2006 DODGE STRATUS ECU

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

Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self calibrat-
ing; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci-
sion shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.
Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle shifts automatically into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear despite the
forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral
(N) will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows the
vehicle to be driven to a dealer for service without
damaging the transaxle.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.
Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).
Turn the Key to LOCK then restart the engine.
Shift into D and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
NOTE:If the key is in the RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the“P”Park position.
“P”Park
Supplements parking by locking the transaxle. Engine
can be started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK
while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
5

CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the driver’s
side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be
sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap until you hear a“clicking”
sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened.
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on if the
gas cap is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas
cap is tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle“clicks”or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
NOTE:The fuel tank filler tube may have a restricting
door about 50 mm (2 inches) down from the opening. If
fuel is poured from a portable container, the container
should have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open
the restricting door.
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
5

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. Always, block orchockthe
trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
5

Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 243
7

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.
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.
244 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes...................... 149
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 149
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 224
Adding Fuel.......................... 177
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 222
Additives, Fuel........................ 173
Aiming Headlights...................... 246
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 215
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 218
Air Conditioning....................122,129
Air Conditioning Controls................ 122
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........128,134
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 219
Air Conditioning System..............129,218
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 161
Airbag................................ 30
Airbag Deployment....................33,34
Airbag Light...................33,34,36,46,84
Airbag Maintenance...................... 36
Airbag, Side........................... 35
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........30,35
Alarm Light............................ 88
Alarm, Panic........................... 17Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 19
Alignment and Balance.................. 167
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 118
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............224,246
Capacities........................... 246
Disposal............................ 226
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 149
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 87
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 19
Appearance Care....................... 233
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 52
Automatic Door Locks..................13,14
Automatic Headlights.................... 62
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 122
Automatic Transaxle.........143,145,202,230,248
Adding Fluid........................ 248
Filter.............................. 232
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 232
Fluid Level Check..................... 231
Interlock System...................... 144
Reset Mode......................... 145
Selection Of Lubricant...............231,248
278 INDEX