instrument panel DODGE NEON SRT 2004 2.G Owner's Guide

²Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
²Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage.
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
NOTE:If you experience difficulty in playing a particu-
lar disc, it may be damaged, oversized, or have theft
protection encoding. Try a known good disc before
considering disc player service.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the operation of a cellular
phone in your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy perfor-
mance from your radio. This condition may be lessened
or eliminated by relocating the cellular phone antenna.
This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio
performance does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repo-
sitioning of the antenna, it is recommended that the radio
volume be turned down or off during cellular phone
operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 77
4

CLIMATE CONTROLS
Air Conditioning
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle.
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere.
The controls are as follows:
Fan and Air Conditioning Control
Use this control to regulate
the amount of air forced
through the system in any
mode you select. The fan
speeds to the left of the OFF
position are for Air Condition-
ing. Choosing one of these
speeds turns on the air condi-
tioning compressor. The fan
speed increases as you move
the control counterclockwise from the OFF position.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
Fan speeds to the right of OFF are for heater or ventila-
tion operation. The fan speed increases as you move the
control clockwise from the OFF position.
Mode Control (Air Direction)
The mode control allows you
to choose from several pat-
terns of air distribution. You
can select either a primary
mode, as identified by the
symbols, or a blend of two of
these modes. The center point
between modes gives an even
blend of both modes. The
closer the control is to a par-
ticular mode, the more air distribution you receive from
that mode.
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
air flow.
78 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor out-
lets.
NOTE:
There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
NOTE:If you choose either the Mix or Defrost modes
while the Circulation control is in the Recirculation
Mode, the system will automatically switch to the Out-
side Air mode and the knob will move to that position.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets and side
window demist outlets with a small amount
through the defrost outlet.
Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best
in cold or snowy conditions that require extra
heat at the windshield. This setting is good for main-
taining comfort while reducing moisture on the wind-
shield.Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with
maximum fan and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
NOTE:
The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if
the fan switch is not in the A/C position. This dehumidi-
fies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve fuel
economy, use these modes only when necessary.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate
the temperature of the air in-
side the passenger compart-
ment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler tem-
peratures while the red area
indicates warmer tempera-
tures.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 79
4

NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
Circulation Control
Use this control to choose be-
tween outside air intake or
recirculation of the air inside
the vehicle. Only use the re-
circulate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid
weather.
This control only operates in the Outside Air and Recir-
culate modes; there is no in between position. Do not
place the control between these positions.
NOTE:Continuous use of the recirculate mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold weather, the use of the Recirculate position will
cause windows to fog on the inside because of moisture
build up inside the vehicle. For maximum defogging,
select the Outside Air position.
If the mode control is in the range between Mix and
Defrost and you choose the Recirculate mode, the mode
control knob will automatically move to the Mix position.
NOTE:If you choose either the Mix or Defrost modes
and the Circulation control is in the Recirculate Mode, the
system will automatically switch to the Outside Air
position.
80 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 81
4

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the
A/C, PANEL and blower controls. Direct the panel
outlets toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate
without A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, use the Outside Air position.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
82 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
A push-button at the center of the instrument
panel, below the radio, turns the defroster ON or
OFF. An amber light shows that the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 10
minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
TURBO BOOST GAUGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a boost gauge that indi-
cates the intake manifold pressure relative to barometric
pressure. The engine management system in your vehicle
intelligently regulates intake manifold pressure based on
environmental (ambient) and engine operating condi-
tions. With the accelerator pedal fully depressed, it is
normal for the maximum intake manifold pressure
(boost) to vary from 11 to 15 psi.
If low octane fuel (below the recommended 91 octane
(R+M)/2)) is used, boost will be reduced significantly.
Normal boost levels will return once the recommended
fuel is used and the engine controller adapts to the fuel
octane level.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 83
4

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution whencleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in the vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content of abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 159
7

Interior Fuses
The fuse access panel is behind the end cover at the left
side of the instrument panel. To remove the panel, pull it
out, as shown. A diagram identifying the components
and circuits is located on the inside of the cover.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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 161
7

Fuses................................ 160
GasCap .............................. 116
Gasoline............................. 165
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 114
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 114
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 67
Fuel................................ 65
Tachometer.......................... 64
Turbo Boost.......................83,113
General Information...................... 11
Glass Cleaning......................... 159
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 120
Headlights............................. 54
Bulb Replacement..................... 163
Cleaning............................ 159
High Beam........................... 64
Switch.............................. 54
Hood Prop............................ 52
Hood Release.......................... 51
Hoses............................... 152Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System....................... 142
Immobilizer............................. 9
Infant Restraint......................... 36
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 47
Instrument Cluster.....................62,63
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 61
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 159
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 159
Interior Appearance Care................. 158
Interior Fuses.......................... 161
Interior Lights.......................... 53
Intermittent Wipers...................... 56
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Operation......................... 122
Jump Starting......................... 125
Key, Programming....................... 11
Key, Replacement....................... 10
Key, Sentry............................. 9
Key-In Reminder......................... 9
INDEX 195
10