2005 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN ECO mode

2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4
but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Trunk
button.
3. Release both buttons.
Panic Alarm
The panic mode unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the headlights, and sounds the
horn for about 3 minutes or until the alarm is turned off.
To use the Panic Alarm:
Press and hold the Panic Button for at least 1 second to
activate the panic alarm. Press and hold the panic button
a second time or unlock the door with the key (if
equipped with central locking) to deactivate the alarm.
The alarm will also shut itself off after 3 minutes, or when
the vehicle speed reaches 15 MPH (24 km/h).
To Program Additional Transmitters:
Up to 4 transmitters can be programmed to your vehicle.
To program a transmitter, perform the following proce-
dure:
1. With the vehicle in Park, turn the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position.2. Using a currently programmed transmitter, press the
Unlock button on the transmitter. Continue to hold the
Unlock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10
seconds, then press and hold the Panic button for at least
one second. Release both buttons simultaneously. You
will hear a chime to signal that you can proceed with
programming the new transmitter.
3. Press and release the Lock and Unlock buttons simul-
taneously, followed by a press and release of ANY button
on each new transmitter to be programmed as well as the
original transmitter. You will hear a chime when a
transmitter has been successfully programmed. You will
have 30 seconds to finish programming all new transmit-
ters. A chime will sound when the 30 seconds is over or
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
General Information
This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15 and
with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
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The airbag control module also turns on the
AIRBAGlight in the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on, then
turns the light off. If it detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the light either momentarily or
continuously.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
•When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. Three levels of airbag inflation rates are
possible. These rates are determined by the airbag
control module based on collision severity. The airbag
covers separate and fold out of the way as the airbags
inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate inabout 60 milliseconds. This is only about half of the
time it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented
through a vent hole in the rear of the airbag. The
passenger’s front airbag gas is vented through vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags
do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
•The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the airbag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe collision, to
help restrain the driver and front passenger, and then to
immediately deflate.
NOTE:A collision that is not severe enough to need
airbag protection will not activate the system. This does
not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint
to the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con-
ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.
Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.
48 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

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

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
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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

To Set The Clock:
1. Use a ballpoint pen or similar object to press 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. Or, it will exit the mode automatically if left alone
for 5 or 6 seconds.
RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these“ap-
parent”malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 99
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