check engine DODGE NEON SRT 2005 2.G Owner's Manual

Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few kilome-
ters (a few miles) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tear, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 161
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NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.Brake Fluid Master Cylinder
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 163
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WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16”(4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 of this
manual.
164 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule“B”of theMaintenance Schedulessection of
this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 181
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Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
182 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Cup Holder............................ 62
Customer Assistance.................... 196
Daytime Running Lights.................. 57
Dealer Service......................... 144
Defroster, Rear Window................... 90
Defroster, Windshield..................46,86
Deploying, Airbag....................... 35
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 142
Dimmer Control........................ 55
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 57
Disarming, Theft System.................. 22
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 148
Door Locks............................ 13
Door Locks, Automatic................... 15
Downshifting.......................... 100
Drive Belts............................ 149
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 136
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 50Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 130
Jump Starting........................ 133
Towing............................. 138
Emergency Trunk Release................. 17
Emission Control System Maintenance....... 180
Engine............................... 141
Break-In Recommendations............... 45
Checking Oil Level.................... 145
Compartment........................ 141
Cooling............................ 157
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 123
Jump Starting........................ 133
Oil ..........................145,176,177
Oil Change Interval................... 146
Oil Filler Cap........................ 148
Oil Filter............................ 177
Oil Selection......................... 147
Oil Synthetic......................... 148
Overheating......................... 128
Temperature Gauge.................... 73
Timing Belt.......................... 150
Exhaust Gas Caution..................45,123
206 INDEX

Exhaust Pipes......................... 156
Exhaust System........................ 156
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 30
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 151
Engine Fuel......................... 151
Engine Oil.......................149,177
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 128
Flooded Engine Starting................... 96
Fluid, Brake........................... 177
Fluid Capacities........................ 176
Fluid Leaks............................ 46
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transaxle..................... 164
Fluids............................... 177
Fog Lights...........................57,69
Folding Rear Seat....................... 52
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 137
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 154
Fuel..............................121,177
Adding............................. 124Capacity............................ 176
Filler Cap........................... 124
Filter.............................. 151
Gauge.............................. 71
Light............................... 71
Octane Rating........................ 121
Tank Capacity........................ 176
Fuel System Caution.................... 123
Fuses................................ 170
GasCap .............................. 124
Gasoline............................. 176
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 121
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 122
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 73
Fuel................................ 71
Tachometer.......................... 70
Turbo Boost.......................91,121
General Information...................... 12
Glass Cleaning......................... 168
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 128
INDEX 207
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Manual, Service........................ 200
Manual Transaxle..................95,98,164
Fluid Level Check..................... 164
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 164
Lubricant Selection.................... 164
Map/Reading Lights..................... 54
Master Cylinder........................ 163
Mirrors............................... 49
Electric Remote....................... 50
Outside............................. 49
Rearview............................ 49
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................144,200
Multi-Function Control Lever.............56,57
Occupant Restraints...................... 23
Odometer
Trip ................................ 72
Oil, Engine.........................145,176
Capacity............................ 176
Change Interval...................... 146
Checking........................... 145
Disposal............................ 148Filter.............................. 149
Identification Logo.................... 148
Materials Added to.................... 148
Quality............................. 148
Recommendation..................147,176
Synthetic........................... 148
Viscosity............................ 148
Oil Pressure Light....................... 70
Onboard Diagnostic System............142,143
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 89
Overheating, Engine..................... 128
Owner’s Manual......................4,200
Paint Care............................ 165
Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 100
Passing Light........................... 57
Pets.................................. 44
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 108
Power
Door Locks.......................... 14
Steering.........................103,154
210 INDEX