torque DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

FRAMES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION......................5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER........5SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS......................9
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS................13
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.................15
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension crossmember must be prop-
erly installed to achieve design camber, caster set-
tings and wheel stagger. The crossmember can be
installed out of position on the frame rails due to its
design. Bolts and cage nuts hold the rear of the
crossmember to the frame torque boxes. Bolts and
J-nuts hold the front of the crossmember to the
frame rails. No designed in locating device is used to
position the crossmember in the vehicle. Before
removing the crossmember mark the frame torque
box around the rear mounting location to aid instal-
lation. A crossmember that is removed during service
must be installed in the same position from which it
was removed. To verify that crossmember is in the
proper position, refer to the dimensions provided.
Front end dimensions are gauged from the principal
locating point (PLP) holes located under the frame
torque boxes rearward of the front wheels. After
removal and installation of the crossmember is per-
formed, verify that front suspension alignment is
within specifications. If camber, caster settings and
wheel stagger is not within specifications, loosen and
reposition crossmember to bring suspension within
specifications. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension for
additional information.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
CAUTION: If the front suspension crossmember is
being replaced due to collision damage, inspect the
steering column lower coupling for damage. Refer
to STEERING COLUMN in the STEERING service
manual group for the procedure.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
(2) Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts and retainers (Fig. 1), and remove the stabilizer
bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
(5) Remove the nut and pinch bolt clamping each
ball joint stud to the steering knuckle (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Stabilizer Bar
1 ± STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 ± CUSHIONS
3 ± FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 ± STABILIZER BAR LINKS
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 5

CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle from
the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle.
Pulling the steering knuckle outward at this point can
separate the inner C/V joint on the driveshaft. Refer to
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the DIFFERENTIAL AND
DRIVELINE group for further information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate each ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 3).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, remove the two screws securing the
cooler to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler and can be accessed from
above. Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
(8) Using wire or cord, support and tie off the
power steering gear to the underbody of the vehicle,
so when the crossmember is lowered, the gear does
not fall away being held to the vehicle by only the
steering column coupler and the fluid hoses.
(9) Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching the
power steering gear to the front suspension cross-
member (Fig. 4). Remove the power steering gear
from the front suspension crossmember.
(10) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Before removing the front suspension
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of thecrossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle (Fig. 9). Do this so that the crossmember
can be relocated upon reinstallation against the
body of vehicle in the same location as before
removal. If the front suspension crossmember is
not reinstalled in exactly the same location as
before removal, the preset front wheel alignment
settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
(11) Using an awl, scribe a line (Fig. 6) marking
the location of where the front suspension crossmem-
ber is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
(12) Position a transmission jack under the center
of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to
support the bottom of the crossmember.
(13) Loosen and completely remove the two front
bolts (one right and one left) attaching the front sus-
pension crossmember to the frame rails of vehicle.
The right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting
bolt figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(14) Loosen the two rear bolts (one right and one
left) attaching the front suspension crossmember and
lower control arms to the body of the vehicle until
they release from the threaded tapping plates in the
body of the vehicle. Remove the rear bolts from the
body of the vehicle, but do not completely remove the
rear bolts because they are designed to disengage
from the body threads yet stay within the lower con-
trol arm rear isolator bushing. This allows the lower
control arm to stay in place on the crossmember. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(15) Lower the front suspension crossmember.
Fig. 2 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 ± NUT
2 ± BOLT
3 ± BALL JOINT
Fig. 3 Pry Bar Usage
1 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
2±PRYBAR
3 ± LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 ± BALL JOINT STUD
13 - 6 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(16) Remove each lower control arm from the
crossmember by removing the front pivot bolt.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lower control arms on the front sus-
pension crossmember. Install the pivot bolts, but do
not completely tighten them at this time.(2) Using the transmission jack, raise the front
suspension crossmember and lower control arms
until the crossmember contacts its mounting spot
against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As
the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the power
steering gear into mounting position.
Fig. 4 Steering Gear Mounting
1 ± OUTER TIE ROD
2 ± JAM NUT3 ± STEERING GEAR
4 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 5 Mounting Bolts
1 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 6 Marking Crossmember Location
1 ± SCRIBED LINE
2 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
3±AWL
4 ± BODY
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-
mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(4) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 6). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot bolts
to a torque of 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Attach the steering gear to the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 4). Install the four power
steering gear mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting
bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the wire or cord suspending the power
steering gear to the underbody.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, install the two screws securing the cooler
to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler.
(9)
Install each ball joint stud into the steering
knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with
the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
(10) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and
nut (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(11) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right
forward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 5). Follow the procedure
described in the ENGINE service manual group to
properly align and tighten the torque strut and it's
mounting bolts.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 7).(12)
First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each cush-
ion must point toward the front of the vehicle and sit
directly on top of the raised beads formed into the
stamping on the crossmember. Next, install the cush-
ion retainers, matching the raised beads formed into
the cushion retainers to the grooves formed into the
cushions. Install the cushion retainer bolts, but do not
completely tighten them at this time.
(13) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing. Do not fully tighten
the link assemblies at this time.
(14) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(16) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(17) Tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(18) Check the front wheel alignment on the vehi-
cle. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPEN-
SION service manual group.
Fig. 7 Downward Curve
1 ± STABILIZER BAR
2 ± LINK
3 ± DOWNWARD CURVE
4 ± CUSHION RETAINER
13 - 8 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Front Bumper Reinforcement
Nut................... 156N´m(115ft.lbs)
Rear Bumper Reinforcement
Nut................... 156N´m(115ft.lbs)
Front Crossmember To Body Mounting
Bolts.................. 163N´m(120 ft. lbs)
REAR FRAME SECTION BOTTOM VIEW
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 15
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

FUEL SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM.................... 1FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.................. 21
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FUEL REQUIREMENTS.....................1
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS.............2
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM...................3
FUEL PUMP MODULE......................3
ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP.....................4
FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT................4
FUEL FILTER/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR....4
FUEL TANK..............................4
FUEL RAIL...............................4
FUEL INJECTORS.........................5
PRESSURE-VACUUM FILLER CAP............5
ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY....6
CONTROL VALVE/PRESSURE RELIEF.........6
QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS.................6
ROLLOVER VALVES.......................7
FUEL TUBES/LINES/HOSES AND CLAMPS......8
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDURE...........................8INJECTOR CONNECTOR....................8
DRAINING FUEL TANK.....................9
HOSES AND CLAMPS......................9
QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS.................9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY............12
FUEL PUMP RELAY.......................12
FUEL PUMP MODULE.....................12
FUEL FILTER / PRESSURE REGULATOR......13
FUEL PUMP INLET STRAINER..............14
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR.....................14
FUEL INJECTORS........................15
FUEL TANK.............................16
FUEL FILLER NECK.......................17
ACCELERATOR PEDAL....................18
THROTTLE CABLE.......................19
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE...............................20
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
OPERATION
Your engine is designed to meet all emissions reg-
ulations and provide excellent fuel economy and per-
formance when using high quality unleaded gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium
gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality reg-
ular gasoline, and in some circumstances may result
in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not
harmful to your engine. However, continued heavyspark knock at high speeds can cause damage and
immediate service is required. Engine damage result-
ing from operation with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as
hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Associa-
tion, AAMA, has issued gasoline specifications to
define the minimum fuel properties necessary to
deliver enhanced performance and durability for your
vehicle. DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends
the use of gasoline that meet the AAMA specifica-
tions if they are available.
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 1

FUEL TUBES/LINES/HOSES AND CLAMPS
OPERATION
Also refer to Quick-Connect Fittings.
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS UNDER A CON-
STANT PRESSURE (EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF).
BEFORE SERVICING ANY FUEL SYSTEM HOSES,
FITTINGS OR LINES, THE FUEL SYSTEM PRES-
SURE MUST BE RELEASED. REFER TO THE FUEL
SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE IN
THIS GROUP.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps, cou-
plings and fittings to make sure they are secure and
leaks are not present. The component should be
replaced immediately if there is any evidence of deg-
radation that could result in failure.
Never attempt to repair a plastic fuel line/tube.
Replace as necessary.
Avoid contact of any fuel tubes/hoses with other
vehicle components that could cause abrasions or
scuffing. Be sure that the plastic fuel lines/tubes areproperly routed to prevent pinching and to avoid heat
sources.
The lines/tubes/hoses used on fuel injected vehicles
are of a special construction. This is due to the
higher fuel pressures and the possibility of contami-
nated fuel in this system. If it is necessary to replace
these lines/tubes/hoses, only those marked EFM/EFI
may be used.
If equipped:The hose clamps used to secure rub-
ber hoses on fuel injected vehicles are of a special
rolled edge construction. This construction is used to
prevent the edge of the clamp from cutting into the
hose. Only these rolled edge type clamps may be
used in this system. All other types of clamps may
cut into the hoses and cause high-pressure fuel leaks.
Use new original equipment type hose clamps.
Tighten hose clamps to 3 N´m (25 in. lbs.) torque.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDURE
(1) Remove Fuel Pump relay from Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). For location of relay, refer to label
on underside of PDC cover.
(2) Start and run engine until it stalls.
(3) Attempt restarting engine until it will no
longer run.
(4) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
CAUTION: Steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 must be performed to
relieve high pressure fuel from within fuel rail. Do
not attempt to use following steps to relieve this
pressure as excessive fuel will be forced into a cyl-
inder chamber.
(5) Place a rag or towel below fuel line quick-con-
nect fitting at fuel rail.
(6) Return fuel pump relay to PDC.
(7) One or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
may have been stored in PCM memory due to fuel
pump relay removal. The DRB IIItscan tool must be
used to erase a DTC.
INJECTOR CONNECTOR
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connectors at the fuel
injectors. To remove connector refer to (Fig. 8). Pull
the red colored slider away from injector (1). While
pulling the slider, depress tab (2) and remove connec-
tor (3) from injector. The factory fuel injection wiring
harness is numerically tagged (INJ 1, INJ 2, etc.) for
injector position identification. If harness is not
tagged, make note of wiring location before removal.
Fig. 6 Plastic Quick-Connect Fittings
1 ± CASING
2 ± WINDOW
3 ± RETAINER TAB
4 ± NIPPLE
5 ± O RINGS
6 ± WINDOW
7 ± RETAINER ªEARº
14 - 8 FUEL SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Connect electrical connectors at all fuel injec-
tors. To install connector, refer to (Fig. 8). Push con-
nector onto injector (1) and then push and lock red
colored slider (2). Verify connector is locked to injec-
tor by lightly tugging on connector.
DRAINING FUEL TANK
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES. NEVER SMOKE
WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
(1) Remove fuel filler cap.
(2) Perform the Fuel System Pressure Release pro-
cedure.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Raise vehicle and support.
(5) Remove quick connect cap from drain port.
(6) Drain fuel tank into holding tank or a properly
labeledGasolinesafety container.
(7) Replace quick connect cap.
HOSES AND CLAMPS
Inspect all hose connections (clamps and quick con-
nect fittings) for completeness and leaks. Replace
cracked, scuffed, or swelled hoses. Replace hoses that
rub against other vehicle components or show sign of
wear.
Fuel injected vehicles use specially constructed
hoses. When replacing hoses, only use hoses marked
EFM/EFI.
When installing hoses, ensure that they are routed
away from contact with other vehicle components
that could rub against them and cause failure. Avoid
contact with clamps or other components that cause
abrasions or scuffing. Ensure that rubber hoses are
properly routed and avoid heat sources.
The hose clamps have rolled edges to prevent the
clamp from cutting into the hose. Only use clamps
that are original equipment or equivalent. Other
types of clamps may cut into the hoses and cause
high pressure fuel leaks. Tighten hose clamps to 1
N´m (10 in. lbs.) torque.
QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
REMOVAL
When disconnecting a quick-connect fitting, the
retainer will remain on the fuel tube nipple.
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE DISCONNECTING A QUICK-CONNECT FIT-
TINGS. REFER TO THE FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
PROCEDURE.
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery or aux-
iliary jumper terminal.
(2) Perform Fuel Pressure Release Procedure.
Refer to the Fuel Pressure Release Procedure in this
section.
Fig. 7 Fuel Injectors
Fig. 8 Remove/Install Injector Connector
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(7) Disconnect fuel pump module electrical connec-
tor and ground wire (Fig. 31).
(8) Disconnect the fuel tube from Fuel Filter/Reg-
ulator. Refer to Quick Connect Fittings in the Fuel
Delivery section of this group.
(9) Disconnect fuel filler tube and filler vent tube
from filler hose at fuel tank.
(10) Support tank with transmission jack. Loosen
tank mounting straps and lower tank slightly.
(11) Remove tank mounting straps and lower tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fuel tank on transmission jack.
(2) Raise tank into position.
(3) Tighten fuel tank strap nuts to 22.5 N´m (200
in. lbs.) torque. Remove transmission jack. Ensure
straps are not twisted or bent.(4) Connect fuel filler tube tank inlet nipple.
Tighten clamp.
(5) Connect EVAP vent hose.
(6) Attach fuel tubes to pump module and chassis
fuel tube. Refer to Quick Connect Fittings in the Fuel
Delivery section of this Group.
(7) Attach electrical connector and ground wire to
fuel pump module.
(8) Install vapor lines to EVAP canister.
(9) Install EVAP canister.
(10) Lower vehicle.
(11) Fill fuel tank, install filler cap, and connect
battery cable.
CAUTION: When using the ASD Fuel System Test,
the Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay remains energized
for either 7 minutes, until the test is stopped, or
until the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion.
(12) Use the DRB scan tool ASD Fuel System Test
to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.
FUEL FILLER NECK
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen fuel filler tube cap.
(2) Remove fuel filler neck screws (Fig. 32).
(3) Raise and support vehicle.
(4) Remove splash shield from wheel well.
(5) Disconnect fuel fill vapor tube.
(6) Disconnect fuel filler tube from fuel tank.
(7) Remove groundstrap from body.
(8) Remove filler neck (Fig. 33).
Fig. 29 EVAP Canister
Fig. 30 Fuel Tank
Fig. 31 Pump Module Electrical Connector
1 ± ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
2 ± FUEL LINE
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 17
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position accelerator pedal assembly on dash
panel. Install retaining nuts. Tighten retaining nuts
to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) From inside the vehicle, hold up the pedal and
install the throttle cable and cable retainer in the
upper end of the pedal shaft.
(3) From the engine compartment, hold the throt-
tle body lever in the wide open position and install
the throttle cable.
(4) Install the throttle cable cover.
THROTTLE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove throttle cable cover.
(2) Working from the engine compartment, remove
throttle cable from throttle body cam (Fig. 37) and
(Fig. 38).
(3) Lift the retaining tabs on the cable and slide
cable out of bracket.
(4) From inside the vehicle, hold the throttle pedal
up and remove the cable retainer and cable from
upper end of pedal shaft (Fig. 35).
(5) Remove retainer clip from throttle cable and
grommet at the dashpanel (Fig. 39).
(6) From the engine compartment, pull the throttle
cable and grommet out of the dash panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install grommet into dashpanel.
(2) From the engine compartment, push the hous-
ing end fitting into the dashpanel grommet.
(3) From the engine compartment, rotate the
throttle lever forward to the wide open position and
install cable clasp (Fig. 38).(4) Install cable housing (throttle body end) into
the cable mounting bracket on the engine.
(5) Install throttle cable cover.
(6) From inside the vehicle, hold up pedal and feed
throttle cable core wire through hole in upper end of
the pedal shaft. Install cable retainer (Fig. 39).
(7) Install cable retainer clip (Fig. 39).
Fig. 36 Accelerator PedalFig. 37 Throttle Body Cables Attachment to Throttle
Body
Fig. 38 Disconnecting Throttle Cable
PLFUEL SYSTEM 14 - 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)