boot DODGE NEON 2000 Service Owner's Guide

²It passes the 15 second load test. Refer to Bat-
tery Load Test.
²The built in test indicator dot is GREEN (Fig.
2).
NOTE: The battery cannot be refilled with water, it
must be replaced.
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND
EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE
BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CRE-
ATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST
BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BAT-
TERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS
POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BAT-
TERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE
EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND
CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable
first, before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical systems. Lift the red battery boot cover
from the positive cable clamp. Do not exceed 16.0
volts while charging battery. Refer to the instruc-
tions supplied with charging equipment
Battery electrolyte may bubble inside of battery
case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte
boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes
while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or
turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery
damage may occur if charging is excessive.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from
being damaged if improperly connected. If the bat-
tery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor
to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to
operate. Refer to operating instructions provided
with battery charger being used.
CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator
appears green. Do not overcharge.
It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle
to bring the green dot in the test indicator into view.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. Refer to Battery Load Test in this Group. If
the battery passes the load test, the battery is OK to
use. If battery will not pass the load test, it must be
replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery holddowns, tray, terminals, cables, posts, and top before
completing service.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced. Refer to Battery Charging Rate Table for
proper charging time.
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 12). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be
detectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry that prevents operation
unless charger is connected to battery posts correctly.
A completely discharged battery may not have
enough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even though the leads are connected properly.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to the Battery Charging Rate
table. If charge current is still not measurable after
charging times, the battery should be replaced. If
charge current is measurable during charging time,
the battery may be good, and charging should be
completed in the normal manner.
BATTERY CHARGING RATE
Voltage Hours
16.0 volts maximum up to 4 hours
14.0 to 15.9 volts up to 8 hours
13.9 volts or less up to 16 hours
Fig. 12 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
8A - 8 BATTERYPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

IGNITION SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
IGNITION SYSTEM........................1
SPARK PLUGS...........................1
SPARK PLUG CABLES.....................1
ELECTRONIC IGNITION COILS...............2
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY.............2
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM
INPUT................................3
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM
INPUT................................4
KNOCK SENSOR..........................5
IGNITION SWITCH........................5
LOCK KEY CYLINDER......................5
IGNITION INTERLOCK.....................6
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SPARK PLUG SERVICE....................6SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICE..............6
IGNITION COIL...........................6
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY.............6
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR..............6
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR............8
KNOCK SENSOR..........................8
IGNITION SWITCH........................8
LOCK KEY CYLINDER......................9
IGNITION INTERLOCK....................10
SPECIFICATIONS
VECI LABEL............................10
FIRING ORDERÐ2.0L....................10
TORQUE SPECIFICATION..................11
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐSOHC....11
SPARK PLUG...........................11
IGNITION COIL..........................11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The system's three main components are the coil
pack, crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft posi-
tion sensor.
OPERATION
Basic ignition timing is not adjustable.The
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines spark
advance. The 2.0L engines use a fixed ignition timing
system. The distributorless electronic ignition system
is referred to as the Direct Ignition System (DIS).
SPARK PLUGS
The 2.0L engines uses resistor spark plugs. For
spark plug identification and specifications, Refer to
the Specifications section at the end of this group.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. An iso-
lated plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective. Refer to the
Spark Plug Condition section of this group. Aftercleaning, file the center electrode flat with a small
point file or jewelers file. Adjust the gap between the
electrodes (Fig. 1) to the dimensions specified in the
chart at the end of this section by bending the
ground electrode (just above the attachment weld)
with the appropriate tool.
Never apply any force between the electrode or
damage to the center electrode assembly will result.
Always tighten spark plugs to the specified torque.
Over tightening can cause distortion and damage.
Tighten spark plugs to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPARK PLUG CABLES
Spark plug cables are sometimes referred to as sec-
ondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electrical
current from the coil pack to individual spark plugs
at each cylinder. The resistor type, nonmetallic spark
plug cables provide suppression of radio frequency
emissions from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good
contact at the coil and spark plugs. Terminals should
be fully seated. The nipples and spark plug covers
should be in good condition. Nipples should fit tightly
on the coil. Spark plug boot should completely cover
the spark plug hole in the cylinder head cover. Install
the boot until the terminal snaps over the spark
plug. A snap must be felt to ensure the spark plug
cable terminal engaged the spark plug.
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 1

IGNITION INTERLOCK
OPERATION
All vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles
have an interlock system. The system prevents shift-
ing the vehicle out of Park unless the ignition lock
cylinder is in the Off, Run or Start position. In addi-
tion, the operator cannot rotate the key to the lock
position unless the shifter is in the park position. On
vehicles equipped with floor shift refer to the - Tran-
saxle for Automatic Transmission Shifter/Ignition
Interlock.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
REMOVAL
REMOVE CABLES FROM COIL FIRST.
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping
the top of the spark plug insulator, turning the boot
1/2 turn and pulling straight up in a steady motion.
(1) Remove the spark plug using a quality socket
with a rubber or foam insert.
(2) Inspect the spark plug condition.
INSTALLATION
(1) To avoid cross threading, start the spark plug
into the cylinder head by hand.
(2) Tighten spark plugs to 28 N´m (20 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install spark plug insulators over spark plugs.
Ensure the top of the spark plug insulator covers the
upper end of the spark plug tube.
Reconnect to coil.
SPARK PLUG CABLE SERVICE
Failure to route the cables properly could cause the
radio to reproduce ignition noise, cross ignition of the
spark plugs or short circuit the cables to ground.
REMOVAL
Remove spark plug cable from coil first.
Always remove the spark plug cable by grasping
the top of the spark plug insulator, turning the boot
1/2 turn and pulling straight up in a steady motion.
INSTALLATION
Install spark plug insulators over spark plugs.
Ensure the top of the spark plug insulator covers the
upper end of the spark plug tube. The connect theother end to coil pack. Be sure that dual plastic clip
holds the cables off of the valve cover.
IGNITION COIL
The electronic ignition coil pack attaches directly
to the valve cover (Fig. 11).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from coil pack
(Fig. 10).
(2) Remove coil pack mounting bolts.
(3) Remove coil pack.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install coil pack on valve cover.
(2) Transfer spark plug cables to new coil pack.
The coil pack towers are numbered with the cylinder
identification. Be sure the ignition cables snap onto
the towers.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY
The relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) (Fig. 12). The PDC is located next to the
battery in the engine compartment. For the location
of the relay within the PDC, refer to the PDC cover
for location. Check electrical terminals for corrosion
and repair as necessary.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The camshaft position sensor is mounted to the
rear of the cylinder head (Fig. 13).
Fig. 10 Electronic Ignition Coil Connector
1 ± COIL
2 ± LOCKING TAB
8D - 6 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(15) Rotate the A/C outlet registers to the full
down position. Grip each outlet at its outboard end
and gently over-rotate to release from its pivot point.
Swing outlet straight out and remove by hand
(16) Remove the (4) HVAC control knobs by pull-
ing them straight off the switch shaft by hand.
(17) Remove the (2) screws from the center instru-
ment bezel (Fig. 12).
(18) Remove the center instrument bezel. Gently
pull it straight out to unsnap the (4) retaining clips.(19) Remove the (2) HVAC control head retaining
screws. Pull the control away from the I. P. and
rotate the control horizontally to position the assem-
bly through the hole in the instrument panel. This
will eliminate the need to disconnect the control
cables.
(20) Unclip the Data Link Connector from the
right side of the I. P. frame.
(21) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
from behind the right kick panel. To disconnect the
harness remove the (2) screws retaining the I. P. con-
nector to the steering column casting. Remove the
plastic clips from the connector retainer. Unclip the
bottom retainer and slide the mated I. P. and head-
lamp connectors out of the holder. Disconnect the I.
P. wire harness connector.
(22) Disconnect the (3) wire harnesses from the
top of the I. P.
(23) Unclip the wire harness along the center con-
sole and disconnect the airbag control module, park-
ing brake and PRNDL lamp if equipped.
(24) Gently pry the right front door wire harness
boot away from the A-pillar to access and disconnect
the right door wire harness connector.
(25) Gently pry the left front door wire harness
boot away from the A-pillar to access and disconnect
the left door wire harness connector.
(26) Disconnect the radio antenna. Located below
the glove compartment.
(27) Remove the (4) I. P. retaining fasteners from
the top of the I. P.
Fig. 11 Steering Shaft Coupler Pinch Bolt
1 ± STEERING SHAFT COUPLER
2 ± STEERING SHAFT COUPLER PINCH BOLT
Fig. 12 Center Instrument Bezel Retaining Screws
1 ± CENTER BEZEL
2±
CENTER BEZEL RETAINING SCREWS (BEHIND REGISTERS)
Fig. 13 Center I. P. Retaining Bolts
1 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER RETAINING BOLTS
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMS 8E - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(28) Remove the (2) I. P. retaining bolts which
attach the I. P. to the body at the tunnel bracket
(Fig. 13).
(29) Remove the (4) I. P. retaining bolts from the
right and left side body side cowls (Fig. 14) (Fig. 15).(30) With assistance from another person, guide
the HVAC control head through the I. P. opening
while removing the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Before installing the instrument panel, be cer-
tain the (2) I. P. wire harness connector retaining
screws have been removed. The wire bundle should
hang between the two connector mounting tabs on
the I. P. casting (Fig. 16).
(2) With assistance from another person, guide the
HVAC control head through the I. P. opening while
installing the instrument panel.
(3) Install the (4) I. P. retaining bolts on the right
and left side body side cowls (Fig. 17) (Fig. 18).
Torque the bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the (2) I. P. retaining bolts which attach
the I. P. to the body at the tunnel bracket (Fig. 19).
Torque the bolts to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the I. P. retaining fasteners on top of
the I. P. Torque the nuts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(6) Connect the radio antenna.
(7) Connect the left front door wire harness and
reposition the sealing boot in its original position.
(8) Connect the right front door wire harness and
reposition the sealing boot in its original position.
(9) Clip the wire harness along the center console
and connect the airbag control module, parking brake
and the PRNDL lamp if equipped.
Fig. 14 Right I. P. Retaining Bolts
1 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL RETAINING BOLTS
Fig. 15 Left I. P. Retaining Bolts
1 ± A-PILLAR TRIM
2 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL RETAINING BOLTS
Fig. 16 I. P. Wire Harness Connector
1 ± I. P. CONNECTOR MOUNTS
2 ± TOP OF PANEL
3 ± I/P CONNECTOR
4 ± RETAINING SCREWS
8E - 6 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SYSTEMSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(2) Rotate the turn signal lamp socket one-quarter
turn and pull straight from the headlamp assembly.
(3) Pull the turn signal lamp bulb straight from its
socket (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the turn signal lamp bulb in its socket.
(2) Connect the turn signal lamp electrical connec-
tor.
(3) Verify lamp operation.
(4) Install the turn signal lamp socket assembly in
the headlamp module.
(5) Install the headlamp module in the vehicle.
Refer to the Headlamp Module removal and installa-
tion procedure in this group.
FRONT POSITION LAMP BULB
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the appropriate headlamp module from
the vehicle. Refer to the Headlamp Module removal
and installation procedure in this group.
(2) Pull back the protective rubber boot to access
the front position lamp socket (Fig. 5).
(3) Pull the front position lamp socket from the
headlamp module (Fig. 5).
(4) Pull the front position lamp bulb straight from
its socket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the 4-way electrical connector and ver-
ify lamp operation.
Fig. 3 Turn Signal Lamp
1 ± TURN SIGNAL LAMP BULB
2 ± HEADLAMP MODULE
3 ± TURN SIGNAL LAMP SOCKET
Fig. 4 Turn Signal Lamp
1 ± TURN SIGNAL LAMP BULB
2 ± HEADLAMP MODULE
3 ± TURN SIGNAL LAMP SOCKET
Fig. 5 Front Position Lamp
1 ± HEADLAMP BULB
2 ± FRONT POSITION LAMP SOCKET
PLLAMPS 8L - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(2) Install the front position lamp socket in the
headlamp module (Fig. 6).
(3) Install the protective rubber boot in its original
position.
(4) Install the headlamp module in the vehicle.
Refer to the Headlamp Module removal and installa-
tion procedure in this group.
FRONT FOG LAMP BULB
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle on a hoist or position a
creeper under the front of the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front air dam retaining fasteners
and remove the air dam from the vehicle.
(3) Disconnect the fog lamp electrical connector by
reaching between the front fascia and the lower clo-
sure panel.
(4) Rotate the fog lamp bulb one-quarter turn and
pull straight from the lamp assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fog lamp bulb in the lamp assembly.
(2) Connect the fog lamp electrical connector.
(3) Verify lamp operation.
(4) Install the front air dam and retaining fasten-
ers.
HEADLAMP BULB
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the appropriate headlamp module from
the vehicle. Refer to the Headlamp Module removal
and installation procedure in this group.
(2) Pull back the protective rubber boot from the
headlamp module (Fig. 7).
(3) Depress and slide the headlamp bulb retaining
clip to the side to unlock the headlamp bulb from the
headlamp module (Fig. 7).
(4) Pull the headlamp bulb straight from the mod-
ule (Fig. 8).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not touch the glass of the halogen
bulb with fingers or other possibly oily surfaces,
reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Install the headlamp bulb in the headlamp
module (Fig. 9) and secure in place with the metal
retaining clip (Fig. 10).
(2) Install the protective rubber boot in its original
position (Fig. 10).
(3) Install the headlamp module in the vehicle.
Refer to the Headlamp Module removal and installa-
tion procedure in this group.
Fig. 6 Front Position Lamp
1 ± HEADLAMP BULB
2 ± FRONT POSITION LAMP SOCKET
Fig. 7 Headlamp Bulb
1 ± HEADLAMP BULB RETAINING CLIP
2 ± HEADLAMP BULB
3 ± PROTECTIVE BOOT
4 ± HEADLAMP MODULE
8L - 6 LAMPSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP BULBS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the license plate lamp retaining screws
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 8 Removing Headlamp Bulb
1 ± HEADLAMP BULB
2 ± FRONT POSITION LAMP SOCKET
Fig. 9 Installing Headlamp Bulb
1 ± HEADLAMP BULB
2 ± FRONT POSITION LAMP SOCKET
Fig. 10 Headlamp Bulb
1 ± HEADLAMP BULB RETAINING CLIP
2 ± HEADLAMP BULB
3 ± PROTECTIVE BOOT
4 ± HEADLAMP MODULE
Fig. 11 Rear License Plate Lamps
1 ± LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
2 ± REAR BUMPER COVER
3 ± LICENSE PLATE LAMP RETAINING SCREWS
PLLAMPS 8L - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE........ 131TH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE.............. 54
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
NV T350 (A578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE.........1
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION................2
FLUID REQUIREMENTS....................2
SPECIAL ADDITIVES.......................2
SEALANTS..............................2
GEAR RATIOS............................2
GEARSHIFT PATTERN......................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COMMON PROBLEM CAUSES...............3
HARD SHIFTING..........................3
NOISY OPERATION........................3
SLIPS OUT OF GEAR......................3
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL....................4
FLUID LEAKS............................4
CLUTCH PROBLEMS.......................4
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL.....................4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT KNOB........................4
GEARSHIFT BOOT........................5
GEARSHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY..............6
GEARSHIFT MECHANISM REPLACEMENT......9
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR AND DRIVE
PINION...............................11
BACK-UP LAMP SWITCH...................12CROSSOVER LEVER......................12
SELECTOR LEVER.......................12
AXLE SHAFT SEALS......................13
SHIFT SHAFT SEALS......................13
TRANSAXLE............................14
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
TRANSAXLE............................18
INPUT SHAFT...........................31
OUTPUT SHAFT.........................36
DIFFERENTIAL..........................36
SYNCHRONIZER.........................41
SHIFT RAILS OVERHAUL..................42
TRANSAXLE CASE OVERHAUL..............42
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
TRANSAXLE............................48
SYNCHRONIZER.........................48
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CROSSOVER CABLE...........49
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE........50
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD
ADJUSTMENT..........................50
SPECIFICATIONS
NV T350 (A-578) SPECIFICATIONS...........51
SPECIAL TOOLS
NV T350 (A-578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE........52
GENERAL INFORMATION
NV T350 (A578) MANUAL TRANSAXLE
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle is a fully synchro-
nized (except reverse), constant-mesh transaxle. The
transaxle case is constructed of die-cast aluminum,
and is a two-piece design (bell housing case half and
rear housing case half) with a steel end plate bearing
cover. All forward gears are in constant-mesh witheach other, which eliminates the need to move gears
together for engagement. This feature improves
response and eliminates gear ªclashº noises. The
reverse idler gear is supported and rotates on a spin-
dle idler shaft. Depending on application, a reverse
gear brake/blocking ring is available on some units
for shifting ease.
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle also incorporates an
open differential, which converts power from the output
shaft pinion gear to the differential ring gear. The dif-
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 1

LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
Insufficient transaxle lubricant is usually the
result of leaks, or inaccurate fluid level check or refill
method. Leakage is evident by the presence of oil
around the leak point. If leakage is not evident, the
condition is probably the result of an underfill.
If air±powered lubrication equipment is used to fill
a transaxle, be sure the equipment is properly cali-
brated. Equipment out of calibration can lead to an
underfill condition.
FLUID LEAKS
Fluid leaks can occur around the input shaft seal,
axleshaft seals, case split lines, and the end cover. Be
careful not to misdiagnose an input shaft seal leak
for an engine rear main seal leak. Also, the transaxle
case sealer (split line) will accumulate dirt and look
like an oil leak.
CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Worn, damaged, or misaligned clutch components
can cause difficult shifting, gear clash, and noise.
A worn or damaged clutch disc, pressure plate, or
release bearing can cause hard shifting and gear
clash.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL
All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a fill plug. The fill plug is located on the left side of
the transaxle differential area (Fig. 3). The fluid level
should be within 3/16 inch from the bottom of the
transaxle fill hole (vehicle must be level when check-
ing).All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a drain plug. The drain plug is located on the lower
right side of the transaxle differential housing (Fig.
4). Tighten drain plug to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
Dry fill lubricant capacity is approximately 1.9-2.2
liters (4.0-4.6 pints). Wipe the outside of the tran-
saxle if any lubricant spills.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT KNOB
REMOVAL
(1)Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter knob.
(2) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 Fill Plug Location
1 ± RUBBER FILL PLUG
2 ± LEFT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
Fig. 4 Drain Plug Location
1 ± RIGHT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
2 ± DRAIN PLUG
Fig. 5 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
21 - 4 TRANSAXLEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)