Dodge Stratus Sedan (2005 year). Manual

The airbag control module also turns on the
AIRBAG

light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8

seconds when the ignition is first turned on, then

turns the light off. If it detects a malfunction in any part
of the system, it turns on the light either momentarily or
continuously.

WARNING!

Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.

• When the airbag control module detects a collision

requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. Three levels of airbag inflation rates are
possible. These rates are determined by the airbag
control module based on collision severity. The airbag
covers separate and fold out of the way as the airbags
inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in

about 60 milliseconds. This is only about half of the
time it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented
through a vent hole in the rear of the airbag. The
passenger’s front airbag gas is vented through vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags
do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.

• The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and

position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.

If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the airbag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe collision, to
help restrain the driver and front passenger, and then to
immediately deflate.

NOTE:

A collision that is not severe enough to need

airbag protection will not activate the system. This does
not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:

• The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-

sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and right
front passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

• As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like

particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,

rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for cleaning.

• It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the

airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Side Airbag System
The airbag control module determines if a side collision is
severe enough to require the airbag to inflate. The control
module receives the level of collision severity from the
side impact sensors. The airbag control module will not
detect rollover or rear impacts.

The side impact SRS Airbags are designed to activate
only in certain side collisions. When the airbag control
module detects a collision requiring the window bags to
inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the
vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the window bag. The inflating window bag pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way and inflates
(in about the same time it takes to blink your eyes) with
enough force to injure you if you are not belted and
seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 3

⁄

inches (8

⁄

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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:

• The AIRBAG light 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.

Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.

There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Infants and Child Restraints

• Safety experts recommend that children ride

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 9 kg (20 lbs). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.

• The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the

vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). “Convertible” child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
LATCH child restraint anchorage system. (See the
LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System section.)

• Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in

the front seat of a vehicle with the front passenger

airbag unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag
deployment could cause severe injury or death to
infants in this position.

WARNING!

• Improper installation can lead to failure of an

infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

• A rearward facing child restraint should only be

used in a rear seat. A rearward facing child re-
straint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se-
vere or fatal injury to the infant.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:

• Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it

has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.

• The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s

weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.

• Carefully follow the instructions that come with the

restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.

• Buckle the child into the seat according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s directions.

• When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the

vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.

NOTE:

For

additional

information

refer

www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK.

Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older
than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child
restraint anchorage system. (See the LATCH — Child
Seat Anchorage System Section.)

The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing
more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit
the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit
with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the
child’s back is against the seat back, they should use a
belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt-
positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the
lap/shoulder belt.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.

• Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
• The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug

as possible.

• Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or

slouching can move the belt out of position.

• If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the

child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.

LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CH ildren)
Your vehicle’s rear seat is equipped with the child
restraint anchorage system called LATCH. The LATCH
system provides for the installation of the child restraint
without using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing

the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper
tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle
structure.

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail-
able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
also have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail-
able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retro-fit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re-
straint in any vehicle.

All three rear seating positions have lower anchorages
that are capable of accommodating LATCH-compatible
child seats having flexible, webbing-mounted lower at-
tachments. Child seats with fixed lower attachments
must be installed in the outboard positions only. Regard-
less of the specific type of lower attachment, NEVER
install LATCH-compatible child seats such that two seats

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

share a common lower anchorage. If you are installing
LATCH-compatible child restraints in adjacent rear seat-
ing positions, you can use the LATCH anchors or the
vehicle’s seat belt for the outboard position, but you must
use the vehicle’s seat belt at the center position. If your
child restraints are not LATCH-compatible, you can only
install the child restraints using the vehicle’s seat belts.
Please refer to the next section for typical installation
instructions.

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System
We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
were provided with the child restraint system.

The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars, located at
the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the seat back,
and are just visible when you lean into the rear seat to
install the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you
run your finger along the intersection of the seatback and
seat cushion surfaces.

In addition, there are tether strap anchorages
behind each rear seating position located in the
panel between the rear seat back and the rear
window. These tether strap anchorages are

under a hinged plastic cover with this symbol on it.

Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a

LATCH Anchorages

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward-
facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.

You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next
attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the
anchorage bars, pushing aside the seat cover material.
Then rotate the tether anchorage cover directly behind
the seat where you are placing the child restraint and
attach the tether strap to the anchorage, being careful to
route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
between the anchor and the child restraint. If your
vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head restraints,
raise the head restraint and, where possible, route the
tether strap under the head restraint and between the two
posts. If not possible, lower the head restraint and route
the tether strap around the outboard side of the head
restraint. Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the

child restraint rearward and downward into the seat,
removing slack in the straps according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING!

Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
belt
The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching latch
plates which are designed to keep the lap portion tight
around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use
a locking clip. Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the
lap/shoulder belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch
plate will keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt
system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasion-
ally and pull it tight if necessary.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the
buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.

If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need
to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from
the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latch
plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a different seating position.

Child restraint tether strap attachment

1. Rotate the cover over the anchor directly behind the
seat where you are placing the child restraint.

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat. If
your vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head
restraints, raise the head restraint and, where possible,
route the tether strap under the head restraint and
between the two posts. If not possible, lower the head
restraint and pass the tether strap around the outboard
side of the head restraint.

Tether Strap Mounting

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint
to the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.

WARNING!

An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.

Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.

Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.

The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con-
ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.

Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.

• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined

areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.

• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the

engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.

• To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close

the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it

must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle

Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.

Airbag Light

The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit

during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle

Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.

Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.

Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 Console Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

▫ Console Features — Without Heated Seats . . . .54
▫ Console Features — With Heated Seats . . . . . . .55

䡵 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror— If Equipped . . . . . .56
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror— If Equipped . . . .56
▫ Electric Remote-Control Mirrors— If Equipped .57
▫ Outside Mirror — Driver’s Side . . . . . . . . . . . .58
▫ Outside Mirror — Passenger’s Side . . . . . . . . . .58
▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped . . . .58

䡵 Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

▫ Manual Front Seat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . .59
▫ Power Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
▫ Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

䡵 To Open And Close The Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
䡵 Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

▫ Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
▫ Front Map/Reading Lights — If Equipped . . . .65
▫ Multi-Function Control Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel

Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

▫ Automatic Headlights—If Equipped . . . . . . . . .66

▫ Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only) . . . . . .67
▫ Lights-On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Headlight Beam Select Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Flash To Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
▫ Headlight Time Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

䡵 Windshield Wipers And Washers . . . . . . . . . . .68

▫ Mist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
▫ Speed Sensitive Intermittent Wiper System . . . .69

䡵 Tilt Steering Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
䡵 Traction Control— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
䡵 Electronic Speed Control— If Equipped . . . . . .71

▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
▫ To Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

▫ To Resume Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
▫ To Accelerate For Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
▫ Using Speed Control On Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

䡵 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .74

▫ Programming The Universal Transceiver . . . . . .74
▫ “Rolling Code” Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . .77
▫ Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
▫ Reprogramming A Single Button . . . . . . . . . . .78
▫ Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

䡵 Power Sunroof — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

▫ Opening Sunroof - Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
▫ Opening Sunroof - Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
▫ Closing Sunroof - Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
▫ Venting Sunroof - Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Sunshade Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
▫ Wind Buffeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
▫ Sunroof Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

▫ Sunroof Fully Closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

䡵 Electrical Power Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge Stratus Sedan (2005 year). Manual - part 3