2005 DODGE STRATUS odometer

Central Locking—If Equipped
All vehicle doors are locked with the first turn of the key
to the LOCK position. The double activation feature
requires you to turn the key in the cylinder lock two
times within five seconds to UNLOCK all vehicle doors
at once.
Door Ajar Warning
If you move the vehicle and a door is not completely
closed, the word DOOR will replace the odometer dis-
play and a chime will sound once. The odometer display
will reappear once the door is closed.
Automatic (Rolling) Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically, as programmed from
the factory, if:
1. The transaxle is in gear,
2. All doors are closed,
3. Vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h),
4. The accelerator pedal is depressed.The Automatic Door Locks can be disabled or re-enabled
by performing the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between OFF and ON/RUN
and back to OFF 4 times ending up in the OFF position.
Ignition Key Position
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE
Use the key or the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to
open the trunk from outside the vehicle. From inside the
car the trunk lid can be released by depressing the Trunk
Release Button located on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. The transmission must be in Park
before the switch will operate. Vehicles with manual
transmissions must be at zero mph for the switch to
work.With the ignition ON, the word“deck”will be displayed
in place of the odometer display indicating that the trunk
is open. The odometer display will reappear once the
trunk is closed or if the trip button is depressed.
With the key in lock position or key out, the“deck”will
be displayed until the trunk is closed.
TRUNK SAFETY WARNING
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the trunk,
either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or
through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the
trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in
the trunk, young children may not be able to escape,
even if they entered through the rear seat. If trapped
in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or
heat stroke.
Trunk Release Button
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING 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

through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
11. Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the“H”mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.
13. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition.
14. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear
when in the trip odometer mode. To reset the trip
odometer, press and hold the button for at least 1/2
second.
15. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

An optionalAutoStick Gear Indicatordisplays the current
transaxle gear when in AutoStick mode.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed, during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press and release
the Trip Odometer button. Press and release the Trip
button a second time to return to the odometer. While in
trip mode, press and hold the button for at least
1⁄2second
to reset the trip odometer.Door, Deck or Trunk Ajar Warnings
If you move the vehicle and a door is not completely
closed, the word DOOR will replace the odometer dis-
play and a chime will sound once. The odometer display
will reappear when the door is closed. If the trunk is not
completely closed, the word DECK will replace the
odometer display. The odometer display will reappear
when the trunk is closed.
17. Anti-Lock Warning Light—If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
described elsewhere in this manual. This light
will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
RUN position and may stay on for several seconds. If
the light does not come on, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. The warning light should be
checked frequently to assure that it is operating prop-
erly.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Trip Conditions
Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
This display shows the average fuel economy since the
last reset.
Estimated Range (DTE)
This display shows the estimated distance that can be
traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank. This esti-
mated distance is based on the most recent trip informa-
tion: (Average Fuel Economy) x (Fuel Remaining)
This display cannot be reset.
Present Fuel Economy (ECO)
This display shows fuel economy for the last few sec-
onds.
This display cannot be reset.
Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset.
Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset.
Compass Temperature Display
This display provides the outside temperature and one of
eight compass readings to indicate the direction the
vehicle is facing.
WARNING!
Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F(0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly
in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Compass Calibration
The Automatic Compass Calibration feature eliminates
the need for the operator intervention under normal
conditions. If the CAL indicator is lit, the compass needs
to be calibrated. A good calibration requires a level
surface and an environment free of large metal objects
such as large buildings, bridges, underground cables,
railroad tracks, etc.
96 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
170 STARTING AND OPERATING

ScheduleA......................... 262
ScheduleB......................... 252
Malfunction Indicator Light.............90,204
Manual, Service........................ 274
Mirrors............................... 56
Automatic Dimming.................... 56
Electric Remote....................... 57
Outside...........................57,58
Rearview............................ 56
Vanity.............................. 58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 7
Mopar Parts........................205,274
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 65
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 48
Occupant Restraints...................... 26
Odometer............................. 92
Tampering........................... 92
Trip ................................ 92
Oil, Engine......................206,244,245
Capacity............................ 244
Change Interval...................... 207Checking........................... 206
Disposal............................ 210
Filter...........................210,245
Filter Disposal....................... 210
Identification Logo.................181,208
Materials Added to.................... 210
Pressure Gauge....................... 93
Quality..........................181,208
Recommendation..................208,244
Synthetic........................... 209
Viscosity.........................209,244
Onboard Diagnostic System............203,204
Opener, Garage Door..................... 74
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Overdrive............................ 149
Overheating, Engine..................... 186
Owner’s Manual......................4,274
Paint Care............................ 230
Paint Damage......................... 230
Panic Alarm........................... 21
Parking Brake......................... 150
Parking On Hill........................ 150
288 INDEX