steering DODGE NEON 2005 2.G Owner's Manual

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
6

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

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.0L Engine Compartment...............165
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......166
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................167
mReplacement Parts.....................168
mDealer Service........................168
mMaintenance Procedures.................169
NEngine Oil..........................169
NIgnition Wiring System.................175
NCrankcase Emission Control System........175
NFuel Filter..........................175
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............175NMaintenance-Free Battery................176
NAir Conditioner......................177
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............178
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............178
NBody Lubrication.....................178
NWindshield Wiper Blades................179
NWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......179
NWindshield Washer Aiming..............180
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............180
NExhaust System......................180
NCooling System.......................181
7

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.
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.
178 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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
7

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
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

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

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
10

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
10