steering wheel DODGE NEON 2005 2.G User Guide
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malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
STARTING AND OPERATING 123
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Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
138 STARTING AND OPERATING
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
Hazard Flasher Switch
150 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don't
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 159
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CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The steering column must be unlocked and the
gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be
towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the
transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed
more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to
the transaxle.
Manual Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in
the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
160 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Rear Servicing....................... 201
Rear Tail............................ 201
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 79
Security Alarm........................ 22
Side Marker......................... 201
Theft Alarm.......................... 79
Turn Signal.....................62,78,201
Voltage.............................. 79
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description).... 77
Loading Vehicle........................ 146
Tires ............................... 128
Locks................................ 14
Child Protection....................... 17
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 178
Maintenance.......................169,206
Maintenance, Airbag..................... 38
Maintenance Free Battery................. 176
Maintenance Procedures.................. 169
Maintenance Schedule................... 206Schedule9A9......................... 218
Schedule9B9......................... 209
Maintenance, Sunroof.................... 69
Malfunction Indicator Light.............80,167
Manual, Service........................ 229
Manual Transaxle...............67,114,119,190
Downshifting........................ 120
Fluid Level Check..................... 190
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 191
Lubricant Selection.................... 190
Map/Reading Lights..................... 60
Master Cylinder........................ 187
Mirrors............................... 51
Compass/Temperature.................. 51
Electric Remote....................... 55
Outside............................. 54
Rearview............................ 51
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................168,229
Multi-Function Control Lever.............61,62
Occupant Restraints...................... 24
240 INDEX
Page 243 of 246

Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle............ 120
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 28
Side Airbag............................ 37
Side Window Demisters...............103,109
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 158
Snow Tires............................ 140
Spare Tire.........................135,136
Spark Plugs........................... 173
Speed Control........................65,81
Speedometer........................... 78
Speedometer and Odometer..............75,76
Starting.............................. 114
Engine Fails to Start................... 115
Starting Procedures..................... 114
Steering
Power............................. 124
Tilt Column.......................... 64
Wheel Lock.......................... 13
Storage, Vehicle........................ 198
Sun Roof.............................. 68
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 69
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 31
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 172Tachometer............................ 78
Tape Player............................ 97
Temperature Control, Automatic............ 101
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......81,151
Theft Alarm............................ 22
Theft System........................... 22
Theft System Arming..................... 22
Theft System Disarming................... 23
Tilt Steering Column..................... 64
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 128
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 127
Tire Markings......................... 124
Tire Safety Information................... 124
Tires ...........................47,132,231
Air Pressure......................... 132
Alignment.......................... 139
Chains............................. 139
Changing........................... 152
Compact Spare....................... 135
General Information................... 132
High Speed......................... 134
Inflation Pressures.................... 133
Jacking............................. 152
INDEX 243
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