warning DODGE NEON 2005 2.G Owner's Guide

WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you are not using it.
To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
down on the lever and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pressing the SET lever.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pulling the speed control
lever towards you ªCANCELº, or normal brake or clutch
pressure while slowing the vehicle will deactivate speed
control without erasing the set speed memory. Pressing
the ON/OFF button or turning off the ignition switch
erases the set speed memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push the ªACC/RESº
lever up and release. Resume can be used at any speed
above 32 km/h (20 mph).
To Vary The Speed Setting:
When the speed control is ON, speed can be increased by
pushing up and holding ªACC/RESº. Release the lever
when the desired speed is reached, and the new speed
will be set.
Tapping ªACC/RESº once will result in a 2 mph (3
km/h) speed increase. Each time the lever is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the lever three times will
increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is ON, push down
and hold ªCOAST/SETº. Release the lever when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
Tapping the ªCOAST/SETº button once will result in a 1
mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed decreases.
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transaxle:
Depressing the clutch pedal will disengage the speed
control. A slight increase in engine RPM before the speed
control disengages is normal.
Vehicles equipped with manual transaxles may need to
be shifted into a lower gear to climb hills without speed
loss.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
To Accelerate For Passing:
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:
The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
Vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transaxles
may experience a downshift to 3rd gear while climbing
uphill or descending downhill. This downshift to 3rd
gear is necessary to maintain vehicle set speed.
On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 67
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WARNING!
In an accident, there is a greater risk of being thrown
from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You could also
be seriously injured or killed. Always fasten your
seat belt properly and make sure all passengers are
properly secured too.
Do not allow small children to operate the sunroof.
Never allow fingers or other body parts, or any
object to project through the sunroof opening. Injury
may result.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if so equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are
ON. (See page 62 for more information.)
2. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light comes
on, it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, or there is a low brake fluid level. On vehicles
equipped with Anti-lock brakes (ABS), it may also
indicate an ABS malfunction that could lead to re-
duced braking performance.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an acci-
dent. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
The operation of the Brake Warning light can be checked
by turning the ignition key from the OFF to the ON
position. The light should illuminate for three seconds, or
until the engine is started, whichever comes first. The
light should then go out unless the parking brake is
applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not
illuminate, have the light inspected and serviced as soon
as possible.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
3. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) Ð If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 77
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If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to a
point midway between ON and START. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever. (See
page 62 for more information.)6. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
7. Tachometer Ð If Equipped
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
8. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the ignition key is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
78 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio Mode (If
Equipped)
Refer to the Satellite Radio section of the Owner's
Manual.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.
CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.
An ERR symbol will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
²Excessive vibration
²Disc inserted upside down
²Damaged disc
²Water condensation on optics
SALES CODE RBKÐAM/ FM STEREO RADIO
WITH CD PLAYER AND CD CHANGER
CONTROLS
Radio Operation
Power/Volume Control
Press the ON/VOL control to turn the radio on. Turn the
volume control clockwise to increase the volume.
RBK Radio
88 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Random Play (RND)
Press the Random button to play the tracks on the
selected disc in random order for an interesting change of
pace.
Random can be cancelled by pressing the button a second
time or by ejecting the CD from the changer.
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio Mode (If
Equipped)
Refer to the Satellite Radio section of the Owner's
Manual.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.
An ERR symbol will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
²Excessive vibration
²Disc inserted upside down
²Damaged disc
²Water condensation on optics
SATELLITE RADIO Ð IF EQUIPPED
Satellite radio uses direct satellite to receiver broadcast-
ing technology to provide clear digital sound, coast to
coast. The subscription service provider is SiriusŸ Satel-
lite Radio. This service offers up to 100 channels of music,
sports, news, entertainment, and programming for chil-
dren, directly from its satellites and broadcasting studios.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 93
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mPower Steering........................124
mTire Safety Information..................124
NTire Markings........................124
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........127
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........128
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............132
NTire Pressure.........................132
NTire Inflation Pressures.................133
NRadial-Ply Tires......................135
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........135
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........136
NTire Spinning........................137
NTread Wear Indicators..................137
NReplacement Tires.....................138
NAlignment And Balance.................139
mTire Chains...........................139
mSnow Tires...........................140
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........141
mFuel Requirements.....................141
NSpark Knock.........................142
NReformulated Gasoline.................142
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............142
NMMT In Gasoline.....................143
NMaterials Added To Fuel................143
NFuel System Cautions..................143
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............144
mAdding Fuel..........................144
NFuel Tank Filler Cap...................144
mVehicle Loading.......................146
mTrailer Towing........................146
112 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
Manual Transaxle
Place the gear selector in NEUTRAL, press the clutch
pedal to the floor, and fully apply the parking brake
before starting the engine.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 5 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait
10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting proce-
dure.
114 STARTING AND OPERATING

Starting in Cold Weather (Below 32ÉF of 0ÉC)
Slightly depress and hold the accelerator before starting
the engine. Turn the key to the START position. When the
engine starts, release the key, then the accelerator pedal.
If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, turn the key
OFF wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20ÉF or -29ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 115
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