air conditioning DODGE NEON SRT 2004 2.G Owners Manual

NSelecting Satellite Mode In RBP, RBU, RAZ,
And RBQ Radios......................75
NSelecting a Channel.....................75
NStoring And Selecting Pre-Set Channels.......76
NUsing The PTY (Program Type) Button (If
Equipped)...........................76
NPTY Button9Scan9......................76
NPTY Button9Seek9......................76
NSatellite Antenna.......................76NReception Quality......................76
mCompact Disc Maintenance................77
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones........77
mClimate Controls.......................78
NAir Conditioning......................78
NOperating Tips........................81
mElectric Rear Window Defroster............83
mTurbo Boost Gauge......................83
60 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

20. Trip Indicator
This light will illuminate when the Trip Odometer is in
use.
21. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature.
Normal operating range should be
within one notch above or one notch
below the 200 degree mark. The
gauge pointer may show a higher
than normal temperature when driv-
ing in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or in heavy stop and go
traffic.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull off to the side of the road
at a safe area. With the vehicle in Park (automatic
transmission), or with the vehicle in neutral and the
emergrncy brake applied (manual transmission), idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until thepointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the H (red) mark, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 67
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

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
120 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening.
If a ªfast chargerº is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
ªfast chargerº to provide starting voltage as battery
damage can result.
Air Conditioner
Check the air conditioning system at the start of the
warm weather season.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean witha gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
WARNING!
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere. The manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be done by facilities using
refrigerant recycling and recovery equipment that meets
SAE standard J1991.
144 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

E. Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
F. Keep the front of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser clean.
G. Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tear, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
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.
152 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System.............. 94
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 150
Adding Fuel........................... 116
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 142
Air Conditioning.....................78,144
Air Conditioning Controls................. 78
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 144
Air Conditioning System................. 144
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 105
Airbag................................ 27
Airbag Deployment...................... 33
Airbag Light.......................35,44,65
Airbag Maintenance...................... 35
Airbag, Side........................... 34
Alarm, Panic........................... 17
Alarm System.......................... 65
Alignment and Balance.................. 110
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 76
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............165,166
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 94
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 63
Appearance Care....................... 155Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 58
Automatic Door Locks.................... 13
Ball Joints............................ 145
Battery............................... 142
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 18
Belts, Drive........................... 140
Belts, Engine.......................... 142
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 145
B-Pillar Location....................... 100
Brake Fluid........................... 166
Brake, Parking.......................... 92
Brake System........................94,153
Anti-Lock............................ 94
Hoses.............................. 153
Master Cylinder...................... 154
Parking............................. 92
Warning Light........................ 63
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 42
Bulb Replacement...................162,163
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 116
192 INDEX