2005 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 144

144 STARTING AND OPERATING Extreme Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C) To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an externally powered electric engine block heater and battery blanket heater package (available from your dealer) is recommended. If Engine Fails to Start If the engine fails to start after you have followed the "NORMAL STARTING" or "EXTREME COLD WEATHER" procedures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not have enough power to continue running when the key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running smoothly. If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the floor, the "NORMAL STARTING" or "EXTREME COLD WEATHER" procedure should be repeated. CAUTION! To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.