2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 minutes), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACHMENT
DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR LINES,
FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT. DO NOT LIFT OR TOW
VEHICLE BY FRONT OR REAR BUMPER, OR
BUMPER ENERGY ABSORBER UNITS. DO NOT
VENTURE UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT SUP-
PORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS. DO NOT
ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A TOWED VEHI-
CLE. USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle. Do not attach towing device to
front or rear suspension components. Do notsecure vehicle to towing device by the use of front
or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects from
a damaged vehicle before towing. Refer to state and
local rules and regulations before towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use of a wheel lift or flat bed towing device (Fig. 2) is
recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device,
be sure the unlifted end of disabled vehicle has at
least 100 mm (4 in.) ground clearance. If minimum
ground clearance cannot be reached, use a towing
dolly. If a flat bed device is used, the approach angle
should not exceed 15 degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels
are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be
sure there is adequate ground clearance at the oppo-
site end of the vehicle, especially when towing over
rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary,
remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle
and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to
increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of
the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs
to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
Fig. 1 Jumper Cable Clamp Connections
1 ± BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
2 ± POSITIVE JUMPER CABLE
3 ± TEST INDICATOR
4 ± BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
5 ± BATTERY
6 ± NEGATIVE JUMPER CABLE
7 ± ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 2 Recommended Towing Devices
1 ± WHEEL LIFT
2 ± FLAT BED
0 - 8 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column
must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²5-speed manual transaxle vehicles can be flat
towed at any legal highway speed for extended dis-
tances. The gear selector must be in the neutral posi-
tion.
TOWING ± FRONT WHEEL LIFT
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that a
vehicle be towed with the front end lifted, whenever
possible.
TOWING ± REAR WHEEL LIFT
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels
lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the fol-
lowing guide lines are observed.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to
secure steering wheel during towing operation.
²Unlock steering column and secure steering
wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device
designed for towing.
²Verify that front drive line and steering compo-
nents are in good condition.
²5-speed manual transaxle vehicles can be towed
at any legal highway speed for extended distances.
The gear selector must be in the neutral position.
²3-speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be
towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) for
not more than 25 km (15 miles). The gear selector
must be in the neutral position.
HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to Owner's Manual provided with vehicle for
proper emergency jacking procedures.
WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN THE ENGINE OR REAR SUSPENSION
IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME HOISTING
CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY SUPPORT OR
SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DEVICE WHEN
THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
CAUTION: Do not position hoisting device on sus-
pension components, damage to vehicle can result.Do not attempt to raise one entire side of the
vehicle by placing a floor jack midway between the
front and rear wheels. This practice may result in
permanent damage to the body.
FLOOR JACK
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a PL vehicle (Fig. 3). Support the vehicle in the
raised position with jack stands.
A floor jack or any lifting device, must never be
used on any part of the underbody other then the
described areas.
HOIST
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
NOTE: When a frame-contact type hoist is used,
verify that the lifting pads are positioned properly
(Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 Hoisting and Jacking Points
1 Frame Contract Lift (Single Post)
Chassis Lift (Dual Post)
Outboard Lift (Dual Post)
Floor Jack
2 Drive On Lift
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT........................ 1
FRONT SUSPENSION....................... 9REAR SUSPENSION....................... 35
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS.....3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT..............5WHEEL ALIGNMENT.......................5
SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS.........8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Proper vehicle wheel alignment is the proper
adjustment of all interrelated front and rear suspen-
sion angles. These angles are what affects the han-
dling and steering of the vehicle when it is in motion.
The method of checking a vehicle's front and rear
wheel alignment will vary depending on the type and
manufacturer of the equipment being used. Instruc-
tions furnished by the manufacturer of the equip-
ment being used should always be followed to ensure
accuracy of the alignment, except when alignment
specifications recommended by this corporation differ.
Typical wheel alignment angles and measurements
are camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle.
²Camber is the number of degrees the top of the
tire and wheel are tilted either inward or outward
(Fig. 1). Camber is a tire wearing angle. Excessive
negative camber will cause tread wear at the inside
of the tire, while excessive positive camber will cause
outside tire wear.²Caster is the number of degrees of forward or
rearward tilt of the steering knuckle. Forward tilt
provides a negative caster angle, while rearward tilt
provides a positive caster angle. Caster is not adjust-
able on this vehicle.
²Cross Camber is the difference between left and
right camber. The right side camber is to be sub-
tracted from the left, resulting in the cross camber
reading. For example, if the left camber is +0.3É and
the right camber is 0.0É, the cross camber would be
+0.3É.
²Toe is measured in degrees or inches and is the
difference in width between the centered leading and
trailing edges of the tires on the same axle (Fig. 1).
Toe-in means that the front width is more narrow
than the rear. Toe-out means that the front width is
wider than the rear.
²Thrust Angle is defined as the average of the toe
settings on each rear wheel. If this measurement is
out of specification, readjust the rear wheel toe so
that each wheel has 1/2 of the total toe measure-
ment. When readjusting, do not exceed the total toe
specification.
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 1

Fig. 1 Alignment Camber And Toe
1 ± LOOSEN NUT TO ADJUST TOE
2 ± TOE ADJUSTMENT
3 ± POSITIVE
4 ± NEGATIVE5 ± CAMBER
6 ± TOE-OUT
7 ± TOE-IN
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SUSPENSION AND STEERING DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
Front End Whine On
Turns1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or
Grinding On Turns1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Engine Mount Grounding
Against Frame Or Body Of Vehicle.2. Check For Motor Mount Hitting Frame
Rail And Reposition Engine As Required
3. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 3. Replace C/V Joint
4. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 4. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
5. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 5. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
6. Worn Tires 6. Replace Tires
Front End Clunk Or
Snap On Turns1. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 1. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
2. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 2. Replace C/V Joint
3. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Or Ball Joint 3. Tighten Or Replace Tie Rod End Or Ball
Joint
4. Worn Control Arm Bushing 4. Replace Control Arm Bushing
5. Loose Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment5. Tighten Sway Bar Or Upper Strut
Attachment To Specified Torque
Front End Whine
With Vehicle Going
Straight At A
Constant Speed1. Defective Wheel Bearing 1. Replace Wheel Bearing
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment 2. Check And Reset Wheel Alignment
3. Worn Tires 3. Replace Tires
Front End Growl Or
Grinding With
Vehicle Going
Straight At A
Constant Speed1. Engine Mount Grounding 1. Reposition Engine As Required
2. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 2. Replace C/V Joint
Front End Whine
When Accelerating
Or Decelerating1. Worn Or Defective Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings1. Replace Transaxle Gears Or Bearings
Front End Clunk
When Accelerating
Or Decelerating1. Worn Or Broken Engine Mount 1. Replace Engine Mount
2. Worn Or Defective Transaxle Gears Or
Bearings2. Replace Transaxle Gears Or Bearings
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 3

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES POTENTIAL CORRECTIONS
3. Loose Wheel Lug Nuts 3. Verify Wheel Lug Nut Torque
4. Worn Or Broken C/V Joint 4. Replace C/V Joint
5. Worn Or Loose Ball Joint 5. Tighten Or Replace Ball Joint
6. Worn Or Loose Control Arm Bushing 6. Tighten To Specified Torque Or Replace
Control Arm Bushing
7. Loose Crossmember Bolts 7. Tighten Crossmember Bolts To Specified
Torque
Road Wander 1. Incorrect Tire Pressure 1. Inflate Tires To Rcommended Pressure
2. Incorrect Front Or Rear Wheel Toe 2. Check And Reset Front Wheel Toe
3. Worn Wheel Bearings 3. Replace Wheel Bearing
4. Worn Control Arm Bushings 4. Replace Control Arm Bushing
5. Excessive Friction In Steering Gear 5. Replace Steering Gear
6. Excessive Friction In Steering Shaft
Coupling6. Replace Steering Coupler
7. Excessive Friction In Strut Upper
Bearing7. Replace Strut Bearing
Lateral Pull 1. Unequal Tire Pressure 1. Inflate All Tires To Recommended
Pressure
2. Radial Tire Lead 2. Perform Lead Correction Procedure
3. Incorrect Front Wheel Camber 3. Check And Reset Front Wheel Camber
4. Power Steering Gear Imbalance 4. Replace Power Steering Gear
5. Wheel Braking 5. Correct Braking Condition Causing
Lateral Pull
Excessive Steering
Free Play1. Incorrect Steering Gear Adjustment 1. Adjust Or Replace Steering Gear
2. Worn Or Loose Tie Rod Ends 2. Replace Or Tighten Tie Rod Ends
3. Loose Steering Gear Mounting Bolts 3. Tighten Steering Gear Bolts To The
Specified Torque
4. Loose Or Worn Steering Shaft Coupler 5. Replace Steering Shaft Coupler
Excessive Steering
Effort1. Low Tire Pressure 1. Inflate All Tires To Recommended
Pressure
2. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Gear 2. Replace Steering Gear
3. Low Power Steering Fluid Level 3. Fill Power Steering Fluid Reservoir To
Correct Level
4. Loose Power Steering Pump Belt 4. Check and replace automatic belt
tensioner as necessary. If drive belt is worn
or glazed, replace belt.
5. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Ball Joints 5. Lubricate Or Replace Steering Ball Joints
6. Steering Gear Malfunction 6. Replace Steering Gear
7. Lack Of Lubricant In Steering Coupler 7. Replace Steering Coupler
2 - 4 SUSPENSIONPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

SERVICE PROCEDURES
CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
The wheel alignment is to be checked and all align-
ment adjustments made with the vehicle at its
required curb height specification.
Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on
a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment
rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended
pressure. All tires are to be the same size as stan-
dard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the
fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage
compartment load.
Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measure-
ment is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle
for bent or weak suspension components. Compare
the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the
parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a
match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare thecoil spring height to a correct new or known good coil
spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring
is weak.
NOTE: Prior to reading the curb height measure-
ment, the front an rear of the vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce by grasping the center of
the rear, then front bumper (or fascia) and jouncing
the vehicle an equal number of times. Release the
bumper at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(1) Measure from the inboard edge of the wheel
opening fender lip directly above the wheel center
(spindle), to the floor or alignment rack surface.
(2) When measuring, maximum left-to-right differ-
ential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.).
(3) Compare the measurements to specifications
listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICA-
TIONS chart.
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE FRONT REAR
ALL NEON672 mm68 mm 679 mm68mm
26.46 in.60.32 in. 26.73 in.60.32 in.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT VEHICLE INSPECTION
CAUTION: If during the inspection the front sus-
pension crossmember shows any sign of impact
damage, the steering column lower coupling must
be inspected. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING in
the STEERING group in this service manual.
Before any attempt is made to change or correct
the wheel alignment, the following inspection and
necessary corrections must be made to the vehicle to
ensure proper alignment.
(1) Be sure the fuel tank is full of fuel. If the fuel
tank is not full, the reduction in weight will affect
the curb height of the vehicle and the alignment
specifications.
(2) The passenger and luggage compartments of
the vehicle should be free of any load that is not fac-
tory equipment.
(3) Check the tires on the vehicle. The tires are to
be inflated to the recommended air pressure. All tires
must be the same size and in good condition with
approximately the same tread wear.
(4) Check the front tire and wheel assemblies for
excessive radial runout.(5) Inspect all suspension component fasteners for
looseness and torque.
(6) Inspect the lower front ball joints and all steer-
ing linkage for looseness and any sign of wear or
damage.
(7) Inspect the rubber bushings on all the suspen-
sion components for signs of wear or deterioration. If
any bushings show signs of wear or deterioration,
they should be replaced prior to aligning the vehicle.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SETUP
(1) Position the vehicle on an alignment rack.
(2) Install all required alignment equipment on
the vehicle, per the alignment equipment manufac-
turer's instructions. On this vehicle, a four-wheel
alignment is recommended.
NOTE: Prior to reading the vehicle's alignment
readouts, the front and rear of vehicle should be
jounced. Induce jounce (rear first, then front) by
grasping the center of the bumper and jouncing
each end of vehicle an equal number of times. The
bumper should always be released when vehicle is
at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
(3) Read the vehicle's current front and rear align-
ment settings. Compare the vehicle's current align-
ment settings to the vehicle specifications for camber,
caster and toe-in. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 5