oil level DODGE NEON 2004 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 169
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the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and Go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert operation
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
WARNING!
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere, the manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be done by facilities using
refrigerant recycling and recovery equipment that meets
SAE standard J1991.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, SealConditioners, Compressor Oils, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 177
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If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under-vehicle service is done. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or grease contami-
nation.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, trunk and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non abrasive cleaner, or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt or road film and help
reduce streaking and smearing.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
178 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
186 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
Standard 2.0L Engines 87 Octane 12.5 Gallons 47.5 Liters
High Output 2.0L Engines 91 Octane 12.5 Gallons 47.5 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.0 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified Engine Oils) 4.5 qts 4.3 Liters
Cooling System *
2.0 Liter Engines (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula)6.5 qts 6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and add
as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 205
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²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
206 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Console............................... 69
Contract, Service....................... 222
Coolant........................181,200,201
Cooling System........................ 180
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 182
Coolant Level.....................180,183
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 181
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 181
Inspection........................... 183
Points to Remember................182,183
Pressure Cap........................ 182
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 184
Selection of Coolant................... 181
Corrosion Protection.................... 190
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 174
Cruise Light........................... 82
Cup Holder............................ 69
Customer Assistance.................... 220
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 61
Daytime Running Lights.................. 62
Dealer Service......................... 168
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 110Defroster, Windshield...............48,103,106
Deploying, Airbag....................... 37
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 166
Dimmer Control........................ 60
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 62
Disarming, Theft System.................. 21
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 172
Domelight............................. 61
Door Locks............................ 14
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Downshifting.......................... 121
Drive Belts............................ 173
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 159
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 54
Electronic Speed Control.................. 65
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 153
Jump Starting........................ 157
Towing............................. 161
Emergency Trunk Release................. 22
232 INDEX

Emission Control System Maintenance....167,204
Engine............................... 165
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 169
Compartment........................ 165
Cooling............................ 180
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 145
Jump Starting........................ 157
Oil ..........................169,200,201
Oil Change Interval................... 170
Oil Filter............................ 201
Oil Selection......................... 171
Oil Synthetic......................... 172
Overheating......................... 152
Temperature Gauge.................... 82
Timing Belt.......................... 174
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 171
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,145
Exhaust Pipes......................... 179
Exhaust System........................ 179
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 31Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 175
Automatic Transaxle................... 189
Engine Fuel......................... 175
Engine Oil.......................172,201
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 152
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 115
Fluid, Brake........................... 201
Fluid Capacities........................ 200
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 187
Manual Transaxle..................... 189
Fog Lights...........................62,78
Folding Rear Seat....................... 57
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 160
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 178
Fuel..............................141,201
Adding............................. 145
Capacity............................ 200
Filler Cap........................... 145
Filter.............................. 175
INDEX 233
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