2006 DODGE STRATUS SEDAN maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...........................7
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................47
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL..................................77
5
STARTING AND OPERATING................................................137
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES.............................................189
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................203
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................................................249
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.......................................269
10
INDEX...................................................................277
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INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 31⁄2inches (83⁄4
cm) thick when it is inflated.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for your protec-
tion in an impact. While the airbag system is designed to
be maintenance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•TheAIRBAGlight does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Sunshade Operation....................75
▫Wind Buffeting........................75
▫Sunroof Maintenance....................75▫Sunroof Fully Closed....................76

Electrical Power Outlet...................76
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 49
3

Opening Sunroof - Manual
Press the switch rearward and hold, and the sunroof will
open automatically from any position. The sunroof will
open fully, then stop automatically. During this opera-
tion, any release of the sunroof switch will stop the
sunroof.
Opening Sunroof - Express
Press the switch rearward and release, and the sunroof
will open automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully, then stop automatically. This is called
Express Open. During Express Open operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
Closing Sunroof - Manual
To Close the sunroof from an open or vent position, press
andholdthe switch forward. The sunroof will close fully
and stop automatically. Release the switch to stop sun-
roof travel at any point.
Venting Sunroof - Express
Press and release theVbutton, and the sunroof will
open to the vent position. This is called Express Vent.
Sunshade Operation
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if so equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
3

▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RBB, RAH And
RBK Radios.........................116
▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RBP, RBU, RAZ,
RB1 And RBQ Radios..................117
▫Selecting a Channel....................117
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels......117
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button (If
Equipped)..........................118
▫PTY ButtonScan.....................118
▫PTY ButtonSeek.....................118
▫Satellite Antenna......................118
▫Reception Quality.....................118

Remote Sound System Controls
—If Equipped
........................119▫Radio Operation......................119
▫Tape Player.........................119
▫CD Player—Single Disc In Radio.........120
▫CD Player—6 Disc CD Changer..........120

Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance......120

Compact Disc Maintenance...............121

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones.......122

Climate Controls......................122
▫Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)—If
Equipped...........................122
▫Manual Air Conditioning/Heater Control—If
Equipped...........................129
80 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

resume to full illumination. (See“EMISSIONS IN-
SPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS”in
the“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE”section of
your Owner Manual for more details). If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON,
have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 207
for more information.)
11. Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
(See page 62 for more information.)12. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)
shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to the“H”mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 85
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If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second selection, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch has no
function in this mode.
CD Player—Single Disc in Radio
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch has no
function in this mode.
CD Player—6 Disc CD Changer
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track, three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left hand switch will cause
the CD changer to play the next available disc.
CASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE
To keep the cassette tapes and player in good condition,
take the following precautions:
1. Do not use cassette tapes longer than C-90; otherwise,
sound quality and tape durability will be greatly dimin-
ished.
2. Keep the cassette tape in its case to protect from
slackness and dust when it is not in use.
3. Keep the cassette tape away from direct sunlight, heat
and magnetic fields such as the radio speakers.
4. Before inserting a tape, make sure that the label is
tightly secured to the cassette.
5. A loose tape should not be inserted into the radio.
120 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL