1999 DODGE NEON 500

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION......................... 3
SCHEDULE ± A.......................... 3SCHEDULE ± B.......................... 4
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION............... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Service and maintenance procedures for compo-
nents and systems listed in Schedule ± A or B can be
found by using the Group Tab Locator index at the
front of this manual. If it is not clear which group
contains the information needed, refer to the index at
the back of this manual.
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service based on the conditions that the vehi-
cle is subjected to. Use the schedule that best
describes these conditions.
Schedule ±A, lists maintenance recommended for
vehicles used for general transportation.
Schedule ±B, lists maintenance recommended for
vehicles used under the following conditions:
²Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km)
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Frequent trailer towing
²Extensive idling
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The scheduled emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the Maintenance Schedules, must be done at
the mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level, add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect battery, clean, and tighten terminals as
required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power
steering and automatic transmission and add as
required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponents.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles) or every other
interval shown on schedule ± B (6,000 miles).
²Check coolant level, hoses and clamps.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level.
²If the mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000
km) yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil
change.
SCHEDULE ± A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change engine oil.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate front suspension ball joints.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 3

²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change engine oil.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant at 36 months,
regardless of mileage.
52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months
²Change engine oil.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if not done at
36 months.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check and replace, if necessary***, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Replace drive belts.
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace ignition cables.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months
²Change engine oil.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
82,500 Miles (132 000 km) or at 66 months
²Change engine oil.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been
30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months since last
change.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km) or at 72 months
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Check and replace, if necessary***, the PCV
valve.**
²Lubricate front suspension upper ball joints.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Replace air cleaner air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Change automatic transmission fluid.
97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months
²Change engine oil.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Replace engine timing belt
²Adjust drive belt tension.
SCHEDULE ± B
NOTE: * Follow this schedule if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following
conditions. Change the automatic transmission
fluid and filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km) if you
usually operate your vehicle under one of the con-
ditions marked with an *.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Change engine oil
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake lining.
12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Adjust drive belt tension.
²Inspect and replace, if required, the air
cleaner element.
²Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.
Adjust the bands.*
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Change engine oil
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings.
21,000 Miles (34 000 km)
²Change engine oil
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

If old brake shoe return or hold down springs have
overheated or are damaged, replace. Overheating
indications are paint discoloration or distorted end
coils.
REAR DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER
With brake drums removed, inspect the wheel cyl-
inder boots for evidence of a brake fluid leak. Visu-
ally check the boots for cuts, tears, or heat cracks. If
any of these conditions exist, the wheel cylinders
should be completely cleaned, inspected and new
parts installed.
If a wheel cylinder is leaking and the brake lining
material is saturated with brake fluid, the brake
shoes must be replaced.
CHASSIS TUBES AND HOSES
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front and rear
brakes. Inspection of brake hoses should be per-
formed whenever the brake system is serviced and
every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes
first (every engine oil change). Inspect hydraulic
brake hoses for severe surface cracking, scuffing,
worn spots or physical damage. If the fabric casing of
the rubber hose becomes exposed due to cracks or
abrasions in the rubber hose cover, the hose should
be replaced immediately. Eventual deterioration of
the hose can take place with possible burst failure.
Faulty installation can cause twisting, resulting in
wheel, tire, or chassis interference.
The steel brake tubing should be inspected periodi-
cally for evidence of corrosion, physical damage or con-
tact with moving or hot components of the vehicle.
REAR WHEEL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
The rear hub and bearing assembly is designed for
the life of the vehicle and should require no mainte-
nance. The following procedure may be used for eval-
uation of bearing condition.
With wheel and brake drum removed, rotate
flanged outer ring of hub. Excessive roughness, lat-
eral play or resistance to rotation may indicate dirt
intrusion or bearing failure. If the rear wheel bear-
ings exhibit these conditions during inspection, the
hub and bearing assembly should be replaced.Damaged bearing seals and resulting excessive
grease loss may also require bearing replacement.
Moderate grease loss from bearing is considered nor-
mal and should not require replacement of the hub
and bearing assembly.
ADJUSTMENTS
STOP LAMP SWITCH
(1) Remove stop lamp switch from its bracket by
rotating it approximately 30É in a counter-clockwise
direction.
(2) Disconnect wiring harness connector from stop
lamp switch.
(3) Hold stop lamp switch firmly in one hand.
Then using other hand, pull outward on the plunger
of the stop lamp switch until it has ratcheted out to
its fully extended position.
(4) Install the stop lamp switch into the bracket
using the following procedure. Depress the brake
pedal as far down as possible. Then while keeping
the brake pedal depressed, install the stop lamp
switch into the bracket by aligning index key on
switch with slot at top of square hole in mounting
bracket. When switch is fully installed in the square
hole of the bracket, rotate switch clockwise approxi-
mately 30É to lock the switch into the bracket.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when pulling
back on brake pedal to adjust the stop lamp switch.
If too much force is used, damage to the vacuum
booster, stop lamp switch or striker (Fig. 185) can
result.
(5) Connect the wiring harness connector to the
stop lamp switch.
(6) Gently pull back on brake pedal until the pedal
stops moving. This will cause the switch plunger
(Fig. 185) to ratchet backward to the correct position.
REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Normally, self adjusting drum brakes will
not require manual brake shoe adjustment.
Although in the event of a brake reline it is advis-
able to make the initial adjustment manually to
speed up the adjusting time.
(1) Raise the vehicle so all wheels are free to turn.
See Hoisting Recommendations in the Lubrication
And Maintenance Section at the front of this service
manual.
(2) Remove rear brake adjusting hole rubber plug
(Fig. 186) from the rear brake shoe support plate.
Fig. 184 Adjuster Screw And Lever (Typical)
PLBRAKES 5 - 65
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

ABS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) are kept in the con-
troller's memory until either erased by the technician
using the DRB or erased automatically after 3500
miles or 255 key cycles which ever occurs first. DTC's
are retained by the controller even if the ignition isturned off or the battery is disconnected. More than
one DTC can be stored at a time. The key cycle num-
ber of occurrences and the DTC that was stored is
also displayed. Most functions of the CAB and the
ABS system can be accessed by the technician for
testing and diagnostic purposes by using the DRB.
LATCHING VERSUS NON-LATCHING
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Some DTC's detected by the CAB are latching; the
DTC is latched and ABS braking is disabled until the
ignition switch is reset. Thus ABS braking is non
operational even if the original DTC has disappeared.
Other DTC's are non-latching; any warning lights
that are turned on, are only turned on as long as the
DTC condition exists. As soon as the condition goes
away, the ABS Warning Light is turned off, although
a DTC will be set in most cases.
INTERMITTENT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
As with virtually any electronic system, intermit-
tent electrical problems in the ABS system may be
difficult to accurately diagnose.
Most intermittent electrical problems are caused
by faulty electrical connections or wiring. When an
intermittent fault is encountered, check suspect cir-
cuits for:
Fig. 13 ABS Mode Secondary Hydraulic Circuit
Fig. 14 ABS System Diagnostic Connector Location
5 - 78 BRAKESPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(1) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals (Fig. 7). Refer to the operating instructions
provided with the tester being used.
(2) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location. The 2.5L Diesel Engine, to disable the
engine from starting, disconnect wire connector from
the Fuel Solenoid.
(3) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARKposition or with the clutch pedal depressed and SET
parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(4) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
6).
²If voltage reads above 9.6 volts, and amperage
draw reads above 280 amps or the Diesel engine
above 450 amps, check for engine seizing or faulty
starter.
²If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amper-
age reads 0 to 10 amps, check for corroded cables
and/or bad connections.
²Voltage below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
above 300 amps or Diesel engine above 500 amps,
the problem is the starter. Replace the starter refer
to starter removal.
(5) After the starting system problems have been
corrected, verify the battery state-of-charge and
Fig. 6 Volt Ampere Tester
Fig. 7 Volt-Ampere Tester Connections
Fig. 4 Test Starter Motor Ground
Fig. 5 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance
PLSTARTING 8B - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

performed at each (- ground) connection in this cir-
cuit to locate the excessive resistance.
(7) Testing (+ positive) circuitry:
(a) Touch the positive lead of voltmeter directly
to battery negativePOST.
(b) Touch the negative lead of voltmeter to the
ground terminal stud on the generator case (not
the terminal mounting nut). Voltage should be no
higher than 0.3 volts. If voltage is higher than 0.3
volts, touch test lead to terminal mounting stud
nut and then to the wiring connector. If voltage is
now below 0.3 volts, look for dirty, loose or poor
connection at this point. A voltage drop test may be
performed at each (+ positive) connection in this
circuit to locate the excessive resistance. This test
can also be performed between the generator case
and the engine. If test voltage is higher than 0.3
volts, check for corrosion at generator mounting
points or loose generator mounting.
CURRENT OUTPUT TEST
The current output test will determine if the
charging system can deliver its minimum test cur-
rent (amperage) output. Refer to the Specifications
section at the end of this group for minimum test
current (amperage) requirements.
The first part of this test will determine the com-
bined amperage output of both the generator and the
Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry.
PREPARATION
(1) Determine if any Diagnostic Trouble Codes
(DTC) exist. To determine a DTC, refer to On-Board
Diagnostics in this group. For repair, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual.
(2) Before starting test, make sure battery is in
good condition and is fully-charged. See Group 8A,
Battery for more information.
(3) Check condition of battery cables at battery.
Clean if necessary.
(4) Perform the Voltage Drop Test. This will
ensure clean and tight generator/battery electrical
connections.
(5) Be sure the generator drive belt is properly
tensioned. Refer to Group 7, Cooling System for
information.
(6) A volt/amp tester equipped with both a battery
load control (carbon pile rheostat) and an inductive-
type pickup clamp (ammeter probe) will be used for
this test. Refer to operating instructions supplied
with tester. When using a tester equipped with an
inductive-type clamp, removal of wiring at the gener-
ator will not be necessary.
(7) Start the engine and allow it to reach operating
temperature.
(8) Shut engine off.(9) Turn off all electrical accessories and all vehicle
lighting.
(10) Connect the volt/amp tester leads to the bat-
tery. Be sure the carbon pile rheostat control is in the
OPEN or OFF position before connecting leads. See
Load Test in Group 8A, Battery for more information.
Also refer to the operating instructions supplied with
test equipment.
(11) Connect the inductive clamp (ammeter probe).
Refer to the operating instructions supplied with test
equipment.
(12) If volt/amp tester is not equipped with an
engine tachometer, connect a separate tachometer to
the engine.
TEST
(1) Perform the previous test Preparation.
(2) Fully engage the parking brake.
(3) Start engine.
(4) Bring engine speed to 2500 rpm.
(5) With engine speed held at 2500 rpm, slowly
adjust the rheostat control (load) on the tester to
obtain the highest amperage reading. Do not allow
voltage to drop below 12 volts. Record the reading.
This load test must be performed within 15 sec-
onds to prevent damage to test equipment.On
certain brands of test equipment, this load will be
applied automatically. Refer to the operating manual
supplied with test equipment.
(6) The ammeter reading must meet the Minimum
Test Amps specifications as displayed in the Genera-
tor Ratings chart. This can be found in the Specifica-
tions section at the end of this group. A label stating
a part reference number is attached to the generator
case. On some engines this label may be located on
the bottom of the case. Compare this reference num-
ber to the Generator Ratings chart.
(7) Rotate the load control to the OFF position.
(8) Continue holding engine speed at 2500. If EVR
circuitry is OK, amperage should drop below 15±20
amps. With all electrical accessories and vehicle
lighting off, this could take several minutes of engine
operation. If amperage did not drop, refer to the
appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures man-
ual for testing.
(9) Remove volt/amp tester.
If minimum amperage could not be met, refer to
the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures
manual for testing.
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR
To perform a complete test of this sensor and its
circuitry, refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diag-
nostic Procedures manual. To test the sensor only,
refer to the following:
(1) The sensor is located under the battery and is
attached to the battery tray (Fig. 5). A two-wire pig-
8C - 8 CHARGING SYSTEMPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

IGNITION INTERLOCK
Refer to Group 21, Transaxle for Shifter/Ignition
Interlock Service.
LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING
Refer to Steering Column in Group 19, Steering,
for Lock Cylinder Housing Service.
SPECIFICATIONS
VECI LABEL
If anything differs between the specifications found
on the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI)
label and the following specifications, use specifica-
tions on VECI label. The VECI label is located in the
engine compartment.
FIRING ORDERÐ2.0LTORQUE SPECIFICATION
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Camshaft Position Sensor
Screw.....................9N´m(80in.lbs.)
SOHC Cam Magnet/Target.....3.4 N´m (30 in. lbs.)
DOHC Cam Magnet/Target......3N´m(30in.lbs.)
Crankshaft Position
Sensor Screw...............9N´m(80in.lbs.)
Coolant Temp. Sensor.......18.6 N´m (165 in. lbs.)
Ignition Coil to Cyl. Head.....22N´m(200 in. lbs.)
Ignition Coil Bracket Nuts.....22N´m(200 in. lbs.)
Knock Sensor................10N´m(90in.lbs.)
MAP/IAT Sensor Plastic
Manifold...................2N´m(20in.lbs.)
MAP/IAT Sensor Aluminum
Manifold...................3N´m(30in.lbs.)
Spark Plugs.................28N´m(20ft.lbs.)
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐSOHC
SPARK PLUG CABLE RESISTANCEÐDOHC
CABLE RESISTANCE
#1,#4 3500 ohmsÐ 4900 ohms
#2,#3 2950 ohmsÐ 4100 ohms
CABLE RESISTANCE
#1,#4 3050 ohmsÐ 4250 ohms
#2,#3 2300 ohmsÐ 3300 ohms
8D - 18 IGNITION SYSTEMPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Instrument Panel and Systems for removal proce-
dures.
(2) Turn the ignition switch ON.
(3) Using a voltmeter, check for battery voltage at
Pin 3 and Pin 4 (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4).
(a) If OK, go to Step 4.
(b) If NOT OK, check fuse 8 in fuse block and
the 30 Amp maxi fuse in the Power Distribution
Center (PDC). If fuses are OK, check wiring cir-
cuit. Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
(4) Check Pin 5, with switch in the ON position
there should be battery voltage and no voltage in the
OFF position.
(a) If OK, go to Step 5.
(b) If NOT OK, no voltage in the ON position or
voltage in the OFF position. Replace the switch/re-
lay module.
(5) Press switch to ON position. The indicator
lamp should come on and remain on for approxi-
mately 10 minutes. If the indicator lamp fails to light
or no voltage is present for approximately 10 min-
utes. Replace Rear Window Defogger Switch.
(6) To bench test relay:
(a) Using a jumper wire connect a 12 volt batter
supply, apply voltage to Pin 3 and 4. Ground Pin 2.
(b) Follow the above procedures except Step 2
SERVICE PROCEDURES
GRID LINE AND TERMINAL REPAIR
WARNING: REPAIR KIT MAY CAUSE SKIN OR EYE
IRRITATION. CONTAINS EPOXY RESIN AND AMINE
TYPE HARDENER, HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED.
AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES. FOR SKIN,
WASH AFFECTED AREAS WITH SOAP AND WATER.
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. IF TAKEN INTER-
NALLY, INDUCE VOMITING; CALL A PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY. IF IN CONTACT WITH EYES, FLUSH
WITH PLENTY OF WATER. USE WITH ADEQUATEVENTILATION. DO NOT USE NEAR FIRE OR FLAME.
CONTENTS CONTAIN 3 PERCENT FLAMMABLE
SOLVENTS.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
The repair of the grid lines or the terminal is pos-
sible using the MopartRepair Package or equiva-
lent.
(1) Mask repair area so conductive epoxy can be
extended onto the line or the bus bar (Fig. 5).
(2) Follow instructions in repair kit for preparing
damaged area.
(3) Remove package separator clamp and mix plas-
tic conductive epoxy thoroughly. Fold in half and cut
center corner to dispense epoxy.
(4) For grid line, mark off area to be repaired with
masking tape or a template (Fig. 5).
(5) Apply conductive epoxy through slit in masking
tape. Overlap both ends of the break by 19 mm (3/4
inch).
(6) For a terminal or pigtail replacement, mask
adjacent areas so epoxy can be extended onto line as
well as bus bar. Apply a thin layer of epoxy to area
where terminal was fastened and to adjacent line.
(7) Apply a thin layer of conductive epoxy on ter-
minal and place terminal on desired location. To pre-
vent terminal from moving while the epoxy is curing,
it must be wedged or clamped.
(8) Carefully remove masking tape from grid line.
CAUTION: Do not allow the glass surface to
exceed 204ÉC (400ÉF), glass may fracture.
(9) Allow epoxy to cure 24 hours at room tempera-
ture or use heat gun with a 260Éto 371ÉC (500É to
700ÉF) range for 15 minutes. Hold gun approximately
254 mm (10 inches) from repaired area.
(10) After conductive epoxy is properly cured
remove wedge from terminal and check out operation
of rear window defogger. Do not attach connectors
until curing is complete.
Fig. 4 Rear Window Defogger Switch
Fig. 5 Grid Line Repair
PLELECTRICALLY HEATED SYSTEMS 8N - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)