, dry
days to maintain occupant comfort.
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Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the air condition-
ing condenser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. The
air conditioning condenser is located in front of the
radiator. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the
radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passenger
compartment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
Mode Control
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution.
•Recirculation—Air Conditioning
Recirculated interior air is cooled and sent
through the instrument panel vents. Upon
initial start up of the vehicle in very hot or
humid weather, open windows and put in
outside air modes to flush hot/humid air out. Then
turn on the Recirculation mode to cool the vehicle
interior rapidly. The Recirculation mode can also be
used to temporarily block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust.
NOTE:
Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may
make the inside air stuffy and under mild, humid condi-
tions cause windows to fog. Use of this mode for longer
than 15 minutes is not recommended.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133
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Rear Seat Outlets
These outlets are located under the front seats and direct
warm air to the rear seat passengers. Air is directed
through these outlets when you select either the Floor,
Bi-Level, or Mix modes.
Rear Window Defroster
The Rear Window Defroster button is located to
the right of the Mode Control. Press this button
once to turn on the Rear Window Defrost and a second
time to turn them off. A light above the button shows that
the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 10
minutes of operation.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST modes. A small amount of air
is directed to the side window demisters in BI-LEVEL
mode as well. The air is directed at the area of the
windows through which you view the outside mirrors.
Windshield and Side Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by using the defrost position on the mode
control.
Your side windows may fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows,
select the Panel-Air Conditioning mode on the
Mode Control. Point the panel outlets toward the side
windows.
NOTE:Do not use the recirculation mode as it will not
clear windows under these conditions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 135
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Manual Transaxle
Fully apply the parking brake, press the clutch pedal to
the floor and place the gear selector in NEUTRAL before
starting the engine.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the“START’”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the brake light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.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
for automatic transaxle vehicles, or reverse for vehicles
with 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 transaxle 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.
Parking Brake
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL—IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the
traction control indicator light located in the instrument
cluster will flash. The system operates at speeds below 35
mph (56 km/h).A push-button located on the top of the steering column
turns the Traction Control System ON or OFF.
The system is always in the“ON”mode unless:
•The traction control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
Traction Control Switch
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