power steering DODGE NEON SRT 2004 2.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys................. 9
NLocking Doors With The Key.............. 9
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................ 9
mSentry Key............................ 9
NReplacement Keys......................10
NCustomer Key Programming..............11
NGeneral Information....................11
mSteering Wheel Lock.....................12
NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......12
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........12
mDoor Locks...........................12NManual Door Locks.....................12
NPower Door Locks.....................13
NAutomatic Door Locks...................13
NChild-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors)..........................14
mInternal Emergency Trunk Lid Release.......15
mRemote Trunk Lid Release................15
mRemote Keyless Entry....................16
NTo Unlock The Doors...................16
NTo Lock The Doors.....................16
NHorn Chirp Feature.....................16
2

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................87
NManual Transaxle......................87
NNormal Starting.......................87
NStarting In Cold Weather
(Below 32ÉF Or 0ÉC)....................87
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below -20ÉF Or -29ÉC)..................88
NIf Engine Fails To Start..................88
NAfter Starting.........................89
NTurbocharger ªCool Downº...............89
mManual Transaxle.......................90
NRecommended Shift Speeds...............91NDownshifting.........................92
mParking Brake..........................92
mBrake System..........................94
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............94
mPower Steering.........................95
mTire Safety Information...................96
NTire Markings.........................96
NTire Identification Number (TIN)...........99
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........100
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............104
NTire Pressure.........................104
5

WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your SRT-4 pro-
vides mechanical steering capability in the event power
assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
STARTING AND OPERATING 95
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Turbo Charged Engine Compartment....133
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......134
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................134
mReplacement Parts.....................136
mDealer Service........................136
mMaintenance Procedures.................136
NEngine Oil..........................137
NIgnition Wiring System.................142
NCrankcase Emission Control System........142
NFuel Filter..........................142
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............142NMaintenance-Free Battery................142
NAir Conditioner......................144
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............145
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............145
NBody Lubrication.....................145
NWindshield Wiper Blades................146
NWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......146
NWindshield Washer Aiming..............146
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............147
NExhaust System......................147
NCooling System.......................148
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
7

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

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)
Engine Oil Use Mobil 1t10W30 synthetic engine oil.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar 4781452AA or equiv.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 91 Octane.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Manual Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 or DOT 4+ is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
166 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Keyless Entry System..................... 16
Keys.................................. 9
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 64
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 20
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 113
Leaks, Fluid............................ 44
Light Bulbs........................162,163
Lighter, Cigar.......................... 58
Lights................................ 52
Airbag..........................35,44,65
Anti-Lock............................ 63
Brake Warning........................ 63
Center Mounted Stop.................. 164
Daytime Running...................... 54
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............53,55
Dome............................... 53
Exterior Check........................ 44
Fog ................................ 54
Headlights On Reminder................ 54
High Beam Indicator................... 64
Instrument Cluster..................... 54
Lights On Reminder.................... 54Malfunction Indicator................... 66
Map Reading......................... 52
Oil Pressure.......................... 64
Park................................ 54
Passing............................. 55
Rear Servicing....................... 164
Rear Tail............................ 164
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 65
Side Marker......................... 164
Theft Alarm.......................... 65
Turn Signal.....................55,64,164
Voltage.............................. 65
Loading Vehicle........................ 117
Tires ............................... 100
Locks................................ 12
Child Protection....................... 14
Door............................... 12
Ignition............................ 134
Power Door.......................... 13
Steering Wheel........................ 12
Lubrication, Body....................... 145
Maintenance Free Battery................. 142
196 INDEX

Power
Door Locks.......................... 13
Steering..........................95,145
Steering, Checking.................... 145
Windows............................ 19
Power Steering Fluid.................... 166
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 26
Programming Transmitters................. 17
Radial Ply Tires........................ 107
Radio..............................68,69
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 68
Radio, Satellite.......................... 74
Rear Window Defroster................... 83
Reclining Front Seats..................... 49
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 166
Reformulated Gasoline................... 114
Refrigerant............................ 144
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 16
Remote Trunk Release.................... 15
Replacement Bulbs...................... 162
Replacement Tires...................... 109Reporting Safety Defects................. 187
Rotation, Tires......................... 112
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 43
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 44
Safety Information, Tire................... 96
Safety Tips............................. 43
Satellite Radio.......................... 74
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 76
Schedule, Maintenance................... 168
Seat Belts.............................. 19
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 24
And Pregnant Women.................. 26
Child Restraint........................ 35
Extender............................ 27
Front Seat............................ 20
Maintenance......................... 160
Rear Seat............................ 20
Untwisting Procedure................... 25
Seats................................. 48
Adjustment.......................... 48
Rear Folding......................... 50
Reclining............................ 49
198 INDEX

Security Alarm......................... 65
Sentry Key............................. 9
Service Assistance...................... 184
Service Contract........................ 186
Service Manuals........................ 188
Setting the Clock........................ 68
Shift Speeds............................ 91
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle............. 91
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 24
Side Airbag............................ 34
Side Window Demisters................... 82
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 128
Snow Chains.......................... 111
Snow Tires............................ 111
Spark Plugs........................... 140
Speedometer........................... 64
Starting............................... 87
Engine Fails to Start.................... 88
Steering
Power.............................. 95
Tilt Column.......................... 57
Wheel Lock.......................... 12
Storage, Vehicle........................ 161Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 27
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 139
Tachometer............................ 64
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......67,121
Tilt Steering Column..................... 57
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 100
Tire Markings.......................... 96
Tire Safety Information................... 96
Tires ...........................44,104,189
Alignment.......................... 110
Chains............................. 111
Changing........................... 122
Compact Spare....................... 107
High Speed......................... 106
Inflation Pressures.................... 105
Jacking............................. 122
Load Capacity....................100,101
Quality Grading...................... 189
Radial............................. 107
Replacement......................... 109
Rotation............................ 112
Safety.............................. 104
INDEX 199
10