2000 DODGE NEON service indicator

(4) Rotate the load control knob on the tester to
maintain 50% of the battery cold crank rating for 15
seconds (Fig. 10). Record the loaded voltage reading
and return the load control to off. Refer to the Bat-
tery Specifications at the rear of this group.
(5) Voltage drop will vary according to battery
temperature at the time of the load test. Battery
temperature can be estimated by the temperature of
exposure over the preceding several hours. If the bat-
tery has been charged or boosted a few minutes prior
to the test, the battery would be slightly warmer.
Refer to the Battery Load Test Temperatures table
for proper loaded voltage reading:
(6) If battery passes load test, it is in good condi-
tion and further tests are not necessary. If it fails
load test, it should be replaced.
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
An open circuit voltage no load test shows the
state of charge of a battery and whether it is ready
for a load test at 50 percent of the battery's cold
crank rating. Refer to Battery Load Test. If a batteryhas open circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, and will not pass the load test, replace the
battery because it is defective. To test open circuit
voltage, perform the following operation.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative cable
first. Battery top, cables and posts should be clean. If
green dot is not visible in indicator, charge the bat-
tery. Refer to Battery Charging Procedures.
(2) Connect a Volt/Ammeter/Load tester to the bat-
tery posts (Fig. 8). Rotate the load control knob of the
Carbon pile rheostat to apply a 300 amp load. Apply
this load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge
from the battery, and return the control knob to off
(Fig. 9).
(3) Allow the battery to stabilize for 2 minutes,
and then verify the open circuit voltage (Fig. 11).
(4) This voltage reading will approximate the state
of charge of the battery. It will not reveal battery
cranking capacity. Refer to Battery Open Circuit
Voltage table.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
BATTERY CHARGING
A battery is considered fully charged when it will
meet all the following requirements.
²It has an open circuit voltage charge of at least
12.4 volts. Refer to the Battery Open Circuit Voltage
table in this section.
Fig. 10 Load 50% Cold Crank Rating
BATTERY LOAD TEST TEMPERATURES
MINIMUM
VOLTAGETEMPERATURE
ÉF ÉC
9.6 VOLTS 70É AND
ABOVE21É AND
ABOVE
9.5 VOLTS 60É 16É
9.4 VOLTS 50É 10É
9.3 VOLTS 40É 4É
9.1 VOLTS 30É -1É
8.9 VOLTS 20É -7É
8.7 VOLTS 10É -12É
8.5 VOLTS 0É -18É
Fig. 11 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
BATTERY OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTS CHARGE PERCENTAGE
11.7 VOLTS OR LESS 0%
12.0 VOLTS 25%
12.2 VOLTS 50%
12.4 VOLTS 75%
12.6 VOLTS OR MORE 100%
PLBATTERY 8A - 7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

²It passes the 15 second load test. Refer to Bat-
tery Load Test.
²The built in test indicator dot is GREEN (Fig.
2).
NOTE: The battery cannot be refilled with water, it
must be replaced.
WARNING: DO NOT CHARGE A BATTERY THAT
HAS EXCESSIVELY LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL.
BATTERY MAY SPARK INTERNALLY AND
EXPLODE. EXPLOSIVE GASES FORM OVER THE
BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE, USE FLAME, OR CRE-
ATE SPARKS NEAR BATTERY. DO NOT ASSIST
BOOST OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY. BAT-
TERY CASING MAY FRACTURE. BATTERY ACID IS
POISON, AND MAY CAUSE SEVERE BURNS. BAT-
TERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CON-
TACT WITH SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING. IN THE
EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER AND
CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Disconnect the battery NEGATIVE cable
first, before charging battery to avoid damage to
electrical systems. Lift the red battery boot cover
from the positive cable clamp. Do not exceed 16.0
volts while charging battery. Refer to the instruc-
tions supplied with charging equipment
Battery electrolyte may bubble inside of battery
case while being charged properly. If the electrolyte
boils violently, or is discharged from the vent holes
while charging, immediately reduce charging rate or
turn off charger. Evaluate battery condition. Battery
damage may occur if charging is excessive.
Some battery chargers are equipped with polarity
sensing devices to protect the charger or battery from
being damaged if improperly connected. If the bat-
tery state of charge is too low for the polarity sensor
to detect, the sensor must be bypassed for charger to
operate. Refer to operating instructions provided
with battery charger being used.
CAUTION: Charge battery until test indicator
appears green. Do not overcharge.
It may be necessary to jiggle the battery or vehicle
to bring the green dot in the test indicator into view.
After the battery has been charged to 12.4 volts or
greater, perform a load test to determine cranking
capacity. Refer to Battery Load Test in this Group. If
the battery passes the load test, the battery is OK to
use. If battery will not pass the load test, it must be
replaced. Properly clean and inspect battery holddowns, tray, terminals, cables, posts, and top before
completing service.
CHARGING COMPLETELY DISCHARGED
BATTERY
The following procedure should be used to recharge
a completely discharged battery. Unless procedure is
properly followed, a good battery may be needlessly
replaced. Refer to Battery Charging Rate Table for
proper charging time.
(1) Measure the voltage at battery posts with a
voltmeter accurate to 1/10 volt (Fig. 12). If below 10
volts, charge current will be low, and it could take
some time before it accepts a current in excess of a
few milliamperes. Such low current may not be
detectable on amp meters built into many chargers.
(2) Connect charger leads. Some chargers feature
polarity protection circuitry that prevents operation
unless charger is connected to battery posts correctly.
A completely discharged battery may not have
enough voltage to activate this circuitry. This may
happen even though the leads are connected properly.
(3) Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage
and current they provide. For the time required for
the battery to accept measurable charger current at
various voltages, refer to the Battery Charging Rate
table. If charge current is still not measurable after
charging times, the battery should be replaced. If
charge current is measurable during charging time,
the battery may be good, and charging should be
completed in the normal manner.
BATTERY CHARGING RATE
Voltage Hours
16.0 volts maximum up to 4 hours
14.0 to 15.9 volts up to 8 hours
13.9 volts or less up to 16 hours
Fig. 12 Voltmeter Accurate to 1/10 Volt (Connected)
8A - 8 BATTERYPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

VISUAL INSPECTION
CAUTION: Do not allow baking soda solution to
enter vent holes, as damage to battery can result.
(1) Clean top of battery with a solution of warm
water and baking soda.
(2) Apply soda solution with a bristle brush and
allow to soak until acid deposits loosen (Fig. 13).
(3) Rinse soda solution from battery with clear
water and blot battery dry with paper toweling. Dis-
pose of toweling in a safe manner. Refer to the
WARNINGS on top of battery.
(4) Inspect battery case and cover for cracks, leak-
age or damaged hold down ledge. If battery is dam-
aged replace it.
(5) Inspect battery tray for damage caused by acid
from battery. If acid is present, clean area with bak-
ing soda solution.
(6) Clean battery posts with a battery post clean-
ing tool (Fig. 14).
(7) Clean battery cable clamps with a battery ter-
minal cleaning tool (Fig. 15). Replace cables that are
frayed or have broken clamps.
Fig. 13 Cleaning Battery - Typical
1 ± BATTERY
2 ± CLEANING BRUSH
3 ± TEST INDICATOR
4 ± WARM WATER AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION
Fig. 14 Cleaning Battery Post - Typical
1 ± BATTERY
2 ± TEST INDICATOR
3 ± BATTERY POST CLEANER
4 ± BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 15 Cleaning Battery Cable Terminal - Typical
1 ± BATTERY CABLE CLEANING TOOL MX75
2 ± BATTERY CABLE
3 ± TEST INDICATOR
PLBATTERY 8A - 9
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION..........................1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
HEADLAMP SWITCH......................2
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER....................2
WARNING AND INDICATOR LAMPS..........2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AIRBAG WARNING SYSTEM................2
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST.......2
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LAMPS.............2
LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LAMP TEST...3
MULTIPLE/INDIVIDUAL GAUGES
INOPERATIVE..........................4
SERVICE PROCEDURES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTICS...4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ACCESSORY SWITCH/POWER OUTLET
BEZEL................................4CENTER CONSOLE FLOOD LAMP............5
CIGAR LIGHTER / POWER OUTLET
ASSEMBLY.............................5
GLOVE BOX DOOR/BIN....................6
GLOVE BOX DOOR/BIN....................6
GLOVE BOX SWITCH/LAMP.................6
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER....................6
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEZEL..............6
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LAMPS.............7
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY............7
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL........10
INSTRUMENT PANEL END CAPS............10
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER...........10
LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER........10
LOWER STORAGE BIN....................10
STEERING COLUMN SHROUDS.............11
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the dash gauges and indicator
lamps is to keep the driver informed about the oper-
ating condition of the vehicle. If an abnormal condi-
tion occurs, the driver is informed by indicator lamp.
The driver can seek service before damage occurs.
Indicator lamps use ON/OFF switch functions for
operation, while gauges use a sending unit or sensor.
The Instrument Panel can be removed as an
assembly after a few part are removed to allow
access to the retaining bolts. There is one self-align-
ing bulkhead connector on the left underside of the
instrument panel replacing most of the main harness
connectors. Once removed, the instrument panel can
be serviced for replacement. Most of the parts of the
instrument panel can be replaced individually with-
out removing the complete instrument panel assem-
bly.
Fig. 1 Instrument Panel
1 ± DEMISTER OUTLET
2 ± INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
3 ± CENTER AIR OUTLET
4 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL SPEAKERS
5 ± GLOVE BOX
6 ± HVAC CONTROL HEAD
7 ± RADIO
8 ± CIGAR LIGHTER/AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET
9 ± TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH
10 ± REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS 8E - 1

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
HEADLAMP SWITCH
The headlamp switch is part of the Multi-Function
Switch. Refer to Group 8J, Turn Signal and Flasher
for the Multi-Function Switch Test, Removal and
Installation procedures.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
There are two conventional instrument cluster
assemblies available. The clusters electronically drive
the speedometer, odometer, gauges, and tachometer
(if equipped). Refer to (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3).
The instrument cluster controls the courtesy
lamps, it receives and sends messages to other mod-
ules via the PCI bus circuit, it controls all the instru-
ment illumination and the chime is also an integral
part of the cluster. The front turn signals are wired
through the cluster and then go to the front lamps.
The reason being that the DRL module is built into
the cluster (if equipped).
All gauges in the electronic clusters are the analog
type gauges. When the ignition switch is moved to
the OFF position, the cluster drives each gauge to its
lowest position. The individual gauges are not servi-
cable and require complete replacement of the cluster
if one or more gauges are inoperable.
One button is used to switch the display from trip
to total mileage. Holding the button when the display
is in the trip mode will reset the trip mileage. This
button is also used to put the cluster in self-diagnos-
tic mode. Refer to Service Procedures, Cluster Self-
Diagnostics in this section. Most of the indicators will
come on briefly for a bulb heck when the ignition is
turned from OFF to ON. All of the LED's are replace-
able.
In the event that the instrument cluster looses
communication with all other modules on the PCI
bus, the cluster will display ªnobusº in the VF dis-
play. The VF display also displays ªDoorº, ªCruiseº,
ªTracº, and odometer trip or total.
If the cluster does not detect voltage on the cour-
tesy lamp circuit, the message ªFUSEº will alternate
with the odometer/trip odometer for 30 seconds after
the ignition is turned on and for 15 seconds after the
vehicle is first moved. The lack of voltage can be due
to the M1 Fused B(+) (IOD) fuse being open, a bad or
missing courtesy lamp bulb, or a circuit problem.
WARNING AND INDICATOR LAMPS
The instrument cluster has warning lamps and
indicators for the following systems:
²Airbag
²Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) if equipped
²Brake warning
²Charging System²Front fog lamps (if equipped)
²High beam indicator
²Low fuel (premium cluster only)
²Low oil pressure
²Malfunction indicator (service engine soon) lamp
²Right and left turn signals
²Seat belt warning
²Security system
²Trac-Off (ABS equipped vehicles only)
The instrument cluster has a Vacuum Fluorescent
(VF) display for the following systems:
²Cruise
²Door (ajar)
²Odometer
²Set (cruise)
²Trac
²Trip
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AIRBAG WARNING SYSTEM
For testing of this system refer to Group 8M, Pas-
sive Restraint Systems.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TEST
The brake warning lamp illuminates when the
parking brake is applied with ignition switch turned
to the ON position. The same lamp will also illumi-
nate if one of the two service brake systems fail the
when brake pedal is applied.
To test the system:
²As the ignition switch is turned to the start posi-
tion the lamp should light.
²Turn ignition switch to the ON position and
apply the parking brake. The lamp should light.
If lamp fails to light inspect for:
²A burned out lamp
²Loose, corroded or damaged socket
²A damaged circuit board
²A broken or disconnected wire at the switch
²Defective switch
To test the service brake warning system, refer to
Group 5, Brakes, Hydraulic System Control Valves.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LAMPS
Every time the vehicle is switched to the START/
RUN position, the cluster goes through a BULB
CHECK. This tests most of the indicator lamps and
Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) displays. If only one lamp
is out, remove the instrument cluster and replace the
defective bulb or Light Emitting Diode (LED). If
some or all of the lamps fail to light, refer to the
proper Body Diagnostics Procedures Manual.
8E - 2 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMSPL

MULTIPLE/INDIVIDUAL GAUGES INOPERATIVE
Test speedometer, tachometer and other gauges for
malfunction:
(1) Remove the cluster. Refer to Cluster Removal
and Installation.
(2) Check for ignition voltage at Pin 15 of the clus-
ter wire harness connector (Fig. 5). Check for battery
voltage at Pin 21 of the connector. If no voltage,
repair as necessary.
(3) Check Pin 10 of the connector for continuity to
ground. If no ground, repair as necessary.
(4) If the voltage and ground are OK, and the pins
or the connectors are not distorted, replace the
instrument cluster.
(5) Install cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster
Removal and Installation in this section.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
To put the cluster in self-diagnostics mode press
the trip reset button down and then turn the ignition
to the RUN position simultaneously, then release the
button. The gauges will increment to selected stoops
and all indicators will light with the exception of the
turn signals, high beam, and fog lamp indicators.
The oil lamp will come on when the ignition is
turned ON and the engine is OFF.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ACCESSORY SWITCH/POWER OUTLET BEZEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove the instrument panel center bezel.
Refer to Instrument Panel Center Bezel Removal and
Installation in this section.
(3) Remove four screws retaining accessory switch/
power outlet bezel (Fig. 7).(4) Disconnect the harness connectors to the fol-
lowing:
²Rear Window Defogger Switch (if equipped)
²Traction Control Switch (if equipped)
²Cigar Lighter/Power Outlet
Fig. 5 Cluster Wire Harness Connector
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONNECTOR PIN
CALL-OUT
PIN DESCRIPTION PIN DESCRIPTION
1 REAR FOG
LAMP FEED14 PARK LAMP
SWITCH
OUTPUT
2 PCI BUS 15 FUSED IGNITION
SWITCH
OUTPUT
(RUN-START)
3 COURTESY
LAMPS DRIVER16 DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
4 FOG LAMP
SWITCH
OUTPUT17 DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
5 VTSS
INDICATOR
DRIVER18 LEFT TURN
SIGNAL
6 PANEL LAMPS
DIMMER
SIGNAL19 RIGHT TURN
SIGNAL
7 FUEL LEVEL
SENSOR
SIGNAL20 DIMMER
SWITCH LOW
BEAM OUTPUT
8 NOT USED 21 FUSED B+
9 NOT USED 22 RED BRAKE
WARNING
INDICATOR
DRIVER
10 GROUND 23 KEY-IN IGNITION
SWITCH SENSE
11 NOT USED 24 DRIVER DOOR
AJAR SWITCH
SENSE
12 PANEL LAMPS
DRIVER25 SEAT BELT
SWITCH SENSE
13 KEYLESS
ENTRY SIGNAL26 DIMMER
SWITCH HIGH
BEAM OUTPUT
Fig. 4 Oil Pressure Switch
8E - 4 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LAMPS
WARNINGS/INDICATORS
The instrument cluster warning/indicator lamps
are all serviceable Light Emitting Diodes (LED's).
The instrument cluster must first be removed, refer
to Instrument Cluster Removal and Installation in
this section, and then the defective LED just turns
out with needle nose pliers.
ILLUMINATION LAMPS
The high beam indicator, turn signals, and illumi-
nation bulbs are also serviceable. The instrument
cluster must first be removed, refer to Instrument
Cluster Removal and Installation in this section, and
then the defective bulb and socket turns out. The
bulb locations are printed on the back cover of the
instrument cluster.
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 6).
(2) Push seats back to their full back position.
(3) Using a trim stick (special tool #C-4755), gently
pry out on left and right A-pillar trim moldings and
remove.
(4) Remove top cover. Refer to Top Cover Removal
and Installation in this section.
(5) Gently pull up on cluster bezel and remove
from vehicle.
(6) Gently pull rearward on left lower instrument
panel cover and remove from vehicle.
CAUTION: Lock the steering wheel in the straight
ahead position. This will prevent clockspring dam-
age when the steering wheel rotates freely.
(7) Remove steering column. Refer to Group 19
Steering, Steering Column Removal and Installation.
(8) Remove left and right instrument panel end-
caps.
(9) Remove left and right cowl side panels.
(10) Remove center console. Refer to Group 23
Body, Center Console Removal and Installation.
(11) Depress the sides of the Data Link Connector
(DLC) and remove from instrument panel reinforce-
ment.
(12) Remove four bulkhead instrument panel
retaining screws.
(13) Remove two bolts on top of the brake pedal
support bracket.
(14) Remove two center support mounting bolts.
(15) Remove left and right A-pillar mounting bolts,
two on each side.(16) Disconnect right side antenna connector.
(17) Remove left and right A-pillar door harness
connectors (Fig. 10).
(18) Disconnect two harness connectors to hvac at
right top instrument panel (Fig. 11).
Fig. 10 A-Pillar Door Harness Connector
1 ± INSTRUMENT PANEL HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 ± DOOR CHECK STRAP
3 ± DOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 11 Instrument Panel to HVAC Harness Connectors
1 ± HVAC HARNESS CONNECTORS
PLINSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMS 8E - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT....................4
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT PREPARATION........4ADJUSTMENTS
HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT USING
ALIGNMENT SCREEN....................4
FOG LAMP ALIGNMENT....................6
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
Headlamps and Fog Lamps should be aligned
using the screen method which is provided in this
section.The preferred headlamp alignment set-
ting is 0 for the left/right adjustment and 0 for
the up/down adjustment.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT PREPARATION
(1) Verify headlamp dimmer switch and high beam
indicator operation.
(2) Inspect and correct damaged or defective com-
ponents that could interfere with proper headlamp
alignment.
(3) Verify proper tire inflation.
(4) Clean headlamp lenses.
(5) Verify that luggage area is not heavily loaded.
(6) Fuel tank should be FULL. Add 2.94 kg (6.5
lbs.) of weight over the fuel tank for each estimated
gallon of missing fuel.
ADJUSTMENTS
HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT USING ALIGNMENT
SCREEN
ALIGNMENT SCREEN PREPARATION
(1) Position vehicle on a level surface perpendicu-
lar to a flat wall 7.62 meters (25 ft.) away from front
of headlamp lens.
(2) If necessary, tape a line on the floor 7.62
meters (25 ft.) away from and parallel to the wall
(Fig. 1).(3) From the floor up 1.27 meters (5 ft.), tape a
line on the wall at the center line of the vehicle.
Sight along the center line of the vehicle (from rear
of vehicle forward) to verify accuracy of the line
placement.
(4) Rock vehicle side-to-side three times to allow
suspension to stabilize.
(5) Jounce front suspension three times by pushing
downward on front bumper and releasing.
(6) A small dot is molded into each headlamp lens
signifying the center of the headlamp. Measure the
distance from the center of the headlamp to the floor.
Transfer measurement to the alignment screen (with
tape). Use this line for up/down adjustment refer-
ence.
(7) Measure distance from the center line of the
vehicle to the center of each headlamp being aligned.
Transfer measurements to screen (with tape) to each
side of vehicle center line. Use these lines for left/
right adjustment reference.
HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT
The PL headlamp low beam pattern has a distinct
horizontal cutoff line which is used to visually align
the headlamps. A properly aimed headlamp will have
the horizontal cutoff line of the low beam pattern
centered on the low beam pattern centered on the
horizontal center of headlamp line. The side to side
left edge of the low beam hot spot should be located
75 mm (3 inches) to the left of the headlamp center
line (Fig. 1). The high beams on a vehicle with aero
headlamps cannot be aligned. The high beam pattern
should be correct when the low beams are aligned
properly.
To adjust headlamp alignment, rotate alignment
screws to achieve the specified low beam hot spot
pattern.
8L - 4 LAMPSPL