2005 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN lock

TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the
distance to be towed must not exceed 15 miles (25 km),
and the towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40
km/h). If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle
is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km), the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in
the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer recommended
power steering fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level
indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add
fluid to restore the proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Suspension Ball Joints
There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints.
Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is
done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be
replaced.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
External Lock Cylinders
Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer-
ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of
lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di-
rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position; without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly
into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the
lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder,
then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri-
cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk
hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of
trunk operation.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Engine Oil
•
Door hinges
•Hood hinges
•Trunk hinges
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
7

Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar
Spray White Lube:
•
Hood hinge springs and links
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
•Trunk latches
•Ash tray
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade
rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
•
Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
•Push the release tab and slide the wiper blade assem-
bly away from the wiper arm. Gently place the wiper
arm on the windshield.
•Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the engine compartment should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator anti-
freeze) rated not to freeze at -25°F (-31°C). Operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The identity of each fuse is indicated on the backside of
the cover.
Cavity Fuse Circuit
1 30 Amp Green Blower Motor
2 10 Amp Red Right High Beam Head-
light, High Beam Indica-
tor
3 10 Amp Red Left High Beam Head-
light
4 15 Amp Blue Power Door Lock Switch
Illumination, Transmis-
sion Range Switch, Day-
time Running Light Mod-
ule (Canada), Power
Windows, Anti-lock
Brake System Module
Cavity Fuse Circuit
5 10 Amp Red Power Door Lock and
Door Lock Arm/Disarm
Switches, Vanity, Read-
ing, Map, Rear Seating,
Ignition, and Trunk
Lights, Illuminated Entry,
Radio, Power Antenna,
Data Link Connector,
Body Control Module,
Power Amplifier
6 10 Amp Red Heated Rear Window
Indicator
7 20 Amp Yellow Instrument cluster illumi-
nation, Park and tail
Lights
8 20 Amp Yellow Power Receptacle, Horns,
Ignition, Fuel, Start
9 15 Amp Blue Power Door Lock Motors
(Body Control Module)
10 20 Amp Yellow Daytime Running Light
Module (Canada)
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Turn the retaining ring counterclockwise and remove
the bulb and socket assembly.
5. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace the bulb.
CAUTION!
Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life.
6. If the bulb comes in contact with any oily surface,
clean the bulb with rubbing alcohol.
7. Reinsert the bulb and socket assembly and turn the
retaining ring clockwise to secure the bulb.
8. Reinstall the headlight assembly.
Park, Turn Signal, Sidemarker Bulb Replacement
1. Open the hood and remove the two headlight assem-
bly mounting screws. Pull the headlight assembly away
from the vehicle.
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove the
bulb and socket assembly.
3. Pull the bulb out of the socket, replace the bulb, and
reinstall the bulb and socket to the headlight assembly.
Reinstall the headlight assembly.Fog Light Bulb Replacement
1. Remove the screw securing the light assembly to the
front fascia.
2. Pull the light assembly away from the vehicle to
expose the bulb and socket assembly.
3. Disconnect the wiring connector from the bulb and
socket assembly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7

4. Turn the bulb and socket assembly counterclockwise
to remove it from the housing.
5. Install the new bulb and socket assembly, reattach the
wiring connector, and reinstall the fog light assembly.Center Stoplight Bulb Replacement
1. Open the trunk. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise
to remove it from the housing.
2. Pull the bulb out of the socket, replace the bulb and
reinstall the bulb and socket assembly.
242 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE