center console DODGE NEON 2000 Service Owner's Guide

INSTALLATION
(1) Install cable assembly through floor pan open-
ing and secure to floor pan with grommet plate and
one screw (Fig. 16). Make sure the three grommet
plate studs protrude through cable assembly and
floor pan and tighten screw to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(2) Route transaxle end of cable assembly into
engine compartment and over transaxle assembly.
(3) Install and tighten intermediate pipe heat
shield front screws.
(4) Install catalytic converter heat shield (Fig. 15).
(5) Install gear shift cable to bracket and connect
to shift lever (Fig. 14).
(6) Install and tighten the three grommet plate-to-
floor pan nuts. Tighten to 6 N´m (50 in. lbs.) torque.
(7) Connect gearshift cable to shifter assembly as
shown in (Fig. 12).
(8) Install shifter bezel (Fig. 11).
(9)Adjust gearshift cable as follows:
(a) Place gearshift lever in the PARK (P) posi-
tion.
(b) Loosen shift cable adjustment screw (Fig.
17).
(c) Verify transaxle is in the PARK (P) position
and the shifter lever is in gated PARK..
(d) Tighten shift cable adjustment screw to 8
N´m (70 in. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install battery tray.
(11) Install battery and hold down clamp.
(12) Install the air cleaner/throttle body assy. (Fig.
13) as follows:(a) Connect the accelerator and speed control (if
equipped) cables to the air cleaner/throttle body
assy.
(b) Install assy into position, making sure the
air cleaner locating slot is engaged to the battery
bracket tab, and tighten fasteners to 14 N´m (120
in. lbs.) torque.
(c) Verify throttle body duct is fully seated to
intake manifold and tighten clamp to 5 N´m (40 in.
lbs.) torque.
(d) Connect the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors.
(e) Connect proportional purge solenoid (PPS)
and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
(13) Install center console assembly (Fig. 10).
(14) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 9).
(15) Connect battery cables.
(16) Verify that engine starter operates in both
PARK (P) and NEUTRAL (N). Starter should not
operate in any other gear position.
Fig. 16 Grommet Plate/Shift Cable at Floor Pan
1 ± GROMMET PLATE
2 ± SHIFT CABLE
Fig. 17 Gearshift Cable Adjustment Screw
1 ± GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT SCREW
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 75
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

GEARSHIFT MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(2) Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter
handle (Fig. 18).
(3) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 19).(4) Remove shifter bezel (Fig. 20).
(5) Disconnect shift cable from shifter assembly as
shown in (Fig. 21).
Fig. 18 Gearshift Knob Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER KNOB
2 ± SET SCREW
Fig. 19 Center Console Removal/Installation
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
Fig. 20 Shifter Bezel Removal/Installation
1 ± BEZEL
2 ± SCREW (4)
Fig. 21 Gearshift Cable at Shifter Assembly
1 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
2 ± GROMMET PLATE NUT
3 ± SHIFT CABLE
21 - 76 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Disconnect the shifter/ignition interlock cable
from the shifter lever and bracket as shown in (Fig.
22).
(7) Remove the four shifter assembly-to-floor pan
nuts and remove shifter assembly from vehicle (Fig.
23).INSTALLATION
(1) Install gearshift mechanism and tighten the
four nuts to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install gearshift cable as shown in (Fig. 21).
(3) Install shifter/ignition interlock cable as shown
in (Fig. 22).
(4) Install shifter bezel (Fig. 20).
(5) Install center console assembly (Fig. 19).
(6) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 18).
THROTTLE VALVE (KICKDOWN) CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove air cleaner/throttle body assy. (Fig. 24)
as follows:
(a) Disconnect proportional purge solenoid (PPS)
and crankcase vent hose from throttle body.
(b) Disconnect the Throttle Position Sensor
(TPS) and Idle Air Control (IAC) connectors.
(c) Disconnect throttle body air duct at intake
manifold.
(d) Remove mounting bolt and nut (Fig. 24) and
partially remove air cleaner assembly (leave cables
attached).
NOTE: Pay attention to throttle valve cable routing
before removal so it can be re-installed in the same
manner. For proper transaxle operation, the cable
must not bind.
Fig. 22 Shifter Ignition Interlock Cable
1 ± INTERLOCK CABLE
2 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 23 Gearshift Mechanism Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER ASSEMBLY
2 ± NUT (4)Fig. 24 Air Cleaner Assembly Removal/Installation
1 ± AIR CLEANER ASSY.
2 ± THROTTLE BODY DUCT
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 77
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(1) Verify cable is routed properly with no kinked
or binding conditions.
(2) Release adjustment locking clip on cable at
throttle body.It is not necessary to remove clip.
(3) Grab cable conduit near adjustment body, push
in towards throttle body, then release grip (Fig. 27).
This allows cable to self adjust.
(4) Press locking clip to secure cable position (Fig.
28).
(5) Road test vehicle to verify proper transaxle
operation.BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(2) Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter
handle (Fig. 29).
(3) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 30).
Fig. 27 Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment
1 ± TAB UNLOCKED
Fig. 28 Cable Locking Clip
1 ± TAB LOCKED
2 ± THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 29 Gearshift Knob Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER KNOB
2 ± SET SCREW
Fig. 30 Center Console Removal/Installation
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 79
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) Verify that shifter is in gated ªPARKº.
(10) Install the cable core end to the plastic cam of
the shifter mechanism. Snap the shifter/ignition
interlock cable end fitting into the groove in the gear-
shift mechanism as shown in (Fig. 32).
(11)Adjust interlock cable/system as follows:
If interlock cable is being replaced, it will come with
an adjustment pin. Remove the pin from the cable
and allow the cable to ªself-adjustº. Lock cable
adjustment by pressing down on the adjuster lock
until bottomed at the cable housing. If interlock cable
is being re-used, no pin will be provided. Pry up on
cable adjuster lock to release and allow cable to ªself-
adjustº. Lock cable adjustment by pressing down on
the adjuster lock until bottomed at the cable housing.
(12)Connect battery negative cable and ver-
ify interlock system operation as follows:
(13) Install shifter bezel (Fig. 31).
(14) Install center console assembly (Fig. 30).
(15) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 29).
INTERLOCK MECHANISM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the steering column lower cover (Fig.
39).
(2) Remove the steering column upper and lower
shrouds (Fig. 40).
(3) Turn the ignition key to the ªOFFº or ªON/
RUNº position (Fig. 41).
(4) Grasp the interlock cable and connector firmly.
Remove the interlock cable (Fig. 42).(5) Remove the two interlock mechanism-to-steer-
ing column attaching screws (Fig. 43). Remove the
interlock housing.INSTALLATION
(1) Position the interlock housing at steering col-
umn. Install the two interlock mechanism-to-steering
column attaching screws. Torque screws to 3 N´m (21
in. lbs.).
(2) Snap the interlock cable into the housing.
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
1. Turn key to the ªOFFº
position.1. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
2. Turn key to the
9ON/RUNº position.2. Shifter CANNOT be
shifted out of park.
3. Turn key to the
ªON/RUNº position and
depress the brake pedal.3. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
4. Leave shifter in any
gear and try to return key
to the ªLOCKº or9ACCº
position.4. Key cannot be
returned to the ªLOCKº or
ªACCº position.
5. Return shifter to
ªPARKº and try to remove
the key.5. Key can be removed
(after returning to ªLOCKº
position).
6. With the key removed,
try to shift out of ªPARKº.6. Shifter cannot be
shifted out of ªPARKº.
NOTE: Any failure to meet these expected
responses requires system adjustment or repair.
Fig. 39 Steering Column Lower Cover
1 ± LOWER COVER
Fig. 40 Steering Column Shrouds
1 ± UPPER SHROUD
2 ± LOWER SHROUD
21 - 82 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CLEANING AND INSPECTION
VALVE BODY
Allow all parts to soak a few minutes in a suitable
clean solvent. Wash thoroughly and blow dry with
compressed air. Be sure all passages are clean and
free from obstructions.
Inspect manual and throttle valve operating levers
and shafts for being bent, worn or loose. If a lever is
loose on its shaft, it should be replaced. Do not
attempt to straighten bent levers.
Inspect all mating surfaces for burrs, nicks and
scratches. Minor blemishes may be removed with cro-
cus cloth, using only a very light pressure. Using a
straightedge, inspect all mating surfaces for warpage
or distortion. Slight distortion may be corrected,
using a surface plate. Be sure all metering holes in
steel plate are open. Using a penlight, inspect bores
in valve body for scores, scratches, pits, and irregu-
larities.
Inspect all valve springs for distortion and col-
lapsed coils. Inspect all valves and plugs for burrs,
nicks, and scores. Small nicks and scores may be
removed with crocus cloth, providing extreme care is
taken not to round off sharp edges. The sharpness of
these edges is vitally important. It prevents foreign
matter from lodging between valve and valve body.
This reduces the possibility of sticking. Inspect all
valves and plugs for freedom of operation in valve
body bores.
When bores, valves, and plugs are clean and dry,
the valves and plugs should fall freely in the bores.
The valve body bores do not change their dimensions
with use. Therefore, a valve body that was function-
ing properly when vehicle was new, will operate cor-
rectly if it is properly and thoroughly cleaned. There
is no need to replace a valve body unless it is dam-
aged in handling.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Normal operation of the Park/Neutral Position
Switch provides a quick check to confirm proper link-
age adjustment. The engine starter should only oper-
ate when the transaxle shift lever is in the PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) positions.
If the engine starts in any other gear position, or
the vehicle rolls when the shifter is in gated PARK
(P), a gearshift cable adjustment is necessary.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter
handle (Fig. 214).(2) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 215).
(3)Adjust gearshift cable as follows:
(a) Place gearshift lever in the PARK (P) posi-
tion.
(b) Loosen shift cable adjustment screw (Fig.
216).
(c) Move transaxle manual lever to the PARK.
Verify transaxle is in PARK by attempting to roll
vehicle in either direction.
Fig. 214 Gearshift Knob Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER KNOB
2 ± SET SCREW
Fig. 215 Center Console Removal/Installation
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 135

(d) Tighten shift cable adjustment screw to 8
N´m (70 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Verify proper cable adjustment. Engine should
start with the shifter lever in PARK (P) and NEU-
TRAL (N) positions ONLY.
(5) Install center console assembly (Fig. 215).
(6) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 214).
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE
The transmission throttle valve is operated by a
cam on the valve body throttle lever. The throttle
lever is actuated by a cable connected to the engine
throttle body lever.
The throttle valve is located within the transaxle
valve body and is responsible for transaxle shift
speed, shift quality, and part-throttle downshift sen-
sitivity. Proper cable adjustment is essential for
proper transaxle operation.
NOTE: The air cleaner/throttle body assembly must
be installed into position before making this adjust-
ment.
(1) Verify cable is routed properly with no kinked
or binding conditions.(2) Release adjustment locking clip on cable at
throttle body.It is not necessary to remove clip.
(3) Grab cable conduit near adjustment body, push
in towards throttle body, then release grip (Fig. 217).
This allows cable to self adjust.
(4) Press locking clip to secure cable position (Fig.
218).
(5) Road test vehicle to verify proper transaxle
operation.
Fig. 216 Gearshift Cable Adjustment Screw
1 ± GEARSHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT SCREW
Fig. 217 Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment
1 ± TAB UNLOCKED
Fig. 218 Cable Locking Clip
1 ± TAB LOCKED
2 ± THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
21 - 136 TRANSAXLEPL
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
VERIFICATION
The following chart describes the normal operation
of the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) sys-
tem. If the ªexpected responseº differs from the vehi-
cle's response, then system repair and/or adjustment
is necessary.
ADJUSTMENT
(1) Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter
handle (Fig. 219).
(2) Remove the center console assembly as shown
in (Fig. 220).
(3) Remove shifter bezel (Fig. 221).
(4)Adjust interlock cable/system as follows:
Pry up on cable adjuster lock to release and allow
cable to ªself-adjustº. Lock cable adjustment by press-
ing down on the adjuster lock until bottomed at the
cable housing.
(5) Verify correct system operation. Refer to verifi-
cation procedure.
(6) Install shifter bezel (Fig. 221).
(7) Install center console assembly (Fig. 220).
(8) Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque (Fig. 219).
ACTION EXPECTED RESPONSE
1. Turn key to the ªOFFº
position.1. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
2. Turn key to the
9ON/RUNº position.2. Shifter CANNOT be
shifted out of park.
3. Turn key to the
ªON/RUNº position and
depress the brake pedal.3. Shifter CAN be shifted
out of park.
4. Leave shifter in any
gear and try to return key
to the ªLOCKº or9ACCº
position.4. Key cannot be
returned to the ªLOCKº or
ªACCº position.
5. Return shifter to
ªPARKº and try to remove
the key.5. Key can be removed
(after returning to ªLOCKº
position).
6. With the key removed,
try to shift out of ªPARKº.6. Shifter cannot be
shifted out of ªPARKº.
NOTE: Any failure to meet these expected
responses requires system adjustment or repair.
Fig. 219 Gearshift Knob Removal/Installation
1 ± SHIFTER KNOB
2 ± SET SCREW
Fig. 220 Center Console Removal/Installation
1 ± CONSOLE
2 ± SCREW (4)
3 ± SCREW (2)
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 137
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

(3) Remove rear seat closure panel silencer pad as
necessary to gain access to retractor.
(4) Remove bolt attaching seat belt lower anchor to
floor.
(5) Remove bolt attaching retractor to rear seat
closure panel (Fig. 71).
(6) Push seat belt bezel and buckle stab through
access hole in parcel shelf.
(7) From in trunk compartment, remove rear seat
belt retractor from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position rear seat belt retractor in trunk com-
partment.
(2) Push seat belt bezel and buckle stab through
access hole in rear shelf trim panel.
(3) Install bolt attaching retractor to rear seat clo-
sure panel. Tighten the seat belt bolt to 40 N´m (30
ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install bolt attaching seat belt lower anchor to
floor. Tighten the seat belt bolt to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Install rear seat closure panel silencer pad.
(6) Install seat belt bezel to the rear shelf trim
panel.
(7) Install rear seat cushion and back.
CARPET
REMOVAL
For removal of the carpet, the carpet will need to
be cut under the instrument panel.
(1) Remove front seats.
(2) Remove rear seat cushion.
(3) Remove bolts attaching front seat belt lower
anchors to floor (Fig. 72).(4) Remove door sill trim covers.
(5) Remove cowl trim covers.
(6) Remove center floor console.
(7) Remove decklid release assist handle.
(8) Remove lower fasteners from B-pillar trim
panel.
(9) Pull carpet from behind trim panel.
(10) Fold carpet in half toward rear seat.
(11) Remove carpet through rear door opening.
INSTALLATION
The new carpet must be cut for installation. The
area is mark on the reverse side of the carpet. The
location is in front of the tunnel area.
(1) Install carpet through rear door opening.
(2) Unfold carpet.
(3) Tuck carpet behind trim panel.
(4) Install lower fasteners holding B-pillar trim
panel.
(5) Install decklid release assist handle.
(6) Install center floor console.
(7) Install cowl trim covers.
(8) Install door sill trim covers.
(9) Install bolts attaching front seat belt lower
anchors to floor. Tighten all seat belts to 40 N´m (30
ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Install rear seat cushion.
(11) Install front seats.
SUN VISOR
All vehicles with driver and passenger side airbags
must have a colored coded five Bullet point airbag
Fig. 71 Rear Seat Belt Retractor
1 ± REAR RIGHT OUTER SEAT BELT
2 ± SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
Fig. 72 Carpet
1 ± FLOOR CARPET
2 ± TRUNK REAR END PANEL
23 - 56 BODYPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)