2006 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN hood release

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.
Then lift the secondary latch located under the front edge
of the hood, near the center and raise the hood.Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the upper end of the prop rod in the hole
marked“prop”on the underside of the hood.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the center of the
hood to ensure that both latches engage.
Hood Release Lever
Hood Safety Catch
58 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”or“EXTREME COLD
WEATHER”procedures, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the“NORMAL STARTING”or“EX-
TREME COLD WEATHER”procedure should be re-
peated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up. At cooler ambient temperatures, the idle
speed for the 2.7L engine may increase during extended
idles for improved heater performance.
BATTERY AND ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS—If
EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood near the air cleaner
housing.
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
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 otherunderhood 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 or
equivalent directly 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.
220 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

Sizes............................... 153
Snow Tires.......................... 168
Spinning............................ 164
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 165
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 181
Towing.........................178,201,202
Disabled Vehicle...................... 201
Guide.............................. 181
Weight............................. 181
Traction Control....................65,83,150
Traction Control Switch................65,150
Trailer Towing......................... 178
Cooling System Tips................... 187
Hitches............................. 180
Minimum Requirements................ 182
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 181
Wiring............................. 185
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 181
Trailer Weight......................... 181
Transaxle............................. 230
Additives........................... 232
Automatic.....................143,145,230
Filter.............................. 232Overdrive........................... 146
Selection of Lubricant.................. 231
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 86
Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote
Keyless Entry).......................... 18
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink).69
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)...... 15
Transporting Pets........................ 44
Tread Wear Indicators................... 165
Trip Computer.......................... 89
Trip Odometer.......................... 86
Trunk Release, Emergency...............20,21
Trunk Release Remote Control.............. 20
Turn Signals.........................62,84
Underhood Fuses....................... 237
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 275
Universal Transmitter.................... 69
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 171
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 227
290 INDEX