Dodge Stratus Coupe (2005 year). Manual

NOTE

: When the mode selection dial is set to the “

”

or “

” position, the air conditioning compressor will

operate automatically. The outside air position will also
be selected automatically. (In this case, the air condition-
ing indicator will not change.) This is done for optimum
performance.

Changing air selection

Normally use the “outside” position to keep the wind-
shield and side windows clear and, also to quickly

remove fog or frost from the windshield.
When air conditioning is selected, the air selection will be
controlled automatically for optimum performance.
When the air conditioning is turned off, the air selection
will be set to the outside position.
The air selection indicator will show the selected posi-
tion.

If desired, you can change the air selection. Every time
the air selection switch is pushed, the mode for “outside”
(Indicator OFF) and “recirculation” (Indicator ON) will
alternate.
If high cooling performance is desired, or if the outside
air is dusty or otherwise contaminated, use the “recircu-
lation” position. Although, switch to the outside position
periodically to prevent window fog up.

CAUTION!

Using the “recirculation” position for extended time
periods causes the windows to fog up.

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FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

Air conditioning switch

The air conditioning can be operated while the engine is
running.
Push the switch, and the air conditioning (cooling/
dehumidifying function) will operate. When “ON”, the
operation indicator lamp (A) will illuminate.
Push the switch again and the air conditioning will stop.

CAUTION!

When using the air conditioning, the idle speed is
slightly increased. Therefore, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal when shifting the trans-
mission to drive.
For the 3.0 liter engine model, if the air conditioning
indicator (A) blinks, it is suspected that something is
wrong with the air conditioning. Move the vehicle to
a safe place and stop the engine. Then run the engine
again and see the air conditioning indicator (A). If
the indicator goes out, there is nothing wrong with
the air conditioning. If it blinks again, have the
system checked by the authorized dealer.

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245

How to use the controls

Heating

Set the mode selection dial to the position shown in the
illustration and set the air selection switch (A) to the
“outside” position.
Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise. Select the desired blower speed.

NOTE

: When maximum heating is needed, set the

blower speed to the fourth position.

Defrosting or defogging of the windshield and
door windows

CAUTION!

For safety, make sure you have a clear view through
all windows before driving.

To remove frost or fog from the windshield and door
windows, use the mode selection dial (“

” or “

”).

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FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

To keep the windshield and door windows defogged,

and to keep leg area heated (when driving in rain or
snow).

1. Set the mode selection dial to the

position.

2. Adjust the blower to the desired speed.

3. Set the desired temperature.

For quick defrosting

1. Set the mode selection dial to the

position.

2. Adjust the blower to the maximum blower speed.

3. Adjust the temperature control to the maximum tem-
perature.

NOTE
1. When the mode selection dial is set to the “

”

or “

” position, the air conditioning compressor will

operate automatically. The outside air position will also
be selected automatically. (In this case, the air condition-
ing indicator will not change.)

2. While in “

” or “

” position, you cannot turn the

air conditioning off or select the recirculation position.
This ensures that the windows will not fog up.

3. To defog effectively, direct the air flow from the side
vents toward the door windows.

4. When defrosting, do not set the temperature control
dial around the max. cool position. Cool air will blow
against the window glass and fog it up.

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FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

247

Combination of unheated air and heated air

Set the mode selection dial to the position shown in the
illustration and set the air selection switch (A) to the
outside position.
The air will be directed to the leg area and the upper part
of the passenger compartment. Select the desired blower
speed.
Warm air flows to the leg area and unheated or slightly
warm air flows to the upper part of the passenger
compartment.

Cooling

Set the mode selection dial to the “

” position shown in

the illustration.
Set the air selection switch (A) to the outside position and
push the air conditioning switch (B).

1. Setting for ordinary cooling

2. Setting for cooling the leg area

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248

FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
Select the desired blower speed.

NOTE

: If the outside air is dusty or otherwise contami-

nated, or if maximum cooling performance is desired, set
air selection switch (A) to the recirculation position and
the temperature control dial all the way to the left.
Introduce outside air from time to time for proper
ventilation.

Important operation tips for air conditioning

1. Park the vehicle in the shade whenever possible.
Parking under the hot sun makes the vehicle interior
extremely hot, which requires more time to cool the
interior. If it is necessary to park in the sun, open the
windows for the first few minutes of air conditioning
operation to expel hot air.

2. Close the windows when the air conditioning is in use.
The entry of outside air through open windows will
reduce cooling efficiency.

3. When operating the system, make sure the air intake,
which is located in front of the windshield, is free of
obstructions such as leaves. Leaves collected in the
air-intake plenum may reduce air flow and plug the
plenum water drains.

Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations

If the air conditioning seems less effective than usual, the
cause might be a refrigerant leak.
Have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.

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249

CAUTION!

The air conditioning system in your vehicle must be
charged with the refrigerant HFC-134a and the lubri-
cant SUN-PAG 56.
Use of any other refrigerant or lubricant will cause
severe damage which will result in the need to
replace your vehicle’s entire air conditioning system.
The release of refrigerant into the atmosphere is not
recommended.
The new refrigerant (HFC-134a) in your vehicle is
designed not to harm the earth’s ozone layer. How-
ever, it may slightly contribute to global warming.
It is recommended that the refrigerant be recovered
and recycled for future use.

During a long period of disuse

The air conditioning should be operated for at least five
minutes each a week, even in cold weather. This is to
maintain lubrication of the compressor internal parts and
maintain the air conditioning in the best operating con-
dition.

INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

CAUTION!

Before any electrical or electronic accessories are
installed, consult an authorized dealer.

1. Improper installation of an electrical or electronic
accessory may cause a fire or electrical problem.
It also could result in failure of warranty coverage under
the new vehicle limited warranty.

2. When using a communication system such as a cellu-
lar phone or a radio set inside the vehicle, be sure to
install a separate external antenna. When a cellular phone
or a radio set is used by using an internal antenna alone,
it might cause failure to the vehicle’s electrical system
and could interfere with safe operation of the vehicle.

WARNING!

If you use a cellular phone while driving, keep your
attention on your driving, in order to reduce risk of
accidents.

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FOR PLEASANT DRIVING

VEHICLE CARE

CONTENTS

m Cleaning the inside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . 253

▫ Plastic, vinyl leather, fabric, and flocked parts. . 253
▫ Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
▫ Genuine leather (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . 254

m Cleaning the outside of your vehicle . . . . . . . . 254

▫ Foreign material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
▫ Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
▫ During cold weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
▫ Waxing your vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

▫ Polishing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
▫ Damaged paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
▫ Cleaning plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
▫ Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
▫ Aluminum wheels (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . 259
▫ Window glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
▫ Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
▫ Cleaning the sunroof (if so equipped) . . . . . . . 259
▫ Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

In order to maintain the value and good looks of your
vehicle, perform regular maintenance using proper ma-
terials and procedures.
Be sure to use only those materials and procedures that
are in compliance with all local environmental pollution
control regulations. Carefully select the materials to be
used to be sure that they do not contain corrosives; if in
doubt, contact an authorized dealer for assistance in the
selection of these materials.

CAUTION!

Cleaning products can be dangerous. Some are poi-
sonous. Others are highly flammable. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed
space. When you use any product to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the instructions printed on
its container. Always open your vehicle doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside. Never use
the following chemicals to clean your vehicle:

•

Gasoline

•

Carbon Tetrachloride

•

Benzine

•

Naphtha

•

Acetone

•

Turpentine

•

Paint Thinner

•

Lacquer Thinner

•

Nail Polish Remover

These can all be dangerous, and can damage your vehicle.

252

VEHICLE CARE

CLEANING THE INSIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE

After cleaning the inside of your vehicle with cleaner,
wipe it dry in a shady, well ventilated area.

CAUTION!

Do not use organic substances (solvents, kerosene,
alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions.

These chemicals can cause discoloring, staining or
cracking of the surface.

If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure
their ingredients do not include the substances men-
tioned above.

NOTE

: Always read the instructions on the cleaner

label.

Plastic, vinyl leather, fabric, and flocked parts

1. Lightly wipe with a soft cloth soaked in a 3% solution
of neutral detergent and water.

2. After using detergent, dip the cloth in fresh water and
wring out well. Using this cloth, wipe off the detergent
thoroughly.

NOTE

: Cleaners, conditioners, and protectants contain-

ing silicons or waxes may cause annoying reflections and
obscure vision.

Upholstery

1. To maintain the value of your new vehicle, maintain
the upholstery carefully and keep the interior clean.
Use a vacuum cleaner and brush to clean the seats. If
stained, vinyl and synthetic leather should be cleaned
with an appropriate cleaner. Cloth fabrics can be cleaned
with either upholstery cleaner or a 3% solution of neutral
detergent in lukewarm water.

2. Clean the carpeting with a vacuum cleaner and re-
move any stains with carpet cleaner. Oil and grease can
be removed by lightly dabbing with a clean colorfast
cloth and spot remover.

NOTE

: If fuzzing is difficult to remove from the seat

upholstery, draw a suitable defuzzing brush over the
surface in one direction.

VEHICLE CARE

253

Genuine leather (if so equipped)

1. Lightly wipe with a soft cloth soaked in a 5% solution
of neutral detergent and water.

2. Dip the cloth in fresh water and wring it out well.
Using this cloth, wipe off the detergent thoroughly.

3. Apply a leather protecting agent to the genuine leather
surface.

NOTE
1. If genuine leather is wet with water, wipe off the water
as quickly as possible with a dry, soft cloth.

2. Slight stains on genuine leather may be removed with
a leather cleaner.

3. The genuine leather surface may be damaged if a
nylon brush is rubbed hard against it.

4. Organic solvents such as benzine, alcohol, gasoline,
acid or alkaline solvents may discolor the genuine leather
surface and should not be used.

5. Dirty genuine leather seats may mildew. Be very
careful about oil stains and remove them immediately.

6. The genuine leather surface may harden and shrink if
it is exposed to the direct rays of the sun for long hours.
When your vehicle is parked, place it in the shade as
much as possible.

7. When the temperature of the vehicle interior rises in
the summer, vinyl products left on the genuine leather
seat may deteriorate and stick to the seat.

CLEANING THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE

To protect your vehicle’s outside finish, it is important
that you wash it often and thoroughly. If desired, you
may wax your vehicle by using an automobile wax.

Foreign material

Industrial fallout, road tar, bird droppings, tree sap,
insect remains, sea water, and other foreign matter can
damage the finish of your vehicle.
Generally, the longer the foreign material remains in
contact with the outside finish the more extensive the
damage. Wash your vehicle as soon as possible if it
becomes contaminated with foreign material.

254

VEHICLE CARE

Washing

Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up from
air, rain, snow, or road surface can damage the paint coat
and body of your vehicle if left in prolonged contact.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to protect
your vehicle from this damage.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the
vehicle in the shade and spray it with water to remove
dust. Next, using an ample amount of clean water and a
car washing mitt or sponge, wash the vehicle from top to
bottom.

Use a mild vehicle washing soap. Rinse thoroughly and
wipe dry with a chamois or soft cloth. After washing the
vehicle, carefully clean the joints and flanges of the doors,
hood, etc., where dirt is likely to remain.

CAUTION!

• When washing the under side of your vehicle,

wear a pair of rubber gloves in order to protect
your hands.

• Never spray or splash water on the electrical

components in the engine compartment, as this
may adversely affect the starting circuit.
Exercise caution also when washing the under-
body; be careful not to spray water into the engine
compartment.

• Using an automatic car wash, pay attention to the

following items, referring to the operation manual
or consulting a car wash operator.

• The outside mirrors and the antenna are retracted.

VEHICLE CARE

255

CAUTION!

• Some types of washers (including coin-operated

washers) apply high temperature and high pres-
sure to the vehicle, which may cause heat distor-
tion and damage to the resin parts of the vehicle
body, leakage of water into the vehicle, etc. There-
fore, be sure to observe the following.

• Maintain a good distance of approx. 16 in. (40 cm)

or more between the vehicle body and the wash-
ing nozzle.

• When washing around the door glass, hold the

nozzle at a distance of more than 40 in.(1m) and at
right angles to the glass surface.

During cold weather

Salt and other chemicals that are spread on winter roads
in some geographical areas can have a detrimental effect
on the vehicle underbody. You should flush the under-
body with a high pressure hose every time you wash the
exterior of your vehicle.
Special care should be taken to remove mud or other
debris which could trap and hold salt and moisture.
After washing your vehicle, wipe off all water drops from
the rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors
from freezing.

NOTE

: When a door is frozen, opening it by force may

tear or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door.
Therefore, pour warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to
wipe off water thoroughly after opening the door. To help
prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors,
hood, etc., treat the rubber seal with a lubricant designed
for rubber.

256

VEHICLE CARE

Waxing your vehicle

Wax your vehicle once or twice a year, or when painted
surfaces do not shed water well.
Apply a small amount of wax to painted surfaces with a
soft cloth. After the wax has dried, polish with a dry soft
cloth.
Do not wax your vehicle in direct sunlight.
You should wax after the surfaces have cooled.

CAUTION!

• Waxes containing high abrasive compounds

should not be used. Such waxes remove rust and
stain effectively from the paintwork, but are
harmful to the luster of the painted surface, since
they also remove paint/clearcoat.
Further, they are detrimental to glossy surfaces
such as the grille, garnish, moldings, etc.

• Do not use gasoline, kerosene, benzene or paint

thinners to remove road tar or other contamina-
tion to the painted surface.

• Do not apply wax on the areas having black mat

coating as it can cause uneven discoloration,
patches, blurs, etc. If stained with wax, immedi-
ately wipe off with a soft cloth and warm water.

• Be careful when waxing the area around the

sunroof opening, not to apply any wax on the
weatherstrip (black rubber).
If stained with wax, the weatherstrip cannot main-
tain a weatherproof seal with the sunroof.

VEHICLE CARE

257

Polishing your vehicle

If painted surfaces have been severely damaged and lost
their original luster and color tone, polish the surface
lightly with a fine polishing compound. Avoid limiting
your polishing to the damaged surface only; polish a
somewhat wider area, moving the polishing cloth in one
direction. After polishing, flush the compound from the
surface and apply a coat of wax to regain a beautiful
luster.

Damaged paint

Small cracks and scratches in the paint coat should be
touched up as soon as possible with touch-up paint to
prevent corrosion.
Check body areas facing the road or the tires carefully for
damage to the paint coat caused by flying stones, etc. The
paint code number for your vehicle can be found on the
vehicle information code plate in the engine compart-
ment.

Cleaning plastic parts

Use a sponge or chamois.
If vehicle wax adheres on the plastic bumper or mold-
ings, the surface may appear white in color. In this case,
wipe it off using lukewarm water and a soft cloth or
chamois.

CAUTION!

• Do not use a scrub brush or other hard tools as

they may damage the plastic part surface.

• Do not use wax containing compound (polishing

compound) which may damage the plastic part
surface.

• Do not bring plastic parts into contact with brake

fluids, engine oils, greases, thinner for painting,
and sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte) which may
stain, crack or discolor the plastic parts.
If they touch the plastic part, wipe them with a
soft cloth, or chamois and an aqueous solution of
neutral detergent. Then, immediately rinse the
affected parts with water.

258

VEHICLE CARE

Chrome parts

To prevent spots and corrosion of chrome parts, wash
with water, dry thoroughly, and apply a nonabrasive
automotive wax. If the chrome is severely damaged or
pitted use a commercially available chrome polish.

Aluminum wheels (if so equipped)

A protective coating is provided over aluminum wheels.
Clean aluminum wheels with a cleaner designed for use
on aluminum and apply an appropriate protection agent.

CAUTION!

• Do not use abrasive cleaners.
• Brushes may damage the aluminum wheel sur-

face. Be sure to use a sponge, chamois, etc.

• Do not apply hot water directly from a steam

cleaner to the wheel surface.

• Wheels exposed to sea water or road chemicals

should be cleaned as soon as possible.

Window glass

The window glass can be cleaned using only a sponge
and water. Glass cleaner can be used to remove wax, oil,
grease, dead insects, etc. After washing the glass, wipe
dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

Wiper blades

Use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove grease, dead
insects, etc., from the wiper blades.
Replace the wiper blades when they no longer clean the
windshield properly.

Cleaning the sunroof (if so equipped)

Clean the inside of the sunroof with a soft cloth. Hard
deposits should be wiped away with a cloth dipped in
warm, neutral detergent solution. Wipe away the solu-
tion with a sponge dipped in fresh water.

NOTE

: The surface treatment on the inside of the glass

may be removed if a hard cloth or organic solvent is used.

Engine compartment

Never spray or splash water on the electrical components
in the engine compartment, as this may adversely affect
the electrical circuits.

VEHICLE CARE

259

Dodge Stratus Coupe (2005 year). Manual - part 16