belt maintenance schedule DODGE NEON 2004 2.G Owners Manual

Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Manual.
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Check the specifications section for the proper type
of spark plug for use in your vehicle.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 173
7

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000 ) (163 000) (168 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake linings
and rotors.X
Inspect and replace, if necessary, theair cleaner
element (filter).*X
Replace manual transaxle fluid.² X
Flush and replace the engine coolant. X
Replace theengine timing belt.X
Inspect and replace, if required, themake-up air
filter(located inside the air cleaner).X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
² This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing.LThis maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
214 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 102,000
(Kilometers) (115 000) (125
000)(134
000)(144
000)(154 000) (160
000)
[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [96] [102]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake linings
and rotors.XX
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace if necessary. Not
required if previously changed. * ³X
Replace themake-up air filter(located inside the
air cleaner).X
Adjust the generator drive belt tension. X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months,
regardless of mileage.X
Replaceengine timing belt.X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.³ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
SCHEDULE ªAº 217
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