1999 DODGE NEON ECU

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR PINION GEAR
When the sensor is removed for any reason, a
NEW O-ring must be installed on its outside diame-
ter.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove harness connector from sensor. Be sure
weather seal stays on harness connector.
(2) Remove bolt securing the sensor in the exten-
sion housing.
(3) Carefully pull sensor and pinion gear assembly
out of extension housing.
(4) Remove pinion gear from sensor.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install, reverse the above procedure. Be sure
extension housing and sensor flange are clean prior
to installation. Always use a NEW sensor O-ring.
(2) Tighten bolt to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.). Tighten
speedometer cable to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
PARK/NEUTRAL STARTING AND BACK-UP LAMP
SWITCH
TEST
The park/neutral starting switch is the center ter-
minal of the three terminal switch. It provides
ground for the starter solenoid circuit through the
selector lever in PARK and NEUTRAL positions only.
(1) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between center pin of
switch and transaxle case. Continuity should exist
only when transaxle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
(2) Check gearshift cable adjustment before replac-
ing a switch that tests bad.
REMOVAL
(1) Unscrew switch from transaxle case allowing
fluid to drain into a container. Move selector lever to
PARK, then to NEUTRAL position, and inspect to see
the switch operating lever fingers are centered in
switch opening.
INSTALLATION
(1) Screw the switch with a new seal into tran-
saxle case and tighten to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.). Retest
switch with the test lamp.
(2) Add fluid to transaxle to bring up to proper
level.
(3) The back-up lamp switch circuit is through the
two outside terminals of the three terminal switch.
(4) To test switch, remove wiring connector from
switch and test for continuity between the two out-
side pins.
(5) Continuity should exist only with transaxle in
REVERSE position.(6) No continuity should exist from either pin to
the case.
TRANSAXLE
REMOVAL
NOTE: The transaxle can be removed from the
vehicle without having to remove the engine.
The transaxle and torque converter must be
removed as an assembly; otherwise, the torque con-
verter drive plate, pump bushing, or oil seal may be
damaged. The drive plate will not support a load;
therefore, none of the weight of the transaxle should
be allowed to rest on the plate during removal.
All transaxle components are serviced with the
transaxle out of the vehicle. The components that are
serviceable in the vehicle are:
²Axle shaft seals
²Back±up lamp switch
²End plate
²Extension housing
²Neutral safety switch
²Shift lever
²Transaxle oil pan
²Valve Body
²Vehicle speed sensor
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Pull Power Distribution Center up and out of
its holding bracket. Set Power Distribution Center
aside to gain clearance.
(3) Remove battery heat shield and remove battery
from engine compartment. Remove battery tray from
engine compartment. Disconnect cruise control (if
equipped).
(4) Remove vehicle speed sensor wiring.
(5) Disconnect neutral safety switch and torque
converter control wiring at transaxle.
CAUTION: Pry up with equal force on both sides of
shifter cable isolator bushing to avoid damaging
cable isolator bushing.
(6) Disconnect gear shift cable end from transaxle
shift lever (Fig. 22). Remove bracket bolt at transaxle
(Fig. 23).
(7) Remove throttle pressure control cable from
lever. Then remove bracket bolts at the transaxle
(Fig. 24).
(8) Remove dipstick tube.
(9) Remove transaxle cooler lines and plug lines
(Fig. 25).
(10) Remove throttle pressure control cable sup-
port bracket bolts. Remove upper bellhousing bolts
and upper starter bolt (Fig. 26).
21 - 64 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: When reinstalling driveshafts, new drive-
shaft retaining clips must be used. Do not reuse old
clips. Failure to use new clips may result in disen-
gagement of inner constant±velocity joint.
CAUTION: The exhaust flex joint must be discon-
nected from the exhaust manifold anytime the
engine is lowered. If the engine is lowered while the
flex pipe is attached, damage will occur.
(14) Remove bolts securing exhaust flex joint to
exhaust manifold. Disconnect exhaust pipe from
manifold.
(15) Remove transaxle to rear lateral bending
strut from engine and transaxle (Fig. 28).
(16) Remove front engine bracket through±bolt.
Remove front engine bracket bolts (Fig. 29).
(17) Remove lower starter bolt (Fig. 30).
(18) Remove lower dust shield screw.
(19) Rotate engine clockwise to gain access to con-
verter bolts (Fig. 31). Remove torque converter bolts
(Fig. 32). Mark converter to flex plate for reassembly
ease.
(20) Support transaxle with a transmission jack.
(21) Remove left mount through±bolt (Fig. 33).
Remove left mount bolts from transaxle (Fig. 34).
(22) Remove left transaxle mount from transaxle.
(23) Remove rear engine bolt at transaxle.
(24) Carefully work transaxle and torque converter
assembly rearward off engine block dowels. Disen-
gage converter hub from end of crankshaft.Attach a
small C-clamp to edge of bellhousing. This will
hold torque converter in place during transaxle
removal.Lower transaxle and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) To install transaxle, reverse removal procedure.(2) If torque converter was removed from transaxle
be sure to align pump inner gear pilot flats with
torque converter impeller hub flats.
(3) Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
(4) Refill transaxle with MOPARtATF PLUS 3
(Automatic Transmission Fluid) type 7176.
(5) Verify that vehicle's back-up lights and speed-
ometer are functioning properly.
Fig. 28 Bracket Removal
Fig. 29 Front Engine Bracket
Fig. 30 Starter Bolts
21 - 66 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

BODY
CONTENTS
page page
BODY COMPONENTS...................... 2
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION........... 1
PAINT................................. 41STATIONARY GLASS...................... 43
SUNROOF.............................. 47
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION
INDEX
page
GENERAL INFORMATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS...... 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING GLASS COMPONENTS. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING FILTER
WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CON-
FINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH
PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL± BASED CLEANING
SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
DO NOT STAND UNDER A HOISTED VEHICLE
THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUPPORTED ON SAFETY
STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched
in an inner body panel, verify depth of space to the
outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other compo-
nents. Damage to vehicle can result.
Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible
material on the interior of vehicle is removed from
the repair area. Fire or hazardous conditions, can
result.
Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use
when welding.
Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from the
battery when servicing electrical components that
are live when the ignition is OFF. Damage to electri-
cal system can result.Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning sol-
vents on painted or upholstered surfaces. Damage
to finish or color can result.
Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel
when servicing interior trim. Plastic panels can
break.
Chrysler Corporation uses many different types of
push-in fasteners to secure the interior and exterior
trim to the body. Most of these fasteners can be
reused to assemble the trim during various repair
procedures. At times, a push-in fastener cannot be
removed without damaging the fastener or the com-
ponent it is holding. If it is not possible to remove a
fastener without damaging a component or body, cut
or break the fastener and use a new one when
installing the component. Never pry or pound on a
plastic or pressed-board trim component. Using a
suitable fork-type prying device, pry the fastener
from the retaining hole behind the component being
removed. When installing, verify fastener alignment
with the retaining hole by hand. Push directly on or
over the fastener until it seats. Apply a low-force pull
to the panel to verify that it is secure.
When it is necessary to remove components to ser-
vice another, it should not be necessary to apply
excessive force or bend a component to remove it.
Before damaging a trim component, verify hidden
fasteners or captured edges holding the component in
place.
PLBODY 23 - 1

WIND NOISE
Wind noise is the result of most air leaks. Air leaks
can be caused by poor sealing, improper body compo-
nent alignment, body seam porosity, or missing plugs
in the engine compartment or door hinge pillar areas.
All body sealing points should be airtight in normal
driving conditions. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal airtight under all conditions. At times,
side glass or door seals will allow wind noise to be
noticed in the passenger compartment during high
crosswinds. Over compensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop wind noise that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After a repair pro-
cedure has been performed, test vehicle to verify
noise has stopped before returning vehicle to use.
Wind noise can also be caused by improperly fitted
exterior moldings or body ornamentation. Loose
moldings can flutter, creating a buzzing or chattering
noise. An open cavity or protruding edge can create a
whistling or howling noise. Inspect the exterior of the
vehicle to verify that these conditions do not exist.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place and
body components are aligned and sealed. If compo-
nent alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the
appropriate section of this group for proper proce-
dures.
ROAD TESTING WIND NOISE
(1) Drive the vehicle to verify the general location
of the wind noise.
(2) Apply 50 mm (2 in.) masking tape in 150 mm
(6 in.) lengths along weatherstrips, weld seams or
moldings. After each length is applied, drive the vehi-
cle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied,
remove tape, locate, and repair defect.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
²Moldings standing away from body surface can
catch wind and whistle.
²Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body
flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.
²Misaligned movable components.
²Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
²Weld burn through holes.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEAT STAKING
(1) Remove trim panel.
(2) Bend or move the trim panel components at
the heat staked joints. Observe the heat staked loca-
tions and/or component seams for looseness.(3) Heat stake the components.
(a) If the heat staked or component seam loca-
tion is loose, hold the two components tightly
together and using a soldering gun with a flat tip,
melt the material securing the components
together. Do not over heat the affected area, dam-
age to the exterior of the trim panel may occur.
(b) If the heat staked material is broken or miss-
ing, use a hot glue gun to apply new material to
the area to be repaired. The panels that are being
heat staked must be held together while the apply-
ing the glue. Once the new material is in place, it
may be necessary to use a soldering gun to melt
the newly applied material. Do not over heat the
affected area, damage to the exterior of the trim
panel may occur.
(4) Allow the repaired area to cool and verify the
repair.
(5) Install trim panel.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
A-PILLAR TRIM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove instrument panel top cover.
(2) Disengage clips holding trim to A-pillar.
(3) Separate A-pillar trim from vehicle (Fig. 1).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position A±pillar trim panel to A±pillar.
(2) Align locating pins on backside of trim panel to
mating holes in A±pillar.
(3) Push clips on trim panel into slots in A±pillar.
(4) Install instrument panel top cover.
Fig. 1 A-pillar Trim
23 - 4 BODYPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

FRONT DOOR GLASSÐ4 DOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel and water shield.
(2) Remove inner door belt weatherstrip.
(3) Loosen window inner belt stabilizer.
(4) Lower door glass to bottom of door to gain
access to attaching bolts.
(5) Remove bolts holding door glass to window reg-
ulator lift plates (Fig. 22).
(6) Disengage door glass from regulator.
(7) Lift door glass upward out of the opening at
the top of door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Carefully lower door glass through opening in
top of door.
(2) Position door glass into window regulator lift
plates.
(3) Install bolts securing door glass to lift plates.
(4) Tighten window inner belt stabilizer.
(5) Install inner door belt weatherstrip.
(6) Install door trim panel and water shield.
FRONT DOOR INNER BELT WEATHERSTRIP
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel.
(2) Separate weatherstrip from door.
INSTALLATION
(1) Push down on weatherstrip to engage channel
to door panel.
(2) Install door trim panel.
FRONT DOOR LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel and water shield.
(2) Close door glass.(3) Disconnect lock and latch rods from door latch
(Fig. 24).
(4) Disengage wire connector from power door lock
motor, if equipped.
(5) Remove screws holding latch to door end
frame.
(6) Separate door latch from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not close door before adjusting the
door latch. Door may fail to re-open.
(1) Position door latch inside door and install
screws holding latch to door end frame.
(2) Engage wire connector into power door lock
motor, if so equipped.
(3) Connect latch and lock rods to door latch.
(4) Install door trim panel and water shield.
(5) Adjust door latch using procedure in this sec-
tion.
Fig. 22 Front Door Glass
Fig. 23 Front Door Inner Belt Weatherstrip
Fig. 24 Front Door Latch
PLBODY 23 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Replace any damaged or missing push±in fas-
teners with original equipment push-in fasteners.
(2) Place trim panel near door.
(3) Engage wire connectors to power lock switch,
mirror switch, and power window switch, if equipped.
(4) Insert latch rod into inside latch release.
(5) Engage clip holding door latch linkage to back
of inside door handle.
(6) Engage trim panel into retainer channel at top
of door and push down to seat.
(7) Locate door trim panel to inner door panel by
aligning locating pins on backside of trim panel to
mating holes in inner door panel. Gently shift panel
forward or rearward if necessary.
(8) Engage hidden push±in fasteners holding trim
panel to door from around perimeter of trim panel.
(9) With the window in the down position, orien-
tate the window regulator crank handle appropri-
ately. Install the right handle at the 10 o'clock
position and the left handle at the 2 o'clock position,
if equipped.
(10) Install screw holding trim panel to door from
behind inside latch release handle.
(11) Install screw inside pull cup holding door trim
panel to bracket.
FRONT DOOR WATER SHIELD
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel.
(2) Remove Door speaker, if equipped.
(3) Remove door trim pull cup mount bracket.
(4) Disengage clip holding lock linkage to lock but-
ton bell crank.
(5) Peel water shield away from adhesive around
perimeter of inner door panel (Fig. 34).
INSTALLATION
(1) Insure that enough adhesive remains to
securely retain the watershield. Replace as necessary.
(2) Place the watershield into position and press
securely to adhesive making sure to properly route
wiring and linkages.
(3) Engage clip holding lock linkage to lock button
bell-crank.
(4) Install door trim pull cup mount bracket.
(5) Install door speaker, if equipped.
(6) Install door trim panel.
FRONT DOOR WEATHERSTRIP
REMOVAL
(1) Using a fork-type prying tool, disengage
push-in fasteners holding weatherstrip to door (Fig.
35).
(2) Separate weatherstrip from door.
INSTALLATION
Reverse the preceding operation.
Fig. 33 Door Trim Panel
Fig. 34 Water Shield
Fig. 35 Front Door Weatherstrip
23 - 16 BODYPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(14) Remove headlining through door opening (Fig.
45).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position headlining in vehicle.
(2) Install sun visor hooks.
(3) Install coat hooks, if vehicle is a 4 door.
(4) Install push±in fastener at rear of headlining.
(5) Install assist handles, if so equipped.
(6) Install push±in fastener holding headliner wir-
ing to C±pillar.
(7) Engage dome lamp wire connector, at rear of
headlining.
(8) If vehicle is equipped with a sunroof;
(a) Install screw holding switch pod retainer to
roof.
(b) Connect sunroof switch pod wire connectors.
(c) Install sunroof switch pod.
(d) Install trim welt around sunroof opening
(Fig. 44).
(e) Close sunroof.
(9) Install (upper) quarter panel trim panel.(10) Install B-pillar trim panels, if vehicle is a 4
door.
(11) Install A-pillar trim covers.
(12) Install sun visors, lighted vanity mirror wire
connector, if so equipped, and screws holding sun
visors to roof header panel.
HOOD
REMOVAL
(1) Raise hood to full up position.
(2) Disengage under hood lamp wire connector
from engine compartment wire harness.
(3) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or other suitable device to pro-
vide reference marks for installation. When installing
hood, align all marks and secure bolts. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers.
(4) Remove the top bolts holding hood to hinge and
loosen the bottom bolts until they can be removed by
hand.
(5) With assistance from a helper at the opposite
side of the vehicle to support the hood, remove bot-
tom bolts holding hood to hinge.
(6) Separate the hood from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place hood in position on vehicle. With assis-
tance from a helper at the opposite side of the vehicle
to support the hood, install bottom bolts to hold hood
to hinge finger tight.
(2) Install top bolts to hold hood to hinge finger
tight.
(3) Position bolts at marks and tighten bolts. The
hood should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the
front fenders and flush across the top surfaces along
fenders.
(4) Engage under hood lamp wire connector to
engine compartment wire harness.
(5) Verify hood operation and alignment.
HOOD HINGE
REMOVAL
(1) Support hood on the side that requires hinge
replacement.
(2) Mark all bolt and hinge attachment locations
with a grease pencil or other suitable device to pro-
vide reference marks for installation. When installing
hood hinge, align all marks and secure bolts. The
hood should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the
front fenders and flush across the top surfaces along
fenders. Shims can be added or removed under hood
hinge to achieve proper hood height.
(3) Remove bolts holding hood to hinge.
Fig. 44 Sunroof Opening Trim Welt
Fig. 45 Headlining
23 - 20 BODYPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Remove bolts holding hood hinge to front
fender flange and separate hinge from vehicle. If nec-
essary, paint new hinge before installation.
INSTALLATION
(1) If necessary, paint new hinge before installa-
tion.
(2) Place hinge in position on vehicle.
(3) Install bolts to hold hood hinge to front fender
flange.
(4) Install bolts to hold hood to hinge.
(5) Align all marks and secure bolts. The hood
should be aligned to 4 mm (0.160 in.) gap to the front
fenders and flush across the top surfaces along fend-
ers. Shims can be added or removed under hood
hinge to achieve proper hood height.
(6) Remove support from under hood and verify
hood operation.
HOOD LATCH
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Support hood on prop rod.
(3) Remove grille.
(4) Remove screws holding hood latch to radiator
closure panel (Fig. 46).
(5) Separate hood latch from closure panel.
(6) Disengage remote release cable from latch.
INSTALLATION
(1) Engage remote release cable into latch.
(2) Place hood latch onto radiator closure panel.
(3) Install bolts holding latch to closure panel.(4) Install grille.
(5) Close hood and verify alignment of hood and
that latch is securely engaged.
HOOD RELEASE CABLE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect remote hood release cable from
hood latch.
(2) Remove left front cowl trim panel.
(3) Remove screws holding hood release handle to
cowl panel (Fig. 47).
(4) Disengage rubber grommet from dash panel
behind instrument panel.
(5) Pull release cable through hole in dash panel.
(6) Separate cable and handle from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble cable and handle onto vehicle.
(2) Push release cable through hole in dash panel.
(3) Engage rubber grommet into dash panel.
(4) Install screws holding hood release handle to
cowl panel.
(5) Install left front cowl trim panel.
(6) Connect remote hood release cable to hood
latch.
(7) Close hood and verify operation.
LOCK BUTTON BELL-CRANK
REMOVAL
(1) Remove door trim panel.
(2) Disengage clip holding lock linkage to bell-
crank.
Fig. 46 Hood Latch
Fig. 47 Hood Release Cable
PLBODY 23 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)