check oil DODGE NEON 2005 2.G User Guide

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
186 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.
Brake Fluid Master Cylinder
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 187
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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:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule ªBº of the9Maintenance 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 207
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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.
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.
208 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 48,000 51,000 54,000 57,000 60,000
(Kilometers) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000 ) (91 000) (96 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XX X XX
Rotate tires. X X X
Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake linings
and rotors.X
Replaceair cleaner filter.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*³ X
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and adjust the
bands.LX
Replace manual transaxle fluid.² X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Replace the drive belts.X
Replace themake-up air filter(located inside the
air cleaner).X
Replace thespark plugs and ignition cables.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not done at 102,000 miles.X
SCHEDULE ªBº 213
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Brake, Parking......................... 121
Brake System.......................122,186
Anti-Lock........................... 123
Hoses.............................. 186
Master Cylinder...................... 187
Parking............................ 121
Warning Light........................ 77
Brakes............................122,186
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 116
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 46
Bulb Replacement...................198,199
Calibration, Compass..................... 54
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 202
Capacities, Fluid....................... 202
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 144
Oil (Engine)......................... 172
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 144
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance........ 97
Cassette Tape Player...................83,86
Catalytic Converter..................... 173
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 46CD Changer.......................87,92,98
CD Player...........................88,90
CD Player Maintenance.................. 100
Cellular Phone......................... 101
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 201
Central Door Locks...................... 15
Central Locking......................... 15
Chains, Tire........................... 139
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 152
Charging System Light................... 79
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 125
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 167
Child Restraint......................... 39
Child Safety Locks....................... 17
Circuit Breakers.....................195,197
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 194
Headlights.......................... 194
Climate Control........................ 101
Clock................................. 82
Compact Disc Changer................... 98
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 100
INDEX 235
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Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 152
Jump Starting........................ 155
Towing............................. 160
Emergency Trunk Release................. 18
Emission Control System Maintenance....167,206
Engine............................... 165
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 169
Compartment........................ 165
Cooling............................ 181
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 144
Jump Starting........................ 155
Oil ..........................169,202,203
Oil Change Interval................... 170
Oil Filler Cap........................ 172
Oil Filter............................ 203
Oil Selection......................... 171
Oil Synthetic......................... 172
Overheating......................... 150
Temperature Gauge.................... 81
Timing Belt.......................... 174
Exhaust Gas Caution..................46,144Exhaust Pipes......................... 180
Exhaust System........................ 180
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 31
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 175
Automatic Transaxle................... 190
Engine Fuel......................... 175
Engine Oil.......................173,203
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 150
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 115
Fluid, Brake........................... 203
Fluid Capacities........................ 202
Fluid Leaks............................ 47
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 188
Manual Transaxle..................... 190
Fluids............................... 203
Fog Lights...........................62,77
Folding Rear Seat....................... 57
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 159
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 178
INDEX 237
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Interior Fuses.......................... 197
Interior Lights.......................... 60
Intermittent Wipers...................... 64
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Operation......................... 152
Jacking Instructions..................... 152
Jump Starting......................... 155
Key, Programming....................... 12
Key Release Button...................... 10
Key, Replacement....................... 12
Key, Sentry............................ 11
Key-In Reminder........................ 11
Keyless Entry System..................... 19
Keys.................................. 9
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 78
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 24
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren)..... 42
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 141
Leaks, Fluid............................ 47Light Bulbs........................198,199
Lighter, Cigar.......................... 70
Lights................................ 60
Airbag..........................39,47,79
Anti-Lock............................ 77
Brake Warning........................ 77
Center Mounted Stop.................. 201
Daytime Running...................... 62
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............61,62
Dome............................... 61
Exterior Check........................ 47
Fog ..............................62,77
Headlights On Reminder................ 62
High Beam Indicator................... 78
Instrument Cluster..................... 61
Interior.............................. 60
Lights On Reminder.................... 62
Low Fuel............................ 79
Malfunction Indicator................... 80
Map Reading......................... 60
Oil Pressure.......................... 78
Park................................ 61
Passing............................. 62
INDEX 239
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Odometer
Trip ................................ 80
Oil, Engine.........................169,202
Capacity............................ 202
Change Interval...................... 170
Checking........................... 169
Disposal............................ 172
Filter.............................. 173
Identification Logo.................... 172
Materials Added to.................... 172
Quality............................. 172
Recommendation..................171,202
Synthetic........................... 172
Viscosity............................ 172
Oil Pressure Light....................... 78
Onboard Diagnostic System............166,167
Operator Manuals (Owner's Manuals)......... 4
Outside Air Intake...................103,109
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 54
Overdrive............................ 118
Overheating, Engine..................... 150
Owner's Manual......................4,229Paint Care............................ 191
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 121
Passing Light........................... 62
Pets.................................. 45
Phone, Cellular........................ 101
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 128
Power
Door Locks.......................... 15
Steering.........................124,178
Steering, Checking.................... 178
Sunroof............................. 68
Windows............................ 23
Power Steering Fluid.................... 203
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 30
Preparation for Jacking................... 152
Programming Transmitters................. 20
Radial Ply Tires........................ 135
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 82
Radio Operation......................83,88
Radio, Satellite.......................... 93
Radio (Sound Systems)...............82,83,88
INDEX 241
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