1999 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

escapes to the atmosphere in the CRS tank and is
replaced with solid coolant on cool down.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATION
At idle the temperature gauge could rise slowly to
about 1/2 gauge travel. The fan will come on and the
gauge could drop to about 1/3 gauge travel, this is
normal.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
COOLANT LEVEL CHECKÐROUTINE
NOTE: Do not remove radiator cap for routine cool-
ant level inspections.
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level without
removing the radiator cap. Simply observe, with the
engine idling and warmed up to normal operating
temperature, that the level of the coolant in the
reserve tank (Fig. 12) is between the add and full
marks.
COOLANTÐADDING ADDITIONAL
NOTE: The radiator cap should not be removed.
When additional coolant is needed, it should be
added to the coolant reserve tank. Use only 50/50
concentration of ethylene glycol type antifreeze and
water
COOLANT LEVELÐSERVICING
NOTE: The cooling system is closed and designed
to maintain coolant level to the top of the radiator.When servicing requires a coolant level check in
the radiator, the engine must beoffandnotunder
pressure. Drain several ounces of coolant from the
radiator drain cock while observing the Coolant
Recovery System (CRS) Tank. Coolant level in the
CRS tank should drop slightly. Then remove the radi-
ator cap. The radiator should be full to the top. If
not, and the coolant level in the CRS tank is at the
ADD mark there is a air leak in the CRS system.
Check hose or hose connections to the CRS tank,
radiator filler neck or the pressure cap seal to the
radiator filler neck for leaks.
COOLING SYSTEMÐDRAINING
NOTE: Drain, flush, and fill the cooling system at
the mileage or time intervals specified in Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance. If the solution is dirty,
rusty, or contains a considerable amount of sedi-
ment; clean and flush with a reliable cooling system
cleaner. Care should be taken in disposing of the
used engine coolant from your vehicle. Check gov-
ernmental regulations for disposal of used engine
coolant.
Without removing radiator pressure cap and
with system not under pressure:
(1) Shut engine off and turn draincock counter-
clockwise to open (Fig. 13).
(2) The coolant reserve tank should empty first,
then remove the pressure cap. (if not, Refer to Test-
ing Cooling System for leaks).
Fig. 11 Pressure Testing Radiator Cap
Fig. 12 Coolant Recovery System
7 - 16 COOLINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

COOLING SYSTEMÐREFILLING
First clean system to remove old glycol, see Cooling
System Cleaning.
Fill system using antifreeze described in Coolant
section. Fill 50 percent of capacity with 100 percent
glycol. Then complete filling system with water.
Continue filling system until full, this provides bet-
ter heater performance.Be careful not to spill
coolant on drive belts or the generator.
Fill coolant reserve system to at least the FULL
mark with 50/50 solution. It may be necessary to add
coolant to the reserve tank after three or four warm-
up/cool down cycles to maintain coolant level between
the FULL and ADD marks; if any trapped air was
removed from the system.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WATER PUMP
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on a hoist. Remove right inner
splash shield.
(2) Remove accessory drive belts and power steer-
ing pump. Refer to Accessory Drive Belt service in
this section.
(3) Drain cooling system. Refer to Cooling System
Draining in this section.
(4) Support engine from the bottom and remove
right engine mount.
(5) Remove power steering pump bracket bolts and
set pump and bracket assembly aside. Power steering
lines do not need to be disconnected.
(6) Remove right engine mount bracket.
(7) Remove timing belt and timing belt tensioner.
Refer to Group 9, Engine for procedure.
(8) Remove camshaft sprockets and inner timing
belt cover. Refer to Group 9, Engine for procedure.(9) Remove water pump attaching screws to engine
(Fig. 14).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install new O-ring gasket in water pump body
O-ring groove (Fig. 15). Use small dabs of Mopart
Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant around the water
pump body to secure O-ring in place during installa-
tion.
CAUTION: Make sure O-ring gasket is properly
seated in water pump groove before tightening
screws. An improperly located O-ring may cause
damage to the O-ring and cause a coolant leak.
(2) Assemble pump body to block and tighten
screws to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.). Pressurize cooling
system to 15 psi with pressure tester and check
water pump shaft seal and O-ring for leaks.
(3) Rotate pump by hand to check for freedom of
movement.
(4) Install inner timing belt cover.
(5) Install timing belt. Refer to Group 9, Engine
for procedures.
(6) Install right engine mount bracket and engine
mount. Refer to Group 9, Engine for procedure.
(7) Fill cooling system. SeeCooling System
Refilling.
(8) Install power steering pump and accessory
drive belts, Refer to Accessory Drive Belts, in this
section.Fig. 13 Draining Cooling System
Fig. 14 Water Pump
Fig. 15 Water Pump Body
PLCOOLING 7 - 17
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(9) Perform camshaft and crankshaft timing
relearn procedure as follows:
²Connect the DRB scan tool to the data link
(diagnostic) connector. This connector is located in
the passenger compartment; at the lower edge of
instrument panel; near the steering column.
²Turn the ignition switch on and access the ªmis-
cellaneousº screen.
²Select ªre-learn cam/crankº option and follow
directions on DRB screen.
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE
The inlet tube connects the water pump to the
radiator and heater core. This tube is sealed by a
O-ring and held in place by fasteners to the block.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not use any sharp tools to remove
hoses from inlet tube. This may cause the tube to
leak.
(1) Drain cooling system. Refer to procedure out-
lined in this section.
(2) Remove upper radiator hose to access the hose
connections at the inlet tube.
(3) Remove lower radiator hose and heater hose
from the inlet tube (Fig. 16).
(4) Remove the two fasteners that hold the inlet
tube to the block and one fastener that holds the
intake manifold to inlet tube.
(5) Rotate tube while removing the tube from the
engine block (Fig. 17).
INSTALLATION
(1) Inspect the O-ring for damage before installing
the tube into the cylinder block (Fig. 17).
(2) Lube O-ring with coolant and install into the
cylinder block opening.
(3) Install two fasteners to the engine block and
the one fastener to the intake manifold. Tighten fas-
teners to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Connect lower radiator hose and heater hose to
inlet tube.
(5) Install upper radiator hose.
(6) Fill cooling system. Refer to procedure outlined
in this section.
(7) Pressure system to 104 kPa (15 psi) to check
for leaks.
ENGINE THERMOSTAT
REMOVAL
(1) Drain cooling system to the thermostat level or
below.(2) Remove coolant recovery system (CRS) hose
and thermostat/engine outlet connector bolts (Fig. 18)
or (Fig. 19).
(3) Remove thermostat an O-ring assembly, and
clean sealing surfaces.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place the new thermostat assembly into the
thermostat housing/outlet connector. Align vent with
notch in cylinder head.
(2) Install thermostat housing/outlet connector
onto cylinder head and tighten bolts to 12.5 N´m (110
in. lbs.). Connect the coolant recovery system (CRS)
hose.
(3) Refill cooling system (seeRefilling System).
Fig. 16 Water Pump Inlet Tube Hose Connections
Fig. 17 Water Pump Inlet Tube
7 - 18 COOLINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

RADIATOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK PLUG OR THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE
BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN
OCCUR.
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. Refer to Cooling System
Draining in this section.
(3) Remove engine air inlet duct.
(4) Remove upper radiator hose from the radiator.
(5) Disconnect and cap automatic transmission
hoses, if equipped.
(6) Remove radiator to battery strut (Fig. 20) and
ground strap.
(7) For vehicles equipped with dual fans: Remove
the battery and battery tray.(8) Remove fan module assembly by disconnecting
fan motor electrical connector.
(9) Remove fan shroud retaining screws, located on
the top of the shroud (Fig. 21). Lift shroud up and
out of bottom shroud attachment clips separating
shroud from radiator. For dual fan applications the
left fan module may be removed first, then the right
side module last. Fan damage should always be
avoided.
(10) Remove the lower radiator hose.
(11) Remove upper radiator isolator bracket
mounting screws (Fig. 20). Disconnect the engine
block heater wire if equipped.
(12) Remove the air conditioning condenser attach-
ing screws located at the front of the radiator, if
equipped (Fig. 22), then lean condenser forward.
NOTE: It is not necessary to discharge the air con-
ditioning system to remove the radiator.
(13) Radiator can now be lifted free from engine
compartment.Care should be taken not to dam-
age radiator cooling fins or water tubes during
removal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Slide radiator down into position behind radia-
tor support (yoke).
(2) Attach air conditioning condenser to radiator, if
equipped (Fig. 22), with four mounting screws and
tighten to 5.4 N´m (50 in. lbs.). Then seat the assem-
bly lower rubber isolators into the mounting holes
provided in the lower crossmember.
(3) Tighten radiator isolator mounting bracket
screws to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.). The radiator should
have clearance to move up approximately 5 to 8 mm
(0.25 in.) after assembled.
(4) Install lower radiator hose. Align the hose and
position the clamp so it will not interfere with engine
components.
Fig. 18 Thermostat/Engine Outlet ConnectorÐSOHC
Fig. 19 Thermostat/Engine Outlet ConnectorÐDOHC
Fig. 20 Radiator Mounting
PLCOOLING 7 - 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Connect automatic transmission hoses, if
equipped. Tighten hose clamps to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(6) Slide fan module down into clip(s) on lower
radiator flange (Fig. 21). For dual fan application
install the right fan module first and then the left
fan module. Install retaining screws and tighten to
7.5 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
(7) Connect the cooling fan motor electrical connec-
tor(s).
(8) Install upper radiator hose. Align the hose and
position the clamp so they will not interfere with the
engine or the hood.
(9) For vehicles equipped with dual fans: Install
the battery tray and battery.
(10) Connect negative cable to battery.
(11) Fill cooling system with coolant. Refer to
Cooling System Refillingin this section.
(12) Operate engine until it reaches normal oper-
ating temperature. Check cooling system and auto-
matic transmission for correct fluid levels.
RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
REMOVAL
(1) Turn the drain cock stem counterclockwise to
unscrew the stem. When the stem is unscrewed to
the end of the threads, pull the stem (Fig. 23) from
the radiator tank.
INSTALLATION
(1) Push the draincock assembly body into the
tank opening.
(2) Tighten the draincock stem by turning clock-
wise to 2.0-2.7 N´m (18-25 in. lbs.).
RADIATOR FANS AND MOTOR
All models use a single speed electric motor driven
cooling system fans. The fan modules includes a
motor, fan blade, and support shroud. The module is
fastened to the radiator by screws.
REMOVAL FAN MODULE
(1) Disconnect fan motor leads from module.
(2) Remove fan module fasteners from radiator
(Fig. 24).
FAN BLADE
There are no repairs to be made to the fan. If the
fan is warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it
Fig. 21 Fan Module Mounting
Fig. 22 A/C Condenser to Radiator Mounting Screws
Fig. 23 Draincock
Fig. 24 Servicing Fan Module
7 - 20 COOLINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

must be replaced withonlythe recommended part
for adequate strength, performance and safety.
(1) To remove fan from motor shaft, bench support
the motor and motor shaft, while removing the fan
retaining clip, so that the shaft and motor will not be
damaged by excessive force.Surface burr removal
may be required to remove fan from motor
shaft (Fig. 25).Do not permit the fan blades to
touch the bench.
(2) To install fan on motor shaft, slide the fan over
shaft. Support motor and shaft as above while
installing fan retaining clip.
INSTALLATION FAN MODULE
(1) Install module to radiator. Torque shroud to
radiator fasteners to 7.5 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
(2) Connect fan motor lead.For wiring diagrams
of fan motor systems Refer to 8W Wiring Dia-
grams.
ELECTRIC FAN MOTORÐSERVICE
WARNING: Do not disassemble the fan motor from
the support bracket.
Electric fan motor is serviced as an assembly with
the fan module.
FAN SHROUD
Some fan shrouds are equipped with flapped doors
to prevent the shroud from restricting air flow at
high speeds.
All vehicles have fan shrouds to improve fan air
flow efficiency.
The shroud supports the electric fan motor and
fan. For removal and installation procedures, refer to
radiator removal in this Section.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
REMOVAL
(1) Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block.
Refer to Cooling System Drain, Clean, Flush and
Refill of this section for procedure.
(2) Detach power cord plug from heater.
(3) Loosen screw in center of heater. Remove
heater assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean core hole and heater seat.
(2) Insert heater assembly with element loop posi-
tionedupward.
(3) With heater seated, tighten center screw
securely to assure a positive seal.
(4) Fill cooling system with coolant to the proper
level, vent air, and inspect for leaks. Pressurize sys-
tem with Radiator Pressure Tool before looking for
leaks.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS
AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR AND
POWER STEERING PUMP
(1) Loosen the power steering pump locking bolts
A and B and pivot bolt C (Fig. 26) to remove and
install belt and/or adjust belt tension.
(2) Using a 1/2º breaker bar, adjust belt tension by
applying torque to the square D hole on the power
steering pivot bracket. Adjust tension to specification
given in Belt Tension Chart.
(3) Tighten in order, first tighten locking bolt A to
27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) then, bolt B to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.)
Then pivot bolt C to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
GENERATOR BELT
(1) Loosen pivot bolt E then locking nut F and
adjusting bolt G (Fig. 27) to remove and install belt
and/or adjust belt tension.
(2) Tighten adjusting bolt G, adjust belt tension to
specification shown in Belt Tension Chart.
(3) Tighten pivot bolt E to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
Locking nut F to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
WATER PUMP
Replace water pump body assembly if it has any of
these defects:
(1) Cracks or damage on the body.
(2) Coolant leaks from the shaft seal, evident by
coolant traces on the pump body.
(3) Loose or rough turning bearing.
(4) Impeller rubs either the pump body or the
engine block.
Fig. 25 Servicing Radiator Fan
PLCOOLING 7 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Impeller loose or damaged.
(6) Sprocket or sprocket flange loose or damaged.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
Belt replacement under any or all of the following
conditions is required, excessive wear, frayed cords or
severe glazing.
Poly-V-Belt system may develop minor cracks
across the ribbed side. These minor cracks are con-
sidered normal and acceptable. Cracks parallel are
not (Fig. 28).
NOTE: Do not use any type of belt dressing or
restorer on Poly-V-Belts.
COOLING SYSTEM CAP
Hold the cap in your hand,right side up(Fig. 29).
The vent valve at the bottom of the cap should open
with a slight pull. If the rubber gasket has swollen,
preventing the valve from opening, replace the cap.
If any light can be seen between vent valve and
the rubber gasket, replace the cap.Use only a
replacement cap that has a spring to hold the
vent shut.
A replacement cap must be of the type designed for
coolant reserve systems. This design ensures system
pressurization.
CLEANING COOLING SYSTEM
Drain cooling system (see:Draining Cooling Sys-
tem) and refill with clean water (see:Refilling
Fig. 26 Power Steering Pump Adjustment
BELT TENSION CHART
ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELTGAUGE TORQUE
Power Steering
Pump and A/C
CompressorNew 135 lb. 121 N´m (90 ft.
lbs.)
Used 100 lb. 81 N´m 60 ft.
lbs.)
Generator New 135 lb. Gauge
adjustment
method only Used 100 lb.
Fig. 27 Generator Adjustment
Fig. 28 Drive Belt Wear Pattern
7 - 22 COOLINGPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

Cooling System). Run engine with radiator cap
installed until upper radiator hose is hot. Stop
engine and drain water from system. If water is
dirty, fill, run and drain system again until water
runs clear.
RADIATOR FLUSHING
Drain cooling system and remove radiator hoses
from engine. Install suitable flushing gun in radiator
lower hose. Fill radiator with clean water and turn
on air in short blasts.
CAUTION: Internal radiator pressure must not
exceed 138 kPa (20 psi) as damage to radiator may
result. Continue this procedure until water runs
clear.
ENGINE FLUSHING
Drain radiator (see:Cooling System Draining)
and remove hoses from radiator. Remove engine ther-
mostat and reinstall thermostat housing. A gasket
may be needed to seal the housing to cylinder head
because the seal is part of thermostat. Install suit-
able flushing gun to thermostat housing hose. Turn
on water, and when engine is filled, turn on air, but
no higher than 138 kPa (20 psi) in short blasts. Allowengine to fill between blasts of air. Continue this pro-
cedure until water runs clean. Install thermostat and
fill cooling system. Refer to (Cooling System Refill-
ing) for procedure.
REVERSE FLUSHING
Reverse flushing of the cooling system is the forc-
ing of water through the cooling system, using air
pressure in a direction opposite to that of the normal
flow of water. This is only necessary with dirty sys-
tems and evidence of partial plugging.
CHEMICAL CLEANING
One type of corrosion encountered with aluminum
cylinder heads is aluminum hydroxide deposits. Cor-
rosion products are carried to the radiator and depos-
ited when cooled off. They appear as dark grey when
wet and white when dry. This corrosion can be
removed with a two part cleaner (oxalic acid and
neutralizer) available in auto parts outlets. Follow
manufacturers directions for use.
ADJUSTMENTS
PROPER BELT TENSION
Satisfactory performance of the belt driven accesso-
ries depends on belt condition and proper belt ten-
sion. Refer to Accessory Drive Belt Inspection in this
section. There are two belt tensioning methods given
in order of preference:
²Belt tension gauge method.
²Torque equivalent method.
The belt tension gauge method usually requires the
vehicle to be raised on a hoist and the splash shield
removed.
TORQUE EQUIVALENT METHOD
Adjustable accessory brackets provided with a 13
mm (1/2 in.) square hole for a torque wrench can use
an equivalent torque value for belt adjustment.
Equivalent torque values for adjusting these acces-
sory drive belts are specified in the Belt Tension
Chart.
Fig. 29 Cooling System Pressure Cap
BELT TENSION CHART
ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELTGAUGE TORQUE
Power Steering
Pump and A/C
CompressorNew 135 lb. 121 N´m (90 ft.
lbs.)
Used 100 lb. 81 N´m 60 ft.
lbs.)
Generator New 135 lb. Gauge
adjustment
method only Used 100 lb.
PLCOOLING 7 - 23
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)