Dodge 18693 Stratus Coupe User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2LOCKING AND UNLOCKING..................................................21
3SEATS, SEAT BELTS, CHILD RESTRAINTS AND AIR BAGS..........................55
4INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS .............................................103
5STARTING AND DRIVING ...................................................141
6FOR PLEASANT DRIVING ...................................................205
7VEHICLE CARE.............................................................251
8EMERGENCIES .............................................................261
9MAINTENANCE ...........................................................309
10 SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................363
11 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .......................................371
12 INDEX ...................................................................381
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual .................4
mWarnings, Cautions And Notes .............5
mVehicle Identification Number ..............5
1

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.
When it comes to service, remember that your manufac-
turers dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-
trained technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is
interested in your satisfaction.
This manual includes instructions for standard and op-
tional equipment available at the time this manual was
printed. The manufacturer reserves the right to make
changes in design and specifications and to make addi-
tions or improvements in its product without imposing
any obligations upon itself to install them on previously
manufactured products.
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.
4 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions. Notes
are provided as helpful information.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on a
stamped plate located on the driver’s front corner of the
instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This
number also appears on the vehicle registration or title.
WARNING!
This product contains or emits chemicals known to
the State of California to cause birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
INTRODUCTION 5
1

Overview - Instruments and controls
1. Instrument cluster →p. 106
2. Ignition switch →p. 147
3. Supplemental restraint system-air bag
(For driver’s seat) →p. 89
Horn switch →p. 132
4. Hazard warning flasher switch →p. 123
5. Windshield wiper and washer switch →p. 126
6. Vents →p. 233
7. Supplemental restraint system-air bag
(For front passenger’s seat) →p. 89
8. Audio
9. Rear window defroster switch →p. 125
10. Air conditioning →p. 234
11. Fog light switch (if so equipped) →p. 123
12. Hood release lever →p. 41
13. Instrument panel light dimmer control →p. 124
14. Combination headlight, dimmer and turn-signal
lever →p. 119
15. Cruise control lever →p. 113
16. Accessory socket →p. 209
17. Parking brake lever →p. 167
18. Gearshift or selector lever →p. 151, 156
6 INTRODUCTION

Interior
1. Seat belt →p. 68
Adjustable seat belt shoulder anchor (for front
seats) →p. 73
2. Remote trunk lid release →p. 37
3. Power window switch →p. 43
4. Window lock switch →p. 45
5. Electric remote-controlled outside mirror
switch →p. 186
6. Power door lock switch →p. 34
7. Sun visor →p. 207
8. Sunroof switch (for vehicles with sunroof) →p. 46
Dome light (for vehicles without sunroof) →p. 129
9. Inside day/night rearview mirror →p. 175
Electrochromic inside rearview mirror (if so equipped)
→p. 176
Dome light (for vehicles with sunroof)
10. Vanity mirror →p. 208
11. Glove compartment →p. 212
12. Cup holder (for rear seat) →p. 210
13. Rear seat →p. 66
14. Center console with lid →p. 213
15. Supplemental restraint system-side air bag →p. 89
(for front seats, if so equipped)
16. Cup holder (for front seats) →p. 210
17. Front seat
18. Ash receptacle receiver.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

Outside
1. Engine compartment →p. 257
Engine hood →p. 41
2. Windshield wiper and washer →p. 126
3. Sunroof (if so equipped) →p. 46
4. Outside rear-view mirrors →p. 186
5. Whip antenna →p. 217
6. Front turn signal lights and parking lights
→p. 119, 295
7. Fog lights (if so equipped) →p. 120
8. Headlights →p. 119, 292
9. Front side marker lights →p. 298
10. Tire inflation pressure →p. 332
Changing tires →p. 268
Tire rotation →p. 336
Tire chains →p. 337
Wheel covers (if so equipped) →p. 266
11. Locking and unlocking →p. 26
Keyless entry system →p. 29
12. High-mounted stop lights →p. 300
13. Trunk lid →p. 35
14. License plate lights →p. 300
15. Back up lights →p. 291
16. Stop and tail lights →p. 291
17. Rear turn signal lights →p. 291
18. Rear side-marker lights →p. 291
19. Fuel filler →p. 39
8 INTRODUCTION

Trunk Area 1. Inside emergency trunk release handle →p. 37
2. Trunk light →p. 303
3. Jack →p. 265
4. Spare tire →p. 265
5. Tools →p. 264
INTRODUCTION 9
1

QUICK INDEX
If this warning light comes on…
NOTE: These warning lights will illuminate for a few seconds for a bulb check when the ignition key is first turned on.
Warning light Do this Ref. page
·Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Test the system as described on page 113.
·If the light does not go out after the test, or if it illumi-
nates again, have your vehicle inspected at an autho-
rized dealer.
·When this light comes on, the anti-lock braking system is
not functioning and only the ordinary braking system is
functioning.
P. 113
Anti-lock braking system
·If this light comes on while driving, check to see that the
parking brake is fully released.
·If this light stays on after releasing the parking brake,
stop and check the brake fluid level is correct.
·If the brake fluid level is correct, call an authorized
dealer for assistance.
P. 117
Brake warning light
·If this light comes on while driving, park your vehicle in
a safe place and stop the engine immediately.
Call an authorized dealer for assistance. P. 114
Oil pressure warning light
10 INTRODUCTION

If this warning light comes on…
Warning light Do this Ref. page
Charging system warning light
·Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
Check the alternator belt.
If the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light remains
on when the ignition key is turned back on, call an
authorized dealer for assistance.
P. 114
“N” indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes rapidly
(twice per second)
·Park the vehicle in a safe place.
Idle the engine until the warning light goes off. If the
light does not go off, have your vehicle inspected at an
authorized dealer.
P. 159
INTRODUCTION 11
1

If this warning light comes on…
Warning light Do this Ref. page
·Have the vehicle inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. P. 159
“N” indicator light in the
instruemnt cluster flashes slowly
(once per second)
·Your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, have the engine system checked at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is not drivable, contact Emergency
Roadside Service (ERS), authorized dealer, or local
towing company for assistance.
P. 115
Malfunction indicator light
(“SERVICE ENGINE SOON”)
SRS ·Have the air bag system checked at an authorized dealer. P. 116
Air bag warning light
· It is not necessary to stop the vehicle immediately but we
recommend that you have the system checked at an
authorized dealer as soon as possilble.
P. 118
Traction control system warning light
12 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound…
Sound Do this Ref. page
If you hear a chime constantly when
the driver’s door is opened.
“Key reminder chime”
A chime will sound if the driver’s door is opened while
the ignition key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position.
Remove the key to stop the chime.
OR
“Headlight reminder chime”
A chime will sound if the driver’s door is opened when
the ignition key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position or
removed from the ignition switch with the lights on.
If the driver’s door is closed, the chime will stop
P. 27, 148
P. 120
N50B001D
INTRODUCTION 13
1

If you hear the sound…
Sound Do this Ref. page
If you hear a metallic sound (squeal)
when you depress the brake pedal
while driving.
“Brake pad wear alarm”
The brake pads have worn down near the serviceable
limit.
Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.
P. 170
If you hear a chime from the engine
compartment continuously while the
engine is on.
“Brake system (hydraulic brake booster) warning chime
(Vehicle with anti-lock braking system)”
The brake circuit may not be operating correctly.
If this chime does not stop after a few minutes, carefully
stop the vehicle in a safe location and contact your nearest
authorized dealer.
P. 117
14 INTRODUCTION

If you hear the sound…
Sound Warning light Do this Ref. page
If you hear a
chime while
the engine is
on, see the
warning light
in the
instrument
cluster.
“Seat belt reminder/warning chime”
If the driver’s seat belt remains unfastened 1 minute later,
the chime will sound intermittently (12 times). If the
driver’s seat belt remains unfastened while the vehicle is
being driven, the chime will sound as a warning each
time the vehicle stops and starts.
P. 118
“Low-fuel warning chime ”
Fuel is low. Add fuel as soon as possible. P. 40, 113
“Washer fluid level chime”
The windshield washer level is low. Add fluid. P. 119
“Door-ajar warning chime”
Door or trunk is not properly shut.
If you shut the door or trunk, the chime will stop.
P. 27, 112
“Trunk-ajar warning chime”
Trunk is not properly shut.
If you shut the trunk, the chime will stop.
P. 36
INTRODUCTION 15
1

If this problem occurs…
Problem Do this Ref. Page
Cannot turn the key (1)“LOCK” to “ACC”
Turn the key while slightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.
(2)”ACC” to “LOCK”
Vehicle with automatic transaxle
Check the position of gear selector lever.
The key cannot be removed unless the gear selector
lever is set to the “P” (PARK) position.
Vehicle with manual transaxle
Place the key at the ‘‘ACC’’ position. Push the key in
and turn it.
P. 149
Cannot shift the gear selector lever
from the “P” (PARK) position Shift the gear selector lever while depressing the brake pedal. Check if the ignition key is in the “ON” position. P. 152, 157
The windows are fogged up. 1.Set the heater/air conditioning mode selection dial to
the “ ”or“ ” position.
2.Turn on the blower.
P. 242
16 INTRODUCTION

If this problem occurs…
Problem Do this Ref. page
The engine does not start.
The lights do not come on or dim.
The horn does not honk or weak sound.
The battery may have a weak charge. P. 277
The engine coolant temperature gauge
indicator enters the “H” (hot) position.
Steam comes out of the engine
compartment.
The engine is overheated.
Carefully stop the vehicle in a safe place.
If necessary call for roadside assistance.
P. 276
INTRODUCTION 17
1

If this problem occurs…
Problem Do this Ref. page
The vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or
snow. 1. Carefully rock the vehicle by shifting the transmission from low to reverse.
WARNING
1.When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck
position, be sure that no one is near the vehicle. The
rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly lurch
forward or backward, and injure bystanders.
2.Avoid racing the engine or spinning the wheels.
Prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle may result in
overheating and transaxle failure.
If the vehicle remains stuck after several rocking
attempts, have a towing service pull the vehicle out.
P. 261
The brakes are not functioning
properly after crossing a puddle or
stream.
Dry out the brakes by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal. —
18 INTRODUCTION

If this problem occurs…
Problem Do this Ref. page
The automatic transaxle does not shift
when accelerating and/or the vehicle
does not easily begin to move.
There may be a problem in the automatic transaxle.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.
1.Vehicles with automatic transaxle
Shift the lever into “2” (SECOND) position when
starting the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a level road, shift
the lever back to “D” (DRIVE) position.
2.Vehicles with Autostick automatic transaxle
Shift the lever into 2nd gear of the Autostick mode
when starting the vehicle. If the vehicle is on a level
road, shift the lever back to “D” (DRIVE) position.
(These methods may or may not work depending on the
contents of malfunction.)
P. 156, 164
A tire is punctured. 1.Park the vehicle in a safe place where the surface is flat
and level.
2.Replace the flat tire with the spare tire.
P. 268
INTRODUCTION 19
1