suspension DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

GROUP TAB LOCATORINIntroductionINaIntroduction0Lubrication and Maintenance2Suspension3Differential and Driveline5Brakes6Clutch7Cooling8ABattery8BStarting8CCharging System8DIgnition System8EInstrument Panel and Systems8EaInstrument Panel and Systems8FAudio System8GHorns8HVehicle Speed Control System8JTurn Signal and Flashers8KWindshield Wipers and Washers8LLamps8LaLamps8MRestraint System8NElectrically Heated Systems8OPower Distribution Systems8PPower Door Locks8QImmobilizer System8SPower Windows8TPower Mirrors8TaPower Mirrors8UChime Warning/Reminder System8WWiring Diagrams - LHD and RHD9Engine11Exhaust System13Frame and Bumpers14Fuel System19Steering21Transaxle22Tires and Wheels23Body24Heating and Air Conditioning24aHeating and Air Conditioning25Emission Control Systems

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................3
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION................3SCHEDULE ± A...........................3
SCHEDULE ± B...........................4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule ±A. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is Schedule ±B. It is a schedule for vehi-
cles that are operated under the following conditions:
²Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km)
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Extensive idling
²More than 50% of the driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C)
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten termi-
nals as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponent boots and seals.²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles - 12 000 km) or
every other interval on Schedule ± B (6,000 miles -
10 000 km).
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and
clamps.
If mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000 km)
yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil change.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
FLUID FILL POINTS AND LUBRICATION
LOCATIONS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication loca-
tions are located in each applicable group.
SCHEDULE ± A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 3

30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joint.
²Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the engine spark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant at 36
months, regardless of mileage.
52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done
at 36 months.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Replace the drive belts.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the ignition cables.
²Replace the spark plugs.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
82,500 Miles (132 000 km) or at 66 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km) or at 72 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the spark plugs.
²Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if nec-
essary. This maintenance is not required if the belt
was previously replaced.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Replace the engine timing belt.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
NOTE: Inspection and service should also be per-
formed anytime a malfunction is observed or sus-
pected. Retain all receipts.
SCHEDULE ± B
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).Replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
21,000 Miles (34 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
24,000 Miles (38 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
27,000 Miles (43 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect thePCV valveand replace as neces-
sary.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace thespark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
33,000 Miles (53 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
39,000 Miles (62 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
42,000 Miles (67 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).Replace as necessary.*
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
51,000 Miles (82 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
54,000 Miles (86 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
57,000 Miles (91 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect thePCV valveand replace if neces-
sary.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Replace the drive belts.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace theignition cables
²Replace thespark plugs
²Check and replace, if necessary, theengine tim-
ing belton 3.0 liter engines.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
63,000 Miles (101 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
66,000 Miles (106 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

69,000 Miles (110 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
72,000 Miles (115 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter)and replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
78,000 Miles (125 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
81,000 Miles (130 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
84,000 Miles (134 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
87,000 Miles (139 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings
²Check thePCV valveand replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joint.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).²Replace thespark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
93,000 Miles (149 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
96,000 Miles (154 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
99,000 Miles (158 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
102,000 Miles (163 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Replace theengine timing belt.
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter)and replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
* This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
NOTE: Operating the vehicle more than 50% in
heavy traffic during hot weather, above 90É F (32É
C), using vehicle for police, taxi, limousine type
operation or trailer towing require the more fre-
quent transaxle service noted in Schedule ± B. Per-
form these services if vehicle usually operate under
these conditions.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 minutes), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACHMENT
DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR LINES,
FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT. DO NOT LIFT OR TOW
VEHICLE BY FRONT OR REAR BUMPER, OR
BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER UNITS. DO NOT
VENTURE UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT SUP-
PORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS. DO NOT
ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A TOWED VEHI-
CLE. USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle. Do not attach towing device to
front or rear suspension components. Do notsecure vehicle to towing device by the use of front
or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects from
a damaged vehicle before towing. Refer to state and
local rules and regulations before towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a wheel lift or flat bed towing device (Fig. 2) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the unlifted end of disabled vehicle has at
least 100 mm (4 in.) ground clearance. If minimum
ground clearance cannot be reached, use a towing
dolly. If a flat bed device is used, the approach angle
should not exceed 15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels
are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the oppo-
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,
remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to
increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
Fig. 1 Jumper Cable Clamp Connections
1 ± BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
2 ± POSITIVE JUMPER CABLE
3 ± TEST INDICATOR
4 ± BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
5 ± BATTERY
6 ± NEGATIVE JUMPER CABLE
7 ± ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 2 Recommended Towing Devices
1 ± WHEEL LIFT
2 ± FLAT BED
0 - 8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column
must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²5-speed manual transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at any legal highway speed for extended dis-
tances. The gear selector must be in the neutral posi-
tion.
TOWING ± FRONT WHEEL LIFT
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that a
vehicle be towed with the front end lifted, whenever
possible.
TOWING ± REAR WHEEL LIFT
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the fol-
lowing guide lines are observed.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
²Unlock steering column and secure steering
wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device
designed for towing.
²Verify that front drive line and steering compo-
nents are in good condition.
²5-speed manual transaxle vehicles can be towed
at any legal highway speed for extended distances.
The gear selector must be in the neutral position.
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The gear selector
must be in the neutral position.
HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to Owner's Manual provided with vehicle for
proper emergency jacking procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN THE ENGINE OR REAR SUSPENSION
IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME HOISTING
CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY SUPPORT OR
SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DEVICE WHEN
THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
CAUTION: Do not position hoisting device on sus-
pension components, damage to vehicle can result.Do not attempt to raise one entire side of the
vehicle by placing a floor jack midway between the
front and rear wheels. This practice may result in
permanent damage to the body.
FLOOR JACK
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a PL vehicle (Fig. 3). Support the vehicle in the
raised position with jack stands.
A floor jack or any lifting device, must never be
used on any part of the underbody other then the
described areas.
HOIST
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 Hoisting and Jacking Points
1 Frame Contract Lift (Single Post)
Chassis Lift (Dual Post)
Outboard Lift (Dual Post)
Floor Jack
2 Drive On Lift
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT........................ 1
FRONT SUSPENSION....................... 9REAR SUSPENSION....................... 35
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS.....3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT..............5WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......................5
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS.........8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Proper vehicle wheel alignment is the proper
adjustment of all interrelated front and rear suspen-
sion angles. These angles are what affects the han-
dling and steering of the vehicle when it is in motion.
The method of checking a vehicle's front and rear
wheel alignment will vary depending on the type and
manufacturer of the equipment being used. Instruc-
tions furnished by the manufacturer of the equip-
ment being used should always be followed to ensure
accuracy of the alignment, except when alignment
specifications recommended by this corporation differ.
Typical wheel alignment angles and measurements
are camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle.
²Camber is the number of degrees the top of the
tire and wheel are tilted either inward or outward
(Fig. 1). Camber is a tire wearing angle. Excessive
negative camber will cause tread wear at the inside
of the tire, while excessive positive camber will cause
outside tire wear.²Caster is the number of degrees of forward or
rearward tilt of the steering knuckle. Forward tilt
provides a negative caster angle, while rearward tilt
provides a positive caster angle. Caster is not adjust-
able on this vehicle.
²Cross Camber is the difference between left and
right camber. The right side camber is to be sub-
tracted from the left, resulting in the cross camber
reading. For example, if the left camber is +0.3É and
the right camber is 0.0É, the cross camber would be
+0.3É.
²Toe is measured in degrees or inches and is the
difference in width between the centered leading and
trailing edges of the tires on the same axle (Fig. 1).
Toe-in means that the front width is more narrow
than the rear. Toe-out means that the front width is
wider than the rear.
²Thrust Angle is defined as the average of the toe
settings on each rear wheel. If this measurement is
out of specification, readjust the rear wheel toe so
that each wheel has 1/2 of the total toe measure-
ment. When readjusting, do not exceed the total toe
specification.
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 1

Fig. 1 Alignment Camber And Toe
1 ± LOOSEN NUT TO ADJUST TOE
2 ± TOE ADJUSTMENT
3 ± POSITIVE
4 ± NEGATIVE5 ± CAMBER
6 ± TOE-OUT
7 ± TOE-IN
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
Front End Whine On
Turns1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or
Grinding On Turns1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Engine Mount Grounding
Against Frame Or Body Of Vehicle.2. Check For Motor Mount Hitting Frame
Rail And Reposition Engine As Required
3. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 3. Replace C/V Joint
4. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 4. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
5. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 5. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
6. Worn Tires 6. Replace Tires
Front End Clunk Or
Snap On Turns1. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 1. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
2. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 2. Replace C/V Joint
3. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Or Ball Joint 3. Tighten Or Replace Tie Rod End Or Ball
Joint
4. Worn Control Arm Bushing 4. Replace Control Arm Bushing
5. Loose Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment5. Tighten Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment To Specified Torque
Front End Whine
With Vehicle Going
Straight At A
Constant Speed1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or
Grinding With
Vehicle Going
Straight At A
Constant Speed1. Engine Mount Grounding 1. Reposition Engine As Required
2. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 2. Replace C/V Joint
Front End Whine
When Accelerating
Or Decelerating1. Worn Or Defective Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings1. Replace Transaxle Gears Or Bearings
Front End Clunk
When Accelerating
Or Decelerating1. Worn Or Broken Engine Mount 1. Replace Engine Mount
2. Worn Or Defective Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings2. Replace Transaxle Gears Or Bearings
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 3