Dodge Stratus Coupe (2005 year). Instruction

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and
may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. While MTBE
is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it does not have the
negative effects of Methanol.

MMT in Gasoline

MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage over gasolines of the same octane number that
do not contain MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have
shown to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission
system performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer
recommends using gasolines without MMT. Since the
MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her gasoline contains MMT.

It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at higher
levels than allowed in the United States.

MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.

Sulfur in Gasoline

If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in

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states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.

Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels which may affect the performance of
the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the
Check Engine Light to illuminate. The manufacturer
recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded
gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem
is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for service.

CAUTION!

If the Malfunction Indicator Light (Service Engine
Soon) is flashing, immediate service is required. See
the On Board Diagnostics paragraph in the Mainte-
nance section of this instruction.

Materials Added to Fuel

All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

Adding Fuel

NOTE:

The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door

about 2 inches (50 mm) 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.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.

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149

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 (“SERVICE ENGINE
SOON”) 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.

WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger’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!

A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light (“SERVICE ENGINE SOON”) to
turn on.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is

running.

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FUEL ECONOMY

Fuel economy is dependent on many factors. Your per-
sonal driving habits can have a significant effect on your
fuel economy. Several recommendations for achieving
maximum fuel economy are listed below.

1. When pulling away from traffic lights or stop signs,
accelerate slowly and smoothly.

2. When parked for even a short period, do not idle the
engine. Shut it off.

3. Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary stops.

4. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pres-
sures.
5. For freeway driving, maintain a constant speed within
the posted limits when traffic, roadway and weather
conditions safely permit, for the best fuel economy.

6. Keep your air filter clean and your vehicle lubricated
according to the recommendations in this instruction.

7. Keep your vehicle “tuned-up”.
An out-of-tune engine wastes fuel and costs money.

8. Reduce excess vehicle load.

IGNITION SWITCH

LOCK
For vehicles with a instruction transaxle, when removing the
key, push the key in at the “ACC” position and keep it
depressed until it is turned to the “LOCK” position, and
remove the key.
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle: When remov-
ing the key, first set the gear selector lever to the “P”
(PARK) position, and then turn the key to “LOCK” and
remove it.

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151

NOTE

: For vehicles with an automatic transaxle, the key

cannot be removed unless the selector lever is set to the
“P” (PARK) position.

ACC

Allows operation of electrical accessories with the engine
off.

START

Engages the starter. After the engine starts, release the
key and it will return automatically to the “ON” position.

The engine runs and all accessories can be used.

NOTE:

Do not use the “ON” position to operate acces-

sories.

CAUTION!

• Do not remove the ignition key from the ignition

switch while driving. The steering wheel will
lock, causing loss of control.

• If the engine is turned off while driving, the

power brake servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deteriorate. Also,
the power steering system will not function and it
will require greater effort to operate the steering.

• Do not leave the key in the “ON” position for a

long time when the engine is not running; doing
so will cause the battery to discharge.

• Do not turn the key to the “START” position

when the engine is running; doing so could dam-
age the starter motor.

KEY REMINDER CHIME

If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is in
the “LOCK” or “ACC” position, a warning chime
sounds.

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THEFT PROTECTION

CAUTION!

Always remove the key from the ignition switch and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Always try to park your vehicle in a well lighted
area.

The ignition key can only be removed in the “LOCK”
position. If the key is left in the lock cylinder, a warning
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened.

NOTE

: If your vehicle is equipped with a Theft-alarm

system, refer to “Theft-alarm system”.

STEERING LOCK

Withdraw the key and the steering wheel will be locked.
Turn the steering wheel to confirm that it is locked.

CAUTION!

If your vehicle needs to be towed, turn the key to the

(ACC( position to unlock the steering wheel.

STARTING

Tips for starting

1. Do not operate the starter motor continuously for
longer than 15 seconds at a time; doing so could run
down the battery. If the engine does not start, turn the
ignition switch back to “LOCK”, wait a few seconds, and
then try again.

2. If the engine will not start because the battery is weak
or dead, refer to “Jump-starting the engine” section (page
280) for instructions on starting the engine.

3. The engine is well warmed up if the pointer of the
coolant temperature gauge starts to move. Extended
warm up operation will result in excessive fuel consump-
tion.

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153

WARNING!

Never run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated
area any longer than is needed to move your vehicle
in or out of the area. Carbon monoxide gas, which is
odorless, colorless and extremely poisonous, could
build up, and cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION!

• Do not start the vehicle by pushing or pulling.
• Do not run the engine at high rpm or drive the

vehicle at high speed until the engine has had a
chance to warm up.

• Release the ignition key as soon as the engine

starts to avoid damaging the starter motor.

This vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled
fuel injection system that automatically controls fuel
quantity. When starting the engine, there is normally no
need to depress the accelerator pedal.

Normal conditions

The starting procedure is as follows:

1. Insert the ignition key and make sure all occupants are
properly seated with seat belts fastened.

2. Depress and hold the brake pedal down with your
right foot.

3. Set the gearshift selector lever (instruction transaxle) in
the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, or the selector lever (au-
tomatic transaxle) in the “P” (PARK) position.

4. Fully depress the clutch pedal (instruction transaxle).

NOTE

: For models equipped with a instruction trans-

axle, the starter will not operate unless the clutch
pedal is fully depressed (Clutch interlock).

5. After turning the ignition key to the “ON” position,
make certain that all warning lights are functioning
properly before starting the engine.

6. Turn the ignition key to the “START” position without
depressing the accelerator pedal, and release the key
when the engine starts.

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NOTE

: Slight noises may be heard on engine start-up.

These noises will disappear as you continue warming up
the engine.

Flooded engine

If the engine has become flooded during starting, first
operate the starter for 5 to 6 seconds while fully depress-
ing the accelerator pedal (clear flood), then start the
engine without depressing the accelerator pedal at all.

At extremely cold ambient temperature

If the engine won’t start, depress the accelerator pedal
about halfway while cranking the engine. Once the
engine starts, release the accelerator pedal.

CAUTION!

When starting the engine, make sure that you step on
the brake pedal. During very cold weather, when
you start the engine while putting your foot on the
accelerator pedal, move your foot to the brake pedal
immediately after the engine has started.

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (IF SO EQUIPPED)

The automatic transaxle is designed for optimum control
and equipped with adaptive control capabilities. The
electronically controlled transaxle optimally matches
gear shifts to almost all driving and road conditions.

DRIVING UPHILL
The transaxle may not upshift to a higher gear if the
computer determines the current speed cannot be main-
tained once a higher gear is engaged.
For smoother vehicle performance, if you release the
throttle while climbing a steep grade, the transaxle may
not upshift. This is normal, as the computer is controlling
the shifting. After reaching the top of the hill, normal gear
shift function will resume.

DRIVING DOWNHILL
When traveling down steep grades and depressing the
brake pedal, the computer may automatically select a
lower gear. This function assists engine braking efforts,
reducing the need to use the brakes.

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155

CAUTION!

The electronically controlled transaxle system is
strictly intended to provide supplementary func-
tions. When driving downhill under certain condi-
tions, or immediately after starting when the auto-
matic transaxle is cold, no automatic shift-down may
be made. The driver should shift down to a low gear
(3rd gear or 2nd gear), which will permit the engine
to exert a braking effect.

NOTE

: During the brake-in period or immediately after

re-connection of the battery cable, the vehicle may not
shift as smoothly. This does not indicate a faulty trans-
mission. The transaxle system must have a short period
to learn parameters for proper shifting. Shifting will
become smooth after the transaxle has been shifted
several times by the electronic control system.

Selector lever operation

As an additional safety precaution, models equipped
with an automatic transaxle have a shift-lock device that
holds the selector lever in the “P” (PARK) position. To
move the selector lever from the “P” (PARK) position to
another position, follow the steps below.

1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.

2. Move the selector lever to the desired position.

NOTE

: The selector lever cannot be moved from “P”

(PARK) to another position if the ignition key is at the
“LOCK” position, removed, or if the brake pedal is not
depressed and held down.

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STARTING AND DRIVING

The indicator panel, on the console located at the
driver’s right, is illuminated for night driving.

Button (A) must be pushed while the brake pedal is
depressed to move the selector lever.

Button need not be pushed to move the lever.

Button must be pushed to move the lever.

WARNING!

Always depress the brake pedal when shifting the
selector lever into a gear from the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position. When beginning to drive, do not shift the
selector lever from the “N” (NEUTRAL) position
while depressing the accelerator pedal; doing so may
cause the vehicle to “jump” forward or backward.

CAUTION!

If the button is always depressed to operate the
selector lever, the lever may be accidentally shifted
into the “P”, “R”, 3, 2, “L” position. Be sure not to
depress the button when performing the operations
indicated by

in the illustration.

NOTE

: If the brake pedal is not depressed and held, the

shift-lock device activates to prevent the selector lever
from being moved from the “P” (PARK) position.

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157

Gear positions

“P” PARK
The “P” (PARK) position supplements the parking brake
by locking the transaxle while the vehicle is parked.
The engine can be started in this position.
Apply the parking brake before leaving the vehicle in this
position.

“R” REVERSE
Shift into this position only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.

CAUTION!

Never shift into the “P” (PARK) or “R” (REVERSE)
position while the vehicle is in motion. If the lever is
shifted into the “P” or “R” position while the vehicle
is in motion, the transaxle may be damaged.

“N” NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this position.

WARNING!

• Never move the lever to the “N” position while

driving since you could accidentally move the
lever into the

(P( or (R( position, damaging the

transaxle.

• To prevent the vehicle from rolling when stopped

on a slope, the engine should be started in the “P”
(PARK) position, not in “N” (NEUTRAL).

• Always keep your foot on the brake pedal when

the vehicle is in “N” (NEUTRAL), or when shift-
ing into or out of “N” (NEUTRAL), to maintain
control.

“D” DRIVE
This position is used for most city and highway driving.
Engine shifting is done automatically, depending on road
conditions.

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“3” THIRD / “2” SECOND
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desired.
Also use it when climbing long grades, and for engine
braking when descending moderately steep grades.
Engine braking is automatically applied when necessary,
depending on road conditions.

“L” LOW
This position is for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds when descending steep
gradients.

WARNING!

Be very careful not to shift into “L” suddenly. Doing
so may cause the tires to slip.

Driving speed (Vehicles with automatic transaxle)

In order to avoid damage to the engine from excessively
high rpm, do not exceed the listed driving speed when
the selector lever is set to the “3” (THIRD) position, the
“2” (SECOND) position or the “L” (LOW) position.

Condition

Driving speed mph (km/h)

2.4 liter engine

3.0 liter engine

“3” (THIRD)

114 (180)

118 (190)

“2” (SECOND)

74 (115)

80 (130)

“L” (LOW)

28 (45)

31 (45)

WARNING!

Always obey posted speed limits. Use common
sense and drive safely, regardless of posted speed
limits. Drive at speeds that are safe for the traffic,
weather, or road conditions.

Holding on an upgrade

To avoid transaxle overheating, never hold the vehicle
stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal.
Instead, use the brake pedal.

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159

Transaxle Reset Mode

The transaxle is monitored for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could cause damage, the trans-
axle automatically shifts 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.

If 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 OFF then start the engine.
• Shift into “D” and resume driving.

NOTE:

Even if the transaxle can be reset, we recom-

mend 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.

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE AUTOSTICK
(IF SO EQUIPPED)

Designed for optimum control and equipped with adap-
tive control capabilities, the electronically controlled
transaxle optimally matches gear shifts to almost all
driving and road conditions.

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CAUTION!

NOTE

: During the brake-in period or immediately after

re-connection of the battery cable, the vehicle may not
shift smoothly. This does not indicate a faulty transmis-
sion. The transaxle system must have a short period to
learn parameters for proper shifting. Shifting will become
smooth after the transaxle has been shifted several times
by the electronic control system.

Selector lever operation

The transaxle has 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear.
The individual gears are selected automatically, depend-
ing on the position of the gear selector lever, the speed of
the vehicle, and the position of the accelerator pedal.
The selector lever has 2

9gates9: the main gate and the

instruction gate.

NOTE

: For information on instruction gate operation,

please refer to “Autostick” on page 165.

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Main gate

Instruction gate

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161

In the main gate, the selector lever has 4 positions and
is equipped with a lock button (A) to prevent inad-
vertent selection of the wrong gear.

Button (A) must be pushed while the brake pedal is
depressed to move the selector lever.

Button must be pushed to move the lever.

Button need not be pushed to move the lever.

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WARNING!

CAUTION!

If the button is always depressed to operate the
selector lever, the lever may be accidentally shifted
into the “P”, “R” position. Be sure not to depress the
button when performing the operations indicated by

in the illustration.

NOTE

If the brake pedal is not depressed and held, the
shift-lock device activates to prevent the selector lever
from being moved from the “P” (PARK) position.

Indicator lights

A - Selector lever position indicator light

B - “N” indicator light

The indicator lights in the instrument panel are for
indicating the selector lever position (A).

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Dodge Stratus Coupe (2005 year). Instruction - part 10