2006 DODGE STRATUS child lock

Folding Rear Seat
To provide additional storage area, the rear seatback can
be folded forward. Pull on the loops shown in the picture
to fold down either or both seatbacks.
When returning the rear seat back to the upright position
be sure the seat back is latched.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.
Adjustable Head RestraintFolding Rear Seats
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 57
3

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Brake/Transmission Interlock
This interlock system prevents you from moving the gear
selector out of the Park position unless the brake pedal is
pressed. The system is active when the ignition switch is
in the RUN position.
WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle you should shift
the transmission into Park, remove the key from the
ignition, and apply the park brake. Once the key is
removed from the ignition the transmission shift
lever is locked in the Park position, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore,
you should never leave children unattended inside a
vehicle. The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the transmission shift
lever into the“Park”position:
•When shifting into Park, depress the button on
the shift lever and firmly move the lever all the
way forward until it stops.
•Look at the shift indicator window on the console
to ensure it is in the“P”position.
•When engaged in Park you will not be able to
move the shifter rearward without depressing the
shift lever button.
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5

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.WARNING!
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

Changing A Flat Tire.................... 191
Charging System Light................... 84
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 153
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)............................... 208
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............ 45
Child Restraint...................36,39,41,42
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 41
Child Safety Locks....................... 14
Cigar Lighter........................... 92
Circuit Breakers.....................237,238
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 172
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 236
Headlights.......................... 236
Instrument Panel..................... 236
WoodTrim .......................... 236
Climate Control........................ 122
Clock................................. 92
Coin Holder........................... 50
Compact Disc (CD) Changer............... 113
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 121
Compact Disc (CD) Player...............94,99Compact Spare Tire..................... 163
Compass.............................. 89
Compass Calibration..................... 90
Contract, Service....................... 272
Coolant Pressure Cap.................... 225
Cooling System........................ 223
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 224
Coolant Capacity..................... 246
Coolant Level.....................223,226
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 226
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 224
Points to Remember................... 227
Pressure Cap........................ 225
Radiator Cap........................ 225
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 227
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....224,246,247
Corrosion Protection.................... 233
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 216
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 66
Cruise Light........................... 83
Customer Assistance.................... 270
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 60
280 INDEX

HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . 69
Hood Prop............................ 58
Hood Release.......................... 58
Hoses............................227,230
Illuminated Entry........................ 11
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 9
Infant Restraint......................... 37
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 52
Instrument Cluster....................... 82
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 81
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 236
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 237
Interior Appearance Care................. 235
Interior Fuses.......................... 238
Interior Lighting........................ 59
Interior Lights.......................... 59
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 192
Jack Operation......................... 192
Jump Starting......................... 197Key, Programming....................... 10
Key, Replacement........................ 9
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer).................. 9
Keyless Entry System..................... 15
Knee Bolster........................... 30
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 23
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren)............................. 41
Latch Plate............................ 24
Latches
Hood............................... 58
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 171
Leaks, Fluid............................ 46
Life of Tires........................... 166
Lights..............................46,59
Airbag........................34,36,46,84
Anti-Lock............................ 87
Automatic Headlights................... 62
Brake Warning.....................87,147
Bulb Replacement..................... 240
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator)....... 84
Daytime Running...................... 62
284 INDEX

Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............61,63
Engine Temperature Warning............. 86
Exterior Check........................ 46
Fog ...........................62,85,244
Front Replacement.................... 243
Headlight Switch...................... 61
Headlights........................... 61
High Beam........................... 63
High Beam Indicator................... 84
Illuminated Entry...................... 11
Instrument Cluster..................... 61
Interior.............................. 59
License............................. 246
Lights On Reminder.................... 62
Low Fuel............................ 88
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)....... 84
Map Reading......................... 60
Oil Pressure.......................... 87
Rear Servicing....................... 245
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 88
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............. 19
Service..........................240,241
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . 84Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............. 88
Traction Control...................... 151
Turn Signal...................61,62,84,243
Voltage.............................. 84
Load Limits........................... 178
Loading Vehicle
Capacities........................... 178
Tires ............................156,178
Locks
Central.............................. 13
Child Protection....................... 14
Door............................... 11
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH).............................. 41
Lubricants............................ 220
Lubrication, Body....................... 220
Luggage/Cargo Capacity................. 178
Lumbar Support........................ 55
Maintenance Free Battery................. 216
Maintenance Procedures.................. 210
Maintenance Schedule................... 250
Light Duty Schedule“B”................ 253
INDEX 285
10

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 46
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 273
Safety Information, Tire.................. 152
Safety Tips............................. 45
Satellite Radio......................... 115
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 118
Schedule, Maintenance................... 250
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 237
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 28
Seat Belts.............................. 23
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 26
And Pregnant Women.................. 29
Child Restraint....................36,37,42
Extender............................ 29
Front Seat............................ 24
Inspection........................... 45
Operating Instructions.................. 24
Pretensioners......................... 27
Reminder............................ 88
Seats................................. 54
Adjustment.......................... 54
Cleaning............................ 235
Head Restraints....................... 56Lumbar Support....................... 55
Power.............................. 56
Rear Folding......................... 57
Reclining............................ 55
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 19
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........224,247
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 9
Service Assistance...................... 270
Service Contract........................ 272
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction
Indicator)............................. 84
Service Manuals........................ 273
Setting the Clock........................ 92
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 26
Side Airbag............................ 35
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters)......127,132
Signals, Turn........................... 84
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 200
Snow Tires............................ 168
Spare Tire.........................163,164
Spark Plugs........................... 214
Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........66,83
Speedometer........................... 84
288 INDEX