oil DODGE NEON 2000 Service Workshop Manual

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)

STARTER RELAY PIN CALL-OUT
PIN CIRCUIT COLOR DESCRIPTION
1 (86) A041 YL IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (START)
2 (85) K090 TN PCM
3 (30) A001 RD FUSED B+
4 (87A) NOT USED
5 (87) T040 BR STARTER SOLENOID
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the START position. On
vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch
pedal must be fully depressed for this test. Check for
battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86
with the ignition switch in the START position, and
no voltage when the ignition switch is released to the
ON position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK with an
automatic transmission, check for an open or short
circuit to the ignition switch and repair, if required.
If the circuit to the ignition switch is OK, see the
Ignition Switch Test procedure in this group. If not
OK with a manual transmission, check the circuit
between the relay and the clutch interlock/upstop
switch for an open or a short circuit. If the circuit is
OK, refer to the Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch
Diagnosis and Testing in Group 6-Clutch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
through the PCM only when the gearshift selector
lever is in the Park or Neutral positions. On vehicles
with a manual transmission, it is grounded through
the PCM when the clutch pedal is depressed. Check
for continuity to ground at the cavity for relay termi-
nal 85. If not OK, check for an open or short circuit
to the park/neutral starting and back-up lamp
switch, or the clutch interlock/upstop switch. Repair,
as necessary. If the circuit is OK, refer to the Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp Switch Removal
and Installation in Group 21-Transaxle. Testing is
located within the Removal and Installation proce-
dures.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnosis of:
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch, refer to Diagno-
sis and Testing in Group 6-Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp
Switch, refer to Removal and Installation in Group
21-Transaxle. Testing is located within the Removal
and Installation procedures.
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Check all wiring for opens or
shorts, and all connectors for being loose or corroded.
Refer to Group 8D-Ignition Systems, or Group
8W-Wiring Diagrams.
BATTERY
Refer to Group 8A-Battery for Diagnosis and Test-
ing of the battery.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Group 8W-Wiring Diagrams.
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE
Before proceeding with this operation, review Diag-
nostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests.
The following operation will require a voltmeter,
accurate to 1/10 of a volt.
CAUTION: Ignition system also must be disabled to
prevent engine start while performing the following
tests.
(1) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(2) With all wiring harnesses and components
properly connected, perform the following:
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER MOTOR
Engine Application 2.0L OHC - DOHC
Power rating 1.1 Kw
Voltage 12 VOLTS
No. of Fields 6
No. of Poles 6
Brushes 4
Drive Planetary Gear Train
Cranking Amperage Draw
test150 - 280 Amps.
Note:Engine should be up to operating tempera-
ture. Extremely heavy oil or tight engine will
increase starter amperage draw.
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Starter Mounting Bolts....... 54N´m(40ft.lbs.)
Starter Solenoid Battery Nut . . 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.)
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 9

CHARGING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CHARGING SYSTEM.......................1
GENERATOR.............................1
ELECTRONIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR..........1
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GENERATOR.............................2SPECIFICATIONS
GENERATOR RATINGS.....................3
TORQUE................................3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
CHARGING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The charging system consists of:
²Generator
²Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Ignition switch (refer to the Ignition System for
information)
²Battery (refer to the Battery for information)
²Battery temperature sensor
²Wiring harness and connections (refer to the
Wiring for information)
OPERATION
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, battery voltage is applied to the
generator rotor through one of the two field termi-
nals to produce a magnetic field. The generator is
driven by the engine through a serpentine belt and
pulley arrangement.
The amount of DC current produced by the gener-
ator is controlled by the EVR (field control) circuitry,
contained within the PCM. This circuitry is con-
nected in series with the second rotor field terminal
and ground.
Temperature data, along with data from monitored
line voltage, is used by the PCM to vary the battery
charging rate. This is done by cycling the ground
path to control the strength of the rotor magnetic
field. The PCM then compensates and regulates gen-
erator current output accordingly and to maintain
the proper voltage depending on battery tempera-
ture.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnos-
tics (OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including the
EVR (field control) circuitry, are monitored by thePCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects.
GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine. It is
serviced only as a complete assembly. If the genera-
tor fails for any reason, the entire assembly must be
replaced.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The Y type stator winding connections deliver the
induced AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative
diodes for rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC
current is delivered to the vehicles electrical system
through the generator, battery, and ground terminals.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by:
²Worn, loose or defective bearings
²Loose or defective drive pulley
²Incorrect, worn, damaged or misadjusted drive
belt
²Loose mounting bolts
²Misaligned drive pulley
²Defective stator or diode
²Damaged internal fins
ELECTRONIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulat-
ing circuit located within the Powertrain Control
PLCHARGING SYSTEM 8C - 1

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

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)

OPERATION
The Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay supplies bat-
tery voltage to the fuel injectors, electronic ignition
coil and the heating elements in the oxygen sensors.
A buss bar in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
supplies voltage to the solenoid side and contact side
of the relay. The fuse also protects the power circuit
for the fuel pump relay and pump. The fuse is
located in the PDC. Refer to the Wiring Diagrams for
circuit information.
The PCM controls the ASD relay by switching the
ground path for the solenoid side of the relay on and
off. The PCM turns the ground path off when the
ignition switch is in the Off position. When the igni-
tion switch is in On or Start, the PCM monitors the
crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals to
determine engine speed and ignition timing (coil
dwell). If the PCM does not receive crankshaft and
camshaft position sensor signals when the ignition
switch is in the Run position, it will de-energize the
ASD relay.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM
INPUT
DESCRIPTION
The crankshaft position sensor mounts to the
engine block behind the generator, just above the oil
filter (Fig. 4).
The PCM uses the Crankshaft Position sensor to
calculate the following:
²Engine RPM²TDC number 1 and 4
²Ignition coil synchronization
²Injector synchronization
²Camshaft-to-crankshaft misalignment (Timing
belt skipped 1 tooth or more diagnostic trouble code).
OPERATION
The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is a Hall-ef-
fect sensor. The second crankshaft counterweight has
two sets of four timing reference notches including a
60 degree signature notch (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5 Timing Reference Notches
1 ± MACHINED NOTCHES
2 ± CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Fig. 4 Crankshaft Position Sensor
1 ± CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2 ± OIL FILTER
3 ± GENERATOR
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

KNOCK SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The knock sensor threads into the cylinder block.
OPERATION
When the knock sensor detects a knock in one of
the cylinders, it sends an input signal to the PCM. In
response, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cyl-
inders by a scheduled amount.Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material
which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage
(signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the
intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the
knock sensor output voltage also increases.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sen-
sor performance, possibly causing improper spark
control.
IGNITION SWITCH
In the RUN position, the ignition switch connects
power from the Power Distribution Center (PDC) to a
fuse in the fuse block, back to a bus bar in the PDC.
The bus bar feeds circuits for the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM), Proportional purge solenoid, EGR
solenoid, and ABS system. The bus bar in the PDC
feeds the coil side of the radiator fan relay, A/C com-
pressor clutch relay, and the fuel pump relay. It also
feeds the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
LOCK KEY CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION
The lock cylinder is inserted in the end of the
housing opposite the ignition switch.
OPERATION
The ignition key rotates the cylinder to 5 different
detents (Fig. 9) :
²Accessory
²Off (lock)
²Unlock
²On/Run
²Start
Fig. 7 Target MagnetÐTypical
1 ± CAM MAGNET/TARGET
2 ± CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Fig. 8 Target Magnet Polarity
1 ± TARGET MAGNET
Fig. 9 Ignition Lock Cylinder Detents
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 5
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)

REMOVAL
(1) Remove brake booster hose and electrical con-
nector from holders on end of cylinder head cover
and reposition.
(2) Disconnect electrical connectors from camshaft
position sensor.
(3) Remove camshaft position sensor mounting
screws. Remove sensor.
(4) Loosen screw attaching target magnet to rear
of camshaft (Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
The target magnet has two locating dowels that fit
into machined locating holes in end of the camshaft.
(1) Install target magnet in end of camshaft.
Tighten mounting screw to 3.4 N´m (30 in. lbs.)
torque.
(2) Install camshaft position sensor. Tighten sensor
mounting screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Place brake booster hose and electrical harness
in holders on end of valve cover.
(4) Attach electrical connectors to camshaft posi-
tion sensor.
Fig. 11 Electronic Ignition Coil Pack
1 ± IGNITION COILS
2 ± SPARK PLUG CABLE
3 ± SPARK PLUG INSULATOR
Fig. 12 Power Distribution Center (PDC)
Fig. 13 Camshaft Position Sensor Location
Fig. 14 Target Magnet Removal/Installation
1 ± TARGET MAGNET
2 ± MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± REAR OF CYLINDER HEAD
PLIGNITION SYSTEM 8D - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)