2005 Dodge Stratus Owner Manual Coupe - Page 119

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 119 driving, take your vehicle to your authorized dealer and have the system checked. [See "Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)" on page 118.] Brake warning light This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position (engine off). When the engine is started, the light should go off. But when the parking brake is applied or the brake fluid falls below the prescribed level, the light illuminates. Before driving your vehicle, release the parking brake fully and make certain that the brake warning light has gone out. If the brake warning light illuminates while driving, it could mean braking performance deterioration. Park your vehicle in a safe place using the following procedures: 1. If, when pressing the brake pedal, braking is poor, press your foot harder against the brake pedal. 2. Should the braking deteriorate, use engine braking by shifting the transaxle into a lower gear (Manual transaxle or Automatic transaxle autostick) or into the ''3'' (THIRD) or the ''2'' (SECOND) or the ''L'' (LOW) position (Automatic transaxle) to reduce the speed and slowly pull the parking brake lever, while applying pressure against the brake pedal. Depress the brake pedal to turn on the stop light (brake light) to alert the vehicles behind you. 4 CAUTION! If the brake warning light does not go on when you pull the parking brake lever, or if it does not go out when you release the lever, contact an authorized dealer immediately. CAUTION! Suddenly applying the parking brake is dangerous, the wheels may lock.