Dodge Stratus Coupe (2005 year). Manual

If the “N” indicator light in the instrument panel flashes,
there could be a malfunction with the automatic transaxle
system. Identify and take action in accordance with the
following procedures:

1. The “N” indicator light flashes rapidly (twice per
second) in the “D” or “Autostick” range.

If this occurs, the automatic transaxle fluid is overheat-
ing. Park your vehicle in a safe place but do not turn off
the engine. Move the selector lever to the “P” position
and open the hood. Keep the engine idling.
After a while, move the selector lever to the “D” or
“Autostick” position and confirm that the “N” indicator
light stops flashing. It is safe to continue driving if the
“N” light no longer flashes.

Be sure to carry out this check with the selector lever in
the “D” or “Autostick” position. The “N” indicator light
warning function operates only in the “D” or “Autostick”
range.
If the “N” indicator light continues flashing or flashes
intermittently, have your vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized dealer.

2. The “N” indicator light flashes slowly (once per
second) in the “D” or “Autostick” range.

The automatic transaxle safety device may be operating
due to a malfunction.
Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.

Selector positions (Main gate)

P - PARK
This position locks the transaxle to prevent the vehicle
from moving. The engine can be started 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.

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“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.

Selector positions Manual gate Autostick

Autostick is a driver-interactive transaxle that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, Autostick
is selected by pushing the selector lever from the “D”
position into the manual gate. To return to “D” range
operation, push the selector lever back into the main gate.

In Autostick, gear shifts can be made rapidly by moving
the selector lever backward and forward. In contrast to a
manual transaxle, the Autostick allows gear shifts with
the accelerator pedal depressed.

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165

+ (UP) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.
– (DOWN) : Pull the lever backward once to shift down

one gear.

CAUTION!

• Upward shifts do not take place automatically in

Autostick. The driver must execute upward shifts
in accordance with road conditions, make sure the
engine rpm remains below the red zone on the
tachometer.

• By rapidly moving the selector lever backwards

(DOWN) twice, it is possible to skip one gear, (i.e.
3rd to 1st or 4th to 2nd). Since sudden engine
de-acceleration or acceleration can cause a loss of
traction, downshifts must be made carefully in
accordance with the vehicle’s speed.

NOTE
1. In Autostick, only the 4 forward gears can be selected.
To reverse or park the vehicle, move the selector lever to
the “R” or “P” position in the main gate.

2. To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance
and safety, the system may not allow certain gear shifts
when the selector lever is operated, such as 4th gear at
low speed.

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3. In Autostick, downward shifts are made automatically
when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops,
1st gear is automatically selected.

4. When starting out on slippery roads, push the selector
lever forward into the + (UP) position. This puts the
transmission into 2nd gear and is better for starting out
on slippery roads. Push the selector lever to the –
(DOWN) side to shift back to 1st gear.

5. Move the selector lever gently between the manual
and main gates and between positions in the manual
gate. Undue force could damage the selector lever.

Indication lights

In Autostick, the currently selected gear is indicated by
the lights on the instrument panel.

NOTE

: When Autostick is selected, the “D” indicator

goes off.

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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167

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.

MANUAL TRANSAXLE (IF SO EQUIPPED)

The shift pattern is shown on the gearshift lever. Depress
the clutch pedal fully while shifting gears.

NOTE

: During cold weather, shifting may be difficult/

stiff until the transaxle lubricant has warmed up. This is
normal and not a sign of a problem.

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To start

Depress the clutch pedal fully and shift into 1st. Then
gradually release the clutch pedal while depressing the
accelerator pedal.

CAUTION!

• Do not move the gearshift lever into the “R”

(REVERSE) while the vehicle is moving forward;
doing so will damage the transaxle.

• Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal as this

will cause premature clutch wear or damage.

• Do not coast in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position

(illegal in many states).

• Do not use the gearshift lever as a hand rest. This

can result in premature wear of the transaxle shift
forks.

NOTE
1. If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the clutch pedal
again; the shift will then be easier to make.

2. To shift into reverse from 5th gear, move the gearshift
lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, and then shift into
reverse. Never shift into the “R” position when the
vehicle is moving.

Proper shift points

Always use care to change gears with the vehicle speed
matching the engine speed. Proper shifting will improve
fuel economy and prolong engine life.

CAUTION!

Avoid downshifting that may cause the tachometer
pointer to enter the red zone.
This puts the engine at risk of being damaged.

Upshifting
In order to efficiently utilize your manual transaxle for
both fuel economy and performance, it should be shifted
as listed below.

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169

At low altitude locations, shift at the vehicle speeds listed
for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions
(relatively steady speeds) will result in increased fuel
economy.

2.4 liter engine

Condition

Upshift speeds

mph (km/h)

Acceleration

Cruise

1st to 2nd

15 (25)

13 (20)

2nd to 3rd

23 (35)

18 (30)

3rd to 4th

34 (55)

33 (53)

4th to 5th

43 (70)

40 (65)

3.0 liter engine

Condition

Upshift speeds

mph (km/h)

Acceleration

Cruise

1st to 2nd

15 (25)

13 (20)

2nd to 3rd

23 (35)

21 (34)

3rd to 4th

34 (55)

33 (53)

4th to 5th

43 (70)

37 (60)

In high altitude locations, it should be upshifted as listed
below.

Condition

Upshift speeds mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (25)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (65)

4th to 5th

45 (70)

Downshifting
It is recommended that you downshift to a lower gear
according to the table as necessary to maintain desired
speeds.
Avoid downshifting at too high a speed; the engine may
suffer damage.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
Downshifting is also important to avoid “lugging” the
engine at too low a speed, such as when turning a corner
or when driving up a steep grade.

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Recommended downshifting speed

Downshifting speed

mph (km/h)

Condition

Under 20 (30)

3rd to 2nd

4th to 2nd

5th to 2nd

20 to 30 (30 to 45)

4th to 3rd

5th to 3rd

Driving precautions

1. The table below indicates the driving speed ranges
that may be driven in each gear without causing the
engine to operate in excessive engine speeds.

Possible driving speed

Condition

2.4 liter engine

3.0 liter engine

Vehicles with Vehicles with

205/60R16

215/50R17

tire

1st

31 mph

(50 km/h)

34 mph (55 km/h)

2nd

59 mph

(95 km/h)

55 mph (90 km/h)

3rd

83 mph

86 mph

83 mph

(135 km/h)

(140 km/h)

(135 km/h)

4th

114 mph

(185 km/h)

118 mph (190 km/h)

PARKING BRAKE

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition on,
the Brake Light in the instrument cluster will come on.

NOTE:

This light only shows that the parking brake is

on. It does not show the degree of brake application.

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171

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.

You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.

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WARNING!

• Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-

gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.

BRAKE PEDAL

Excessive use of the brake can cause fading, resulting in
poor brake response and premature wear of brake lin-
ings.
When driving down a long or steep grade, use engine
braking by shifting the transaxle into a lower gear
(manual transaxle and Autostick A/T) or “3” (THIRD) or
“2” (SECOND) or “L” (LOW) position (except Autostick
A/T).

WARNING!

Do not leave any objects on the floor near the brake
pedal or permit a floor mat to interfere with the
brake pedal. Doing so could prevent proper depres-
sion of the pedal. Make sure that the pedal can be
operated freely at all times.

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173

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

POWER BRAKES

Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard
equipment. In the event you lose power assist for any
reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be substantially in-
creased over that required with the power system oper-
ating.

If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident

by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.

WARNING!

• Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep

the engine running whenever the vehicle is in
motion. If the engine is stopped while driving, the
power assist servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deteriorate.

• If power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic

systems lose normal capability, take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer immediately.

BRAKE PAD WEAR ALARM

The disc brakes are equipped with an alarm device that
produces a metallic sound (squeal) when the brake pads
have worn down to the serviceable limit. If you hear this
sound, have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.

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WARNING!

Driving on worn brake pads can reduce your ability
to stop, and can result in an accident.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING (ABS) SYSTEM (IF SO
EQUIPPED)

The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce optimal signals
for the computer. However, the system will compensate
when the compact spare is in use.

During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.

NOTE:

Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the

effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an

accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.

General driving hints (standard/anti-lock brakes)

1. During anti-lock braking, steering differs slightly from
normal driving conditions. Be sure to operate steering
wheel carefully.

2. The anti-lock braking system is not restricted to situ-
ations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also operate to prevent wheel lock when driving
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.

3. Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you. If your vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock braking
system, allow for a greater braking distance when:

•

Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.

•

Driving with tire chains installed.

•

Driving on uneven road surfaces.

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175

CAUTION!

• Anti-lock braking system can not prevent acci-

dents. It remains the driver’s task to exercise
safety precautions and to drive prudently.

• To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,

be sure all 4-wheels and tires are the same size
and type (space saver spare excluded).

• If the anti-lock brake system warning light illu-

minates after starting the engine or while driving,
it indicates that the anti-lock braking system is
not functioning and that only the normal brake
system is in operation. (The normal brake system
will still function properly.)

NOTE
1. After the vehicle is driven for a while a whining sound
and the sound of a motor operating will be heard from
the engine compartment. These are normal sounds of the
anti-lock braking system performing a self check and do
not indicate a malfunction.

2. The anti-lock braking system becomes operative after
the vehicle has accelerated to a speed over approximately

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6 mph (10 km/h). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 3 mph (5
km/h).

3. After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow
and ice that may have adhered to the wheel areas. When
doing this be careful not to damage the wheel speed
sensors and cables located at each wheel on vehicles
equipped with an anti-lock braking system.

STEERING WHEEL TILT LOCK LEVER

To adjust the steering wheel height, release the tilt lock
lever while raising or lowering the steering wheel to the
desired height.
After adjustment, securely lock the lever by pulling it
downward.

I24A0060

Wheel speed
sensor

G09A0270

Unlock

Lock

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177

WARNING!

• After adjustment, to the desired height, check to

be sure that the lever is locked.

• Do not attempt to adjust the steering wheel while

driving. This can be dangerous.

POWER STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted steering as
standard equipment. The power assisted steering system
of your vehicle provides mechanical steering capability
in the event power assist is lost.

If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort. Should loss of hydraulic pressure occur
take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.

WARNING!

Never turn off the engine while the vehicle is
moving. Your ability to control the vehicle may be
seriously reduced.

CAUTION!

Do not leave the steering wheel in the fully turned
position. This can cause the power steering pump to
be damaged due to poor lubrication.

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INSIDE DAY/NIGHT REARVIEW MIRRORS

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to adjust the rearview mirrors

while driving. This can be dangerous.

• Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. The ob-

jects you see in the mirror will look smaller and
farther away than they actually are. Do not use
this mirror to estimate the distance of following
vehicles when changing lanes.

Adjust the inside mirror to maximize the view through
the rear window. Make this adjustment while the day/
night knob (A) is in the daytime position (1). To reduce
glare from other vehicle’s headlights, switch the lever to
the night position (2).

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Dodge Stratus Coupe (2005 year). Manual - part 11