automatic transmission DODGE NEON 2005 2.G Owners Manual

added. If the fuel level drops to about 1/2 gallon, the
fuel symbol will begin to flash and the chime will
sound several times.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission control
systems. The light will illuminate briefly when the key
is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning the key from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalyticconverter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 166 for more
information.)
17. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob
Press this knob to switch between the odometer and trip
odometer. While the trip odometer is being displayed,
press and hold this knob for a few seconds to reset the
trip odometer to zero miles/kilometers.
18. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading changes during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so the correct mileage can be
determined.
80 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................114
NAutomatic Transaxle...................114
NManual Transaxle.....................114
NNormal Starting......................114
NStarting In Cold Weather
(Below 32ÉF Of 0ÉC)...................115
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below -20ÉF Or -29ÉC).................115
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................115
NAfter Starting........................116
mAutomatic Transaxle Ð If Equipped........116
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......116N
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System..116
NFour Speed Automatic Transaxle..........117
NReset Mode.........................117
NGear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................117
mManual Transaxle Ð If Equipped..........119
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............120
NDownshifting........................120
mParking Brake.........................121
mBrake System.........................122
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð
If Equipped.........................123
5

CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE Ð IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
²Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
²Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle
speed.
²Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into
any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal
down while shifting out of Park.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON positions. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob push button
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the ON or RUN positions.
116 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transaxle, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade, shift
down early so that the engine will not be overburdened.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). Torelease the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
Parking Brake Lever
STARTING AND OPERATING 121
5

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
166 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐ No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªBº± Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
²Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16º (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
190 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

Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated
under one or more of the conditions marked with anL.
Change the manual transaxle fluid every 48,000 miles (77
000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or
more of the conditions marked with an ².
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.²L
²Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial services).²
L
²Off-road or desert operation.
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.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
SCHEDULE ªBº 209
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