checking oil DODGE NEON SRT 2004 2.G Owners Manual

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close the
trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it must
remain open, close all windows. Adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2

Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintainthe oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 137
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.9
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 145
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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. Particularattention 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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 153
7

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:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 169
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Downshifting........................... 92
Drive Belts............................ 140
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 128
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 48
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 122
Jump Starting........................ 125
Towing............................. 130
Emergency Trunk Release................. 15
Emission Control System Maintenance....... 168
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 42
Checking Oil Level.................... 137
Jump Starting........................ 125
Oil ..........................137,165,166
Oil Change Interval................... 138
Oil Filter............................ 166
Oil Selection......................... 138
Oil Synthetic......................... 139
Overheating......................... 120
Temperature Gauge.................... 67Timing Belt.......................... 142
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 43
Exhaust System........................ 147
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 142
Engine Fuel......................... 142
Engine Oil.......................140,166
Flooded Engine Starting................... 88
Fluid, Brake........................... 166
Fluid Capacities........................ 165
Fluid Leaks............................ 44
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transaxle..................... 155
Fog Lights...........................54,63
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 129
Fuel.............................. 113,166
Adding............................. 116
Filler Cap........................... 116
Filter.............................. 142
Gauge.............................. 65
Light............................... 65
Octane Rating........................ 113
194 INDEX

Maintenance Procedures.................. 136
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule9A9......................... 178
Schedule9B9......................... 171
Maintenance Schedules.................. 168
Malfunction Indicator Light.............66,134
Manual, Service........................ 188
Manual Transaxle..................87,90,155
Fluid Level Check..................... 155
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 155
Lubricant Selection.................... 155
Master Cylinder........................ 154
Mirrors............................... 47
Electric Remote....................... 48
Outside............................. 47
Rearview............................ 47
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................136,187
Multi-Function Control Lever.............53,55
Occupant Restraints...................... 19
Odometer
Trip ................................ 66Oil, Engine........................... 137
Change Interval...................... 138
Checking........................... 137
Disposal............................ 140
Filter.............................. 140
Identification Logo.................... 139
Materials Added to.................... 139
Quality............................. 139
Recommendation..................... 138
Synthetic........................... 139
Oil Pressure Light....................... 64
Onboard Diagnostic System............... 134
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 82
Overheating, Engine..................... 120
Owner's Manual......................4,188
Paint Care............................ 155
Panic Alarm........................... 17
Parking Brake.......................... 92
Passing Light........................... 55
Pets.................................. 42
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 100
INDEX 197
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