2006 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN instrument cluster

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have an accident. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
RUN position. (Refer to“A Word About Your Keys,
Ignition Key Removal”in this manual for an illustration
of the ignition positions.) The light should come on. If the
light does not come on, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
In an ABS equipped vehicle, the Brake System Warning
light will come on if the ABS light is not functioning or if
the ABS system is not communicating.
20. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert™)in the Occu-
pant Restraints section for more information.
21. Theft Alarm Light—If Equipped
The light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for
15 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. If the
light comes on but does not flash, the system is still
armed, but there is a problem in the trunk circuit. After 15
seconds the light will continue to flash slowly. This
shows that the system is fully armed.
22. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to about 21⁄2gallons (91⁄2liters), the fuel symbol will light and remain lit
until fuel is added.
88 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the“3”range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
“L”Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts occur as early as possible.
WARNING!
Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the brake light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
Parking Brake
STARTING AND OPERATING 147
5

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL—IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the
traction control indicator light located in the instrument
cluster will flash. The system operates at speeds below 35
mph (56 km/h).
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

A push-button located on the top of the steering column
turns the Traction Control System ON or OFF.
The system is always in the“ON”mode unless:
•The traction control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
•The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the traction
control light located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the traction
control light.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock”the vehicle free.
Traction Control Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 151
5

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
•Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
•Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
Power Distribution Center
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

Cavity Fuse Circuit
6 10 Amp Red Heated Rear Window Indica-
tor
7 20 Amp Yel-
lowInstrument cluster illumina-
tion, Park and tail Lights
8 20 Amp Yel-
lowPower Receptacle, Horns,
Ignition, Fuel, Start
9 15 Amp Blue Power Door Lock Motors
(Body Control Module)
10 20 Amp Yel-
lowDaytime Running Light
Module (Canada)
11 10 Amp Red Instrument Cluster, Transmis-
sion Control, Park/Neutral
Switch, Body Control Mod-
ule
12 10 Amp Red Left Low beam Headlight
13 20 Amp Yel-
lowRight Low Beam Headlight,
Fog Light Switch
14 10 Amp Red RadioCavity Fuse Circuit
15 10 Amp Red Turn Signal and Hazard
Flashers, Wiper Switch, Seat
Belt Control Module, Wiper
Relays, Rear Window De-
froster Relay
16 10 Amp Red Airbag Control Module
17 10 Amp Airbag Control Module
18 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Seat Switch, Remote
Trunk Release
19 30 Amp
C/BRKRPower Windows
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
7

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS—Interior Bulb Number
ABS Lamp........................... PC161
Instrument Cluster..................... PC194
Fog Light Indicator..................... PC161
Dome Light............................ 578
Front Reading/Map Lights.................. 906
Trunk Light............................ 562
Cup Holder Light......................... 37
Climate Control Light...................... 37
Traction Control Light...................PC161
LIGHT BULBS—Exterior Bulb Number
Headlight.............................9007
Park/Turn Signal (Front).................3157A
Fog Light.............................880L
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal....................3157
Back Up Light........................... 921
Center Stop Light........................ 921
License Light...........................2825
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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