heating 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

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

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

4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don't
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 129
6

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 141
7

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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