brake DODGE NEON 2005 2.G Owner's Manual

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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WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transaxle
All front wheel drive vehicles have a transaxle and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transaxle to assure optimum transaxle performance. Use
only manufacturers recommended transmission fluid,
refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the
transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level
using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
Procedure for Checking Fluid Level
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature,
which is approximately 180ÉF ( 82ÉC), the fluid cannot be
held comfortably between the fingertips.
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure
must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be in the crosshatch
area at normal operating temperatures. If the fluid is low,
add as required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission
belowthe operating temperature, the fluid level should
be between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 80ÉF (27ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)reference holes when the transmission reaches 180ÉF
(82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmission
fluid to bring to the proper level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189
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17 10 Amp/Red Lt Low Beam Headlamp/
Headlamp Level Switch
(Bux Only)
18 10 Amp/Red Rt Low Beam Headlamp/
Headlamp Level Motor
19 10 Amp/Red Fog lamps
20 Spare
CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
You may:
²Disengage the mini fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
²Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
ABS Indicator.......................... LED
Airbag Indicator........................ LED
Brake System Warning Indicator............. LED
Climate Controls........................ LED
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Dome Light............................T579
Front Fog Indicator...................... LED
High Beam Indicator....................PC194
Instrument Cluster Illumination............PC194
Low Fuel Indicator....................... LED
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. LED
Rear Cargo............................T906
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND
GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar 4105409 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
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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 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XX X XX
Rotate tires. X X
Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake linings
and rotors.X
Inspect and replace, if required, themake-up air
filter(located inside the air cleaner).X
Inspect and replace, if required, theair cleaner fil-
ter.*X
210 SCHEDULE ªBº
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Miles 18,000 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000
(Kilometers ) (29 000) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000)
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.XX
Replaceair cleaner filter.X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace if necessary. * X
Adjust the generator belt tension.X
Replace themake-up air filter(located inside the
air cleaner).X
Replace thespark plugs.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seal. X
SCHEDULE ªBº 211
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Miles 33,000 36,000 39,000 42,000 45,000
(Kilometers) (53 000) (58 000) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XX X XX
Rotate tires. X X
Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake linings
and rotors.XX
Inspect and replace, if necessary, theair cleaner
filter.*X
Inspect and replace, if required, themake-up air
filter(located inside the air cleaner).X
212 SCHEDULE ªBº
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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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