Dodge Stratus Sedan (2005 year). Instruction

▫ CD Player — Single Disc In Radio . . . . . . . . . 123
▫ CD Player — 6 Disc CD Changer . . . . . . . . . . 123

䡵 Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance . . . . . . 123
䡵 Compact Disc Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
䡵 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones . . . . . . . 125

䡵 Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

▫ Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

▫ Instruction Air Conditioning/Heater Control — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION

1. Fuel Gauge

When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.

2. Traction Control — If Equipped

This display indicator illuminates momentarily
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. The indicator will blink during an
active traction event, but will remain solid

when the system is deactivated or if a system malfunc-
tion occurs.

The Traction Control indicator will turn ON if:

• The Traction Control system is in use.
• The Traction Control switch has been used to turn

the system OFF.

• There is an Anti-Lock Brake system malfunction or

Traction Control system malfunction.

• The system has been deactivated to prevent damage

to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.

NOTE:

Extended heavy use of Traction Control may

cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator. This is to prevent overheating of the
brake system and is a normal condition. The system will
remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the Traction Control indicator.

3. Cruise Light — If Equipped
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
This light will also illuminate for a 5–second bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position.

4. Airbag Light

The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb does not

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

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5. Tachometer
The red area of the scale shows the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear
range. Before reaching the red area (over 6,500 rpm), ease
up on the accelerator to prevent engine over speed.

6. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.

7. High Beam Indicator

This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the

steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.

8. Speedometer
Shows the vehicle speed in miles-per-hour and
kilometers-per-hour.

9. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical
charging system. The light should come on

briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or

comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
electrical devices, such as the Fog Lights or Rear
Defroster. If the Charging System Light remains on, it
means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY. See your local authorized dealer.

10. Malfunction Indicator Light

This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The

light will illuminate as long as the key is in the ON
position, prior to engine start up. Approximately 15
seconds later the MIL may blink for 10 seconds then
resume to full illumination. (See “EMISSIONS IN-
SPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS” in
the “MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” section of
your Owner Instruction for more details). If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON,
have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

through several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.

The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

11. Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This light shows when the fog lights are ON.

12. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range (approximately mid point on the scale)

shows that the cooling system is operating properly.
The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal
temperature when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
towing a trailer.

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.

There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.

13. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition.

14. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word TRIP will appear
when in the trip odometer mode. To reset the trip
odometer, press and hold the button for at least 1/2
second.

15. Transmission Range Indicator
This indicator illuminates to show the automatic trans-
mission gear selection.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

An optional AutoStick Gear Indicator displays the current
transaxle gear when in AutoStick mode.

16. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.

U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed, during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.

The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometer, press and release
the Trip Odometer button. Press and release the Trip
button a second time to return to the odometer. While in
trip mode, press and hold the button for at least

⁄

second

to reset the trip odometer.

Door, Deck or Trunk Ajar Warnings

If you move the vehicle and a door is not completely
closed, the word DOOR will replace the odometer dis-
play and a chime will sound once. The odometer display
will reappear when the door is closed. If the trunk is not
completely closed, the word DECK will replace the
odometer display. The odometer display will reappear
when the trunk is closed.

17. Anti-Lock Warning Light — If Equipped

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
described elsewhere in this instruction. This light

will come on when the ignition key is turned to the
RUN position and may stay on for several seconds. If
the light does not come on, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. The warning light should be
checked frequently to assure that it is operating prop-
erly.

If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.

18. Oil Pressure Light

Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on briefly when the igni-

tion is turned on as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb repaired
promptly.

If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. Do not operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected.

The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.

19. Brake System Warning Light

This light monitors both the brake fluid level
and the parking brake. If the light comes on,
it indicates either that the parking brake is
on or there is a low fluid level in the brake

master cylinder. On vehicles equipped with Anti-lock
brakes (ABS), the brake light may also indicate re-
duced braking performance.

If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have an accident. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.

The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
RUN position. (Refer to “A Word About Your Keys,
Ignition Key Removal” in this instruction for an illustration
of the ignition positions.) The light should come on. If the
light does not come on, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.

NOTE:

This light shows only that the parking brake is

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

In an ABS equipped vehicle, the Brake System Warning
light will come on if the ABS light is not functioning or if
the ABS system is not communicating.

20. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat

belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or
remain on continuously. Refer to

⬙Enhanced Driver

Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert™)

⬙ in the Occu-

pant Restraints section for more information.

21. Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
The light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for
15 seconds. This shows that the system is arming. If the
light comes on but does not flash, the system is still
armed, but there is a problem in the trunk circuit. After 15
seconds the light will continue to flash slowly. This
shows that the system is fully armed.

22. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level drops to about 2

⁄

gallons (9

⁄

liters), the fuel symbol will light and remain lit

until fuel is added.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

COMPASS, TEMPERATURE, AND TRIP
COMPUTER DISPLAY — IF EQUIPPED

This feature allows you to choose between a compass /
temperature display and one of five trip conditions being
monitored.

Control Buttons

Step Button
Use this button to choose or cycle through the five trip
conditions.

Reset
The following trip conditions can be reset:

• AVG ECO (changes to present fuel economy)
• ODO
• ET

To reset only the trip condition currently displayed, press
and release the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously
until a chime sounds. To reset all trip conditions, hold
down the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously
(about 2 seconds) until a second chime sounds and then
release the buttons.

NOTE:

The screen must display one of the trip condi-

tions above in order to reset either (or all) of these
conditions.

US / M Button
Use this button to change the display from U.S. to metric
measurement units.

Trip Computer Display

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Trip Conditions

Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
This display shows the average fuel economy since the
last reset.

Estimated Range (DTE)
This display shows the estimated distance that can be
traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank. This esti-
mated distance is based on the most recent trip informa-
tion: (Average Fuel Economy) x (Fuel Remaining)

This display cannot be reset.

Present Fuel Economy (ECO)
This display shows fuel economy for the last few sec-
onds.

This display cannot be reset.

Trip Odometer (ODO)
This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset.

Elapsed Time (ET)
This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time
since the last reset.

Compass Temperature Display
This display provides the outside temperature and one of
eight compass readings to indicate the direction the
vehicle is facing.

WARNING!

Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F ( 0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly
in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.

Compass Calibration
The Automatic Compass Calibration feature eliminates
the need for the operator intervention under normal
conditions. If the CAL indicator is lit, the compass needs
to be calibrated. A good calibration requires a level
surface and an environment free of large metal objects
such as large buildings, bridges, underground cables,
railroad tracks, etc.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Automatic Compass Calibration
The self-calibrating feature of the compass eliminates the
need to calibrate the compass for normal conditions.
During a short initial period, the compass may appear
erratic and the CAL symbol will appear on the display.
After the vehicle has completed at least one complete
circle in an area free from large metal objects, calibration
will be complete when the CAL symbol is extinguished.

After initial calibration, the compass will continue to
automatically update this calibration whenever the ve-
hicle is in motion.

Instruction Compass Calibration
Compass calibration can also be requested. To instructionly
calibrate the compass, use the STEP button to step to the
compass/ temperature display and then hold down both
the STEP and US/M buttons simultaneously until the
CAL symbol is displayed. Release the buttons once the
CAL symbol appears. Instruction compass calibration has
been initiated at this point. Drive the vehicle in circles in
an area free from large metal objects until the CAL
symbol is extinguished.

When the CAL indicator goes off, the compass is cali-
brated and should display correct headings. Verify
proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East
(E), and West (W). If the compass does not appear
accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.

Compass Variance
Variance is the difference between magnetic North and
geographic North. For proper compass function, the
correct variance zone must be set.

Setting the Compass Variance
Refer to the variance map for the correct compass vari-
ance zone. To check the variance zone, the ignition must
be on and the compass / temperature displayed. Hold
down both the US / M and STEP buttons simultaneously
until the VAR symbol is lit and then immediately release
both buttons. The current variance zone will now be
displayed. To change the zone, press the STEP button
until the correct zone is displayed. Wait for about 5
seconds. The trip computer will store this variance in
memory and the compass will resume normal operation.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Outside Temperature
If the outside temperature is more than 131°F (55°C), the
display will show 131°F. When the outside temperature is
less than

⫺40°F (⫺40°C), the display will show ⫺40°F/C.

CIGAR LIGHTER/ASHTRAY
For a nominal charge your dealer can provide a “smok-
er’s” package. This package consists of a cigar lighter and
an ashtray that utilizes one of the cup holders.

ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout indicates the time in hours
and minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position. Whenever the radio is turned on, it first
comes up on either tape, cd or radio, whichever was
previously on, and will revert back to Time/Clock after a
few seconds. If Time/Clock was not previously selected,
the display will revert back to whichever was previously
on after a few seconds, whether it was tape, cd or radio.

When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, pressing
the Time button will cause the radio to display time for
several seconds, then turn off.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To Set The Clock:

1. Use a ballpoint pen or similar object to press the hour
(H) or minute (M) buttons on the radio, The time setting
will increase each time you press the button.

2. Press any other button to exit from the clock setting
mode. Or, it will exit the mode automatically if left alone
for 5 or 6 seconds.

RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION

Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these “ap-
parent” malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.

Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.

Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.

AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.

FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

SALES CODE RAZ—AM/ FM STEREO RADIO
WITH CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER, CD PLAYER
AND CD CHANGER CONTROLS

Operating Instructions — Radio

NOTE:

Power to operate the radio is controlled by the

ignition switch. It must be in the ON or ACC position to
operate the radio.

Power Switch, Volume Control
Press the ON/VOL control to turn the radio on. Turn the
volume control clockwise to increase the volume. The
volume will be displayed and continuously updated
while the button is pressed.

Seek Button (Radio Mode)
Press and release the Seek button to search for the next
station in either the AM or FM mode. Press the top of the
button to seek up and the bottom to seek down. Holding
the button will by pass stations until you release the
button.

Tuning
Press the TUNE control up or down to increase or
decrease the frequency. If you press and hold the button,
the radio will continue to tune until you release the
button. The frequency will be displayed and continu-
ously updated while the button is pressed.

Radio Data System (RDS)

The Radio Data System allows radio broadcasting sta-
tions to send data signals on a subcarrier frequency
which is added to the stereo signal. RDS was developed
to give FM receivers user-friendly features, such as
Program Service name (PS) and Program Type (PTY).
Program Service name is typically used by the broad-
caster to display the station’s name or call letters, for
example

⬙WNIC⬙. Typically these are 8 characters in

length and are displayed by the radio for those stations

RAZ Radio

100

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

which are broadcasting this information. PTY (Program
Type) is used to characterize the station’s program ma-
terial, for example

⬙Rock Music⬙.

PTY (Program Type) Button
Pressing this button once will turn on the PTY mode for
5 seconds. If no action is taken during the 5 second time
out the PTY icon will turn off. Pressing the PTY button
within 5 seconds will allow the program format type to
be selected. Many radio stations do not currently broad-
cast PTY information.

Toggle the PTY button to select the following format
types:

Program Type

Radio Display

Adult Hits

Adlt Hit

Classical

Classicl

Classic Rock

Cls Rock

College

Country

Information

Inform

Jazz

Foreign Language

Language

Program Type

Radio Display

News

Nostalgia

Nostalga

Oldies

Personality

Persnlty

Public

Rhythm and Blues

R & B

Religious Music

Rel Musc

Religious Talk

Rel Talk

Rock

Soft

Soft Rock

Soft Rck

Soft Rhythm and Blues

Soft R&B

Sports

Talk

Top 40

Weather

By pressing the SEEK button when the PTY icon is
displayed, the radio will be tuned to the next frequency
station with the same selected PTY name. The PTY
function only operates when in the FM mode.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

101

Dodge Stratus Sedan (2005 year). Instruction - part 6