battery DODGE NEON 2000 Service Workshop Manual

Loose cable connections will corrode, increase resis-
tance and permit water to enter the coil towers.
These conditions can cause ignition malfunction.
Plastic clips in various locations protect the cables
from damage. When the cables are replaced the clips
must be used to prevent damage to the cables, and
should be rotated about 30É below the horizontal.
ELECTRONIC IGNITION COILS
DESCRIPTION
The coil pack consists of 2 coils molded together.
The coil pack is mounted on the valve cover (Fig. 2).
OPERATION
WARNING: THE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM GEN-
ERATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT
WITH THIS SYSTEM.
High tension leads route to each cylinder from the
coil. The coil fires two spark plugs every power
stroke. One plug is the cylinder under compression,
the other cylinder fires on the exhaust stroke. Coil
number one fires cylinders 1 and 4. Coil number two
fires cylinders 2 and 3. The PCM determines which
of the coils to charge and fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery
voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a
ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When
the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil
primary transfers to the secondary causing thespark. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it
does not receive the crankshaft position sensor and
camshaft position sensor inputs. Refer to Auto Shut-
down (ASD) RelayÐPCM Output, in this section for
relay operation.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The ASD relay is located in the PDC (Fig. 3). The
inside top of the PDC cover has label showing relay
and fuse identification.
Fig. 1 Checking Spark Plug Electrode Gap
1 ± TAPER GAUGE
Fig. 2 Ignition Coil Pack
1 ± IGNITION COILS
2 ± SPARK PLUG CABLE
3 ± SPARK PLUG INSULATOR
Fig. 3 Power Distribution Center (PDC)
8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

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)

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The crankshaft position sensor mounts to the
engine block behind the generator, just above the oil
filter (Fig. 15).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from crankshaft
position sensor.
(2) Remove sensor mounting screw. Remove sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install sensor. Install sensor mounting screw
and tighten.
(2) Connect electrical connector to crankshaft posi-
tion sensor.
KNOCK SENSOR
The knock sensor threads into the side of the cyl-
inder block in front of the starter (Fig. 16).
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect electrical connector from knock sen-
sor.
(2) Use a crow foot socket to remove the knock
sensors.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install knock sensor. Tighten knock sensor to
10 N´m (7 ft. lbs.) torque.Over or under tighten-
ing effects knock sensor performance, possibly
causing improper spark control.
(2) Attach electrical connector to knock sensor.
IGNITION SWITCH
The ignition switch attaches to the lock cylinder
housing on the end opposite the lock cylinder (Fig.
17). For ignition switch terminal and circuit identifi-
cation, refer to the Wiring Diagrams sections.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Through
the hole in the lower shroud, depress lock cylinder
retaining tab and remove key cylinder (Fig. 18).
(3) Remove upper and lower shrouds from steering
column.
Fig. 15 Crankshaft Position Sensor
1 ± CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 ± GENERATOR
3 ± OIL FILTER
Fig. 16 Knock Sensor
Fig. 17 Ignition SwitchÐViewed From Below
Column
1 ± IGNITION SWITCH
2 ± LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
3 ± RETAINING TABS
8D - 8 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Disconnect electrical connectors from ignition
switch.
(5) Remove ignition switch mounting screw (Fig.
19) with a #10 Torxtbit.
(6) Depress retaining tabs (Fig. 20) and pull igni-
tion switch from steering column.
INSTALLATION
(1) Ensure the ignition switch is in the RUN posi-
tion and the actuator shaft in the lock housing is in
the RUN position.
(2) Carefully install the ignition switch. The
switch will snap over the retaining tabs (Fig. 21).
Install mounting screw (Fig. 19).(3) Install electrical connectors to ignition switch.
(4) Install upper and lower shrouds.
(5) Install key cylinder (cylinder retaining tab will
depress only in the RUN position).
(6) Connect negative cable to battery.
(7) Check for proper operation of ignition switch
and key-in warning switch.LOCK KEY CYLINDER
The lock cylinder is inserted in the end of the
housing opposite the ignition switch. The ignition key
rotates the cylinder to 5 different detentes (Fig. 22) :
²Accessory
²Off (lock)
²Unlock
Fig. 18 Steering Column Shrouds
1 ± SCREW ACCESS HOLE
2 ± TAB ACCESS HOLE
3 ± LOWER SHROUD
Fig. 19 Ignition Switch Mounting Screw
1 ± MOUNTING SCREW
2 ± IGNITION SWITCH
Fig. 20 Removing Ignition Switch
1 ± DEPRESS RETAINING TABS
2 ± IGNITION SWITCH
Fig. 21 Ignition Switch Installation
1 ± LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
2 ± SHAFT
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 9
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

²On/Run
²Start
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Place key cylinder in RUN position. Through
the hole in the lower shroud, depress lock cylinder
retaining tab and remove key cylinder.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install key in lock cylinder. Turn key to run
position (retaining tab on lock cylinder can be
depressed).
(2) The shaft at the end of the lock cylinder aligns
with the socket in the end of the housing. To align
the socket with the lock cylinder, ensure the socket is
in the Run position (Fig. 23).(3) Align the lock cylinder with the grooves in the
housing. Slide the lock cylinder into the housing
until the tab sticks through the opening in the hous-
ing.
(4) Turn the key to the Off position. Remove the
key.
(5) Connect negative cable to battery.
IGNITION INTERLOCK
Refer to the Transaxle section for Shifter/Ignition
Interlock Service.
SPECIFICATIONS
VECI LABEL
Always use the information found on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information (VECI) label. The
VECI label is located in the engine compartment.
FIRING ORDERÐ2.0L
Fig. 22 Ignition Lock Cylinder Detentes
Fig. 23 Socket in Lock Cylinder Housing
1 ± LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
2 ± SOCKET
8D - 10 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

To diagnose the cluster lamps first place the clus-
ter in self-diagnostic mode. With the ignition switch
in the off position, press the trip odometer reset but-
ton down. Simultaneously turn the ignition key to
the ON position and release the trip reset button. All
the indicator lamps and VF displays should illumi-
nate except for the fog lamp, turn signal, and high
beam select indicators. Refer to (Fig. 2), (Fig. 3), and
the Cluster Identification table.
1 ± FOG LAMP
2 ± BRAKE**
3 ± TRAC OFF**
4 ± ABS**
5 ± SPEEDOMETER
6 ± LEFT/RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
7 ± HIGH BEAM
8 ± TACHOMETER
9 ± OIL PRESSURE**
10 ± SEAT BELT**
11 ± BATTERY**
12 ± AIR BAG**
13 ± SECURITY*
14 ± FUEL FILLER DOOR LOCATOR
15 ± FUEL GAUGE
16 ± LOW FUEL*
17 ± MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)**
18 ± TRIP RESET BUTTON
19 ± TRAC**
20 ± ODOMETER**
21 ± DOOR (AJAR)**
22 ± SET CRUISE*
23 ± TRIP**
24 ± CRUISE*
25 ± TEMPERATURE GAUGE
*ILLUMINATE DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
**ILLUMINATE DURING BULB CHECK AND SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LAMP TEST
The low oil pressure warning lamp will illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position
without engine running. The lamp also illuminates if
the engine oil pressure drops below a safe oil pres-
sure level.To test the system, turn the ignition switch to the
ON position. If the lamp fails to light, inspect for a
broken or disconnected wire at the oil pressure
switch, located at the front of the engine (Fig. 4). If
the wire at the connector checks good, pull the con-
nector loose from the switch and with a jumper wire,
ground the connector to the engine. With the ignition
switch turned to the ON position, check the warning
lamp. If the lamp still fails to light, inspect for a
burned out lamp or disconnected socket in the clus-
ter.
Fig. 2 Base Instrument Cluster Without Tachometer
Fig. 3 Premium Instrument Cluster With Tachometer
1 ± FOG LAMP
2 ± BRAKE**
3 ± TRAC OFF**
4 ± ABS**
5 ± SPEEDOMETER
6 ± LEFT/RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
7 ± HIGH BEAM
8 ± TACHOMETER
9 ± OIL PRESSURE**
10 ± SEAT BELT**
11 ± BATTERY**
12 ± AIR BAG**
13 ± SECURITY*
14 ± FUEL FILLER DOOR LOCATOR
15 ± FUEL GAUGE
16 ± LOW FUEL*
17 ± MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)**
18 ± TRIP RESET BUTTON
19 ± TRAC**
20 ± ODOMETER**
21 ± DOOR (AJAR)**
22 ± SET CRUISE*
23 ± TRIP**
24 ± CRUISE*
25 ± TEMPERATURE GAUGE
*ILLUMINATE DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
**ILLUMINATE DURING BULB CHECK AND SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS 8E - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

MULTIPLE/INDIVIDUAL GAUGES INOPERATIVE
Test speedometer, tachometer and other gauges for
malfunction:
(1) Remove the cluster. Refer to Cluster Removal
and Installation.
(2) Check for ignition voltage at Pin 15 of the clus-
ter wire harness connector (Fig. 5). Check for battery
voltage at Pin 21 of the connector. If no voltage,
repair as necessary.
(3) Check Pin 10 of the connector for continuity to
ground. If no ground, repair as necessary.
(4) If the voltage and ground are OK, and the pins
or the connectors are not distorted, replace the
instrument cluster.
(5) Install cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster
Removal and Installation in this section.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
To put the cluster in self-diagnostics mode press
the trip reset button down and then turn the ignition
to the RUN position simultaneously, then release the
button. The gauges will increment to selected stoops
and all indicators will light with the exception of the
turn signals, high beam, and fog lamp indicators.
The oil lamp will come on when the ignition is
turned ON and the engine is OFF.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ACCESSORY SWITCH/POWER OUTLET BEZEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove the instrument panel center bezel.
Refer to Instrument Panel Center Bezel Removal and
Installation in this section.
(3) Remove four screws retaining accessory switch/
power outlet bezel (Fig. 7).(4) Disconnect the harness connectors to the fol-
lowing:
²Rear Window Defogger Switch (if equipped)
²Traction Control Switch (if equipped)
²Cigar Lighter/Power Outlet
Fig. 5 Cluster Wire Harness Connector
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONNECTOR PIN
CALL-OUT
PIN DESCRIPTION PIN DESCRIPTION
1 REAR FOG
LAMP FEED14 PARK LAMP
SWITCH
OUTPUT
2 PCI BUS 15 FUSED IGNITION
SWITCH
OUTPUT
(RUN-START)
3 COURTESY
LAMPS DRIVER16 DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
4 FOG LAMP
SWITCH
OUTPUT17 DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
5 VTSS
INDICATOR
DRIVER18 LEFT TURN
SIGNAL
6 PANEL LAMPS
DIMMER
SIGNAL19 RIGHT TURN
SIGNAL
7 FUEL LEVEL
SENSOR
SIGNAL20 DIMMER
SWITCH LOW
BEAM OUTPUT
8 NOT USED 21 FUSED B+
9 NOT USED 22 RED BRAKE
WARNING
INDICATOR
DRIVER
10 GROUND 23 KEY-IN IGNITION
SWITCH SENSE
11 NOT USED 24 DRIVER DOOR
AJAR SWITCH
SENSE
12 PANEL LAMPS
DRIVER25 SEAT BELT
SWITCH SENSE
13 KEYLESS
ENTRY SIGNAL26 DIMMER
SWITCH HIGH
BEAM OUTPUT
Fig. 4 Oil Pressure Switch
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

The accessory switches are not serviced separately,
but the cigar lighter/power outlet is and must be
transferred to the new bezel. Refer to Cigar Lighter/
Power Outlet Removal and Installation in this sec-
tion.
INSTALLATION
For installation reverse the above procedures.
CENTER CONSOLE FLOOD LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Insert a small screwdriver into notch by lens
and gently pry out unit. Refer to (Fig. 7).
(2) Slide back rear cover to expose bulb.
(3) Replace bulb.
INSTALLATION
For installation reverse the above procedures.
When installing the retainer ensure that the forward
tabs are inserted properly into the slots in the instru-
ment panel.
CIGAR LIGHTER / POWER OUTLET ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Look inside and note position of the retaining
bosses (Fig. 8).
(3) Using external snap ring pliers with 90 degree
tips. Insert pliers with tips against bosses and
squeeze forcing bosses out of base.
(4) Pull out the base through mounting ring by
gently rocking pliers. A tool can be made to do the
same. Refer to (Fig. 9).
(5) Disconnect the base wires.
Fig. 6 Battery Negative Cable Remove/Install
1 ± NEGATIVE CABLE
2 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
Fig. 7 Accessory Switch/Power Outlet Bezel
1 ± REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
2 ± TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH
3 ± CIGAR LIGHTER/AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET
Fig. 8 Cigar Lighter / Power Outlet Base Removal
1 ± RETAINING BOSSES-ENGAGE PLIERS HERE
2 ± PARTIALLY REMOVED
3 ± EXTERNAL SNAP-RING PLIERS
4 ± PULL BASE OUT-THROUGH MOUNTING RING
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS 8E - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Set base aside and remove base mount ring.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position mount ring to the instrument panel
and feed the wires through ring. Index the cap and
the mount ring with the index tab at 9 o'clock to the
key in the instrument panel. Install the ring.
(2) Connect wires to base. Orient base alignment
rib at 11 o'clock to mate the groove in mount ring at
the same location
(3) Push base into the bezel till it locks.
(4) Install cigar lighter cap and check operation of
element.
GLOVE BOX DOOR/BIN
REMOVAL
(1) Open front passenger door.
(2) Remove three glove box door hinge screws.
(3) Open glove box and remove assembly from
vehicle.
(4) Remove eight screws retaining glove box door
to bin assembly.
(5) Separate glove box door from bin and remove.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
GLOVE BOX DOOR/BIN
REMOVAL
(1) Open front passenger door.
(2) Remove three glove box door hinge screws.
(3) Open glove box and remove assembly from
vehicle.
(4) Remove eight screws retaining glove box door
to bin assembly.(5) Separate glove box door from bin and remove.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
GLOVE BOX SWITCH/LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Open the glove box and push the glove box
sides inward allowing the door bumpers to clear and
the box to tip forward.
(3) Reach inside the opening and squeeze the
lamp/switch retainers until they are disengage.
(4) Pull the switch/lamp rearward and remove it.
Replace the lamp. To replace the switch disconnect
wire and replace the switch.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
CAUTION: The Instrument Cluster MUST be stored
in a face up position or damage will occur to the
gauge operation.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove both left and right A-Pillar trim covers.
(3) Remove the instrument panel top cover.
(4) Remove cluster bezel.
(5) Remove the four screws attaching cluster hous-
ing to the base panel.
(6) Pull the cluster rearward to disconnect from
base panel.
(7) Remove the cluster assembly.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEZEL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove instrument panel top cover. Refer to
Instrument Panel Top Cover Removal and Installa-
tion in this section.
(2) Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755), gently
pry up on the cluster bezel and remove from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
Fig. 9 Tool For Cigar Lighter / Power Outlet
Removal
1 ± 2.5MM (3/32 INS.)
2 ± WELD
3 ± 100MM (4 INS.)
4 ± 22.25 TO 22.45MM (7/8 TO 57/64 INS.)
8E - 6 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LAMPS
WARNINGS/INDICATORS
The instrument cluster warning/indicator lamps
are all serviceable Light Emitting Diodes (LED's).
The instrument cluster must first be removed, refer
to Instrument Cluster Removal and Installation in
this section, and then the defective LED just turns
out with needle nose pliers.
ILLUMINATION LAMPS
The high beam indicator, turn signals, and illumi-
nation bulbs are also serviceable. The instrument
cluster must first be removed, refer to Instrument
Cluster Removal and Installation in this section, and
then the defective bulb and socket turns out. The
bulb locations are printed on the back cover of the
instrument cluster.
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Push seats back to their full back position.
(3) Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755), gently
pry out on left and right A-pillar trim moldings and
remove.
(4) Remove top cover. Refer to Top Cover Removal
and Installation in this section.
(5) Gently pull up on cluster bezel and remove
from vehicle.
(6) Gently pull rearward on left lower instrument
panel cover and remove from vehicle.
CAUTION: Lock the steering wheel in the straight
ahead position. This will prevent clockspring dam-
age when the steering wheel rotates freely.
(7) Remove steering column. Refer to Group 19
Steering, Steering Column Removal and Installation.
(8) Remove left and right instrument panel end-
caps.
(9) Remove left and right cowl side panels.
(10) Remove center console. Refer to Group 23
Body, Center Console Removal and Installation.
(11) Depress the sides of the Data Link Connector
(DLC) and remove from instrument panel reinforce-
ment.
(12) Remove four bulkhead instrument panel
retaining screws.
(13) Remove two bolts on top of the brake pedal
support bracket.
(14) Remove two center support mounting bolts.
(15) Remove left and right A-pillar mounting bolts,
two on each side.(16) Disconnect right side antenna connector.
(17) Remove left and right A-pillar door harness
connectors (Fig. 10).
(18) Disconnect two harness connectors to hvac at
right top instrument panel (Fig. 11).
Fig. 10 A-Pillar Door Harness Connector
1 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 ± DOOR CHECK STRAP
3 ± DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 11 Instrument Panel to HVAC Harness Connectors
1 ± HVAC HARNESS CONNECTORS
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS 8E - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)