2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER
Oil coolers are internal oil to coolant type, mounted
in the radiator lower tank (Fig. 9). Rubber oil lines
feed the oil cooler and the automatic transmission.
Use only approved transmission oil cooler hose. Since
these are molded to fit space available, molded hoses
are recommended. Tighten Oil Cooler Hose Clamps
to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS
The accessory drive consist of two Poly-V type
drive belts (Fig. 10). One belt drives the generator,
the other drives the power steering pump and air
conditioning compressor (if equipped). The power
steering/air conditioning belt is tensioned by an auto-
matically controlled belt tensioner. The generator
belt is manually tensioned using an adjusting bolt
and a locking nut.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
The heater is mounted in a core hole (in place of a
core hole plug) in the engine block, with the heating
element immersed in coolant (Fig. 11). The engine
block heater is available as an optional accessory.
The heater is operated by ordinary house current
(110 Volt A. C.) through a power cord and connector
behind the radiator grille.
When in operation, the engine block heater can
provide easier engine starting and faster warm-up,
when vehicle is operated in areas having extremely
low temperatures.CAUTION: The power cord must be secured in its
retainer clips, and not positioned so it could con-
tact linkages or exhaust manifolds and become
damaged.
Fig. 9 Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler
1 ± CLAMPS
2 ± HOSES
Fig. 10 Accessory Drive Belts
1 ± GENERATOR BELT
2 ± AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER
3 ± POWER STEERING PUMP/A/C COMPRESSOR BELT
Fig. 11 Engine Block Heater
1 ± CORE PLUG
2 ± BLOCK HEATER
3 ± POWER CORD
7 - 6 COOLING SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
LOW1. Has a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) been set indicating a stuck
open engine thermostat?1. Refer to On Board Diagnostic in
Group 25. Replace thermostat, if
necessary. If a (DTC) has not been
set, the problem may be with the
temperature gauge.
2. Is the temperature gauge (if
equipped) connected to the
temperature gauge coolant sensor
on the engine?2. Check the connector at the
engine coolant sensor. Refer to
Group 8E. Repair as necessary.
3. Is the temperature gauge (if
equipped) operating OK?3. Check Gauge operation. Refer to
Group 8E. Repair as necessary.
4. Coolant level low during cold
ambient temperature, accompanied
by poor heater performance.4. Check coolant level in the coolant
recovery/reserve container and the
radiator. Inspect the system for
leaks. Repair as necessary. Refer to
WARNINGS in this section before
removing pressure cap.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH OR ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES.
COOLANT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
LOST FROM SYSTEM.1. Trailer being towed, a steep hill
being climbed, vehicle being
operated in slow moving traffic, or
engine idling during high ambient
(outside) temperatures with air
conditioning on. High altitudes
Could aggravate these conditions.1. This may be a temporary
condition and repair is not
necessary. Turn off the air
conditioning and drive the vehicle
without any of the previous
conditions. Observe the temperature
gauge the gauge should return to
the normal range. If the gauge does
not return to the normal range,
determine the cause of the
overheating and repair. Refer to
POSSIBLE CAUSES in this section.
2. Is temperature gauge (if
equipped) reading correctly?2. Check gauge. Refer to Group 8E.
Repair as necessary.
3. Is temperature warning lamp (if
equipped) illuminating
unnecessarily?3. Check warning lamp operation.
Refer to Group 8E. Repair as
necessary.
4. Coolant low in recovery/reserve
container and radiator?4. Check for coolant leaks and
repair as necessary. Refer to
Checking Cooling System for Leaks
in this section.
5. Pressure cap not installed tightly.
If cap is loose, boiling point of
coolant will be lowered. Also refer
to the following step 6.5. Tighten cap.
PLCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 7

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS
HIGH OR ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATES.
COOLANT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
LOST FROM SYSTEM. (CONT.)6. Poor seals at radiator cap. 6. (a) Check condition of cap and
cap seals. Refer to Radiator cap
Inspection. Replace cap if
necessary.
(b) Check condition of filler neck. If
neck is bent or damaged, replace
neck.
7. Coolant level low in radiator, but
not in coolant recovery/reserve
container. This indicates the
radiator is not drawing coolant from
the coolant recovery/reserve
container as the engine cools. As
the engine cools, a vacuum is
formed inside the cooling system. If
the radiator cap seals are defective,
or the cooling system has a leak, a
vacuum cannot be formed.7. (a) Check condition of radiator
cap and cap seals. Replace cap if
necessary.
(b) Check condition of filler neck.
Replace if damaged.
(c) Check condition of hose from
filler neck to coolant container. It
should be tight at both ends without
any kinks or tears. Replace hose as
necessary.
(d) Check coolant recovery/reserve
container and hose for blockage.
Repair as necessary.
8. Freeze point of coolant not
correct. Mixture ratio may be too
rich.8. Check coolant concentration.
Refer to Coolant Concentration
Testing in this section. Adjust
glycol-to-water ration as required.
9. Coolant not flowing through
system.9. Check for coolant flow at filler
neck with some coolant removed,
engine warm, and thermostat open.
Coolant should be observed flowing
through filler neck. If flow is not
observed, determine reason for lack
of flow and repair as necessary.
10. Radiator or A/C condenser fins
are dirty or clogged.10. Clean obstruction from fins.
11. Radiator core is plugged or
corroded.11. Replace or re-core radiator.
12. Fuel or ignition system
problems.12. Refer to Fuel and Ignition
System groups for diagnosis. Also
refer to the appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedure manual.
13. Dragging Brakes. 13. Inspect brake system and repair
as necessary. Refer to Group 5,
Brakes for diagnosis.
14 Bug screen or other aftermarket
accessory is being used causing
reduced air flow.14. Remove bug screen or
accessory.
15. Thermostat partially or
completely closed. This is more
prevalent on high mileage vehicles.15. Check thermostat operation and
replace as necessary. Refer to
thermostat in this section for
procedure.
7 - 8 COOLING SYSTEMPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
16. Electric cooling fan not
operating properly.16. Check electric fan operation and
repair as necessary.
17. Cylinder head gasket leaking. 17. Check cylinder head gasket for
leaks. Refer to testing cooling
system for leaks. For repairs, refer
to Group 9, Engine.
18. Heater core leaking. 18. Check heater core for leaks.
Refer to Group 24, Heating and Air
Conditioning and repair as
necessary.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC)1. The gauge may cycle up and
down. This is due to the cycling of
the electric radiator fan.1. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. If gauge cycling is
going into the hot zone, check
electric fan operation and repair as
necessary. Refer to procedure in
this section.
2. During cold weather operation
with the heater blower in the high
position, the gauge reading may
drop slightly.2. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
3, Temperature gauge or engine
mounted gauge sensor is defective
or shorted.3. Check operation of gauge and
repair as necessary. Refer to Group
8E, Instrument Panel and Gauges.
4. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running).4. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after vehicle
is driven.
5. Gauge reading high after
restarting a warmed-up (hot)
engine.5. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after a few
minutes of engine operation.
6. Coolant level low in radiator (air
will build up in the cooling system
causing the thermostat to open
late).6. Check and correct coolant leaks.
Refer to Testing Cooling System For
Leaks in the section.
7. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gas to enter
cooling system. This will cause
thermostat to open late.7. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks with a commercially
available Block Leak Tester. Repair
as necessary.
(b) Check for coolant in the engine
oil. Inspect for white steam emitting
from exhaust system. Repair as
necessary.
8. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.8. Check water pump and replace
as necessary. Refer to Water Pump
in this section.
9. Loose drive belt (water pump
slipping).9. Check drive belt and correct as
necessary.
PLCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
10. Air leak on the suction side of
water pump allows air to build up in
cooling system. This will cause the
thermostat to open late.10. Locate leak and repair as
necessary.
PRESSURE CAP IS BLOWING
OFF STEAM AND/OR COOLANT
FLOWING INTO RECOVERY
CONTAINER. TEMPERATURE
GAUGE READING MAY BE ABOVE
NORMAL, BUT NOT HIGH.
COOLANT LEVEL MAY BE HIGH
IN RECOVERY CONTAINER.1. Pressure relief valve in radiator
cap is defective.1. Check condition of radiator cap
and seals. Refer to Radiator Cap in
this section. Replace as necessary.
COOLANT LOSS TO THE
GROUND WITHOUT PRESSURE
CAP BLOWOFF. GAUGE IS
READING HIGH OR HOT.1. Coolant leaks in radiator, cooling
system hoses, water pump or
engine.1. Pressure test and repair as
necessary. Refer to Testing Cooling
System For Leaks in this section.
DETONATION OR PRE-IGNITION
(NOT CAUSED BY IGNITION
SYSTEM). GAUGE MAY OR MAY
NOT BE READING HIGH.1. Engine overheating. 1. Check reason for overheating
and repair as necessary.
2. Freeze point of coolant not
correct.2. Check the freeze point of the
coolant. Refer to Coolant
Concentration Testing in this
section. Adjust glycol-to-water ratio
as required.
HOSE OR HOSES COLLAPSE
WHEN ENGINE IS COOLING1. Vacuum created in cooling
system on engine cool-down is not
being relieved through coolant
recovery/reserve container system.1. (a) Radiator cap relief valve
stuck. Refer to Radiator Cap in this
section. Replace as necessary.
(b) Hose between coolant
recovery/reserve container and
radiator is kinked. Repair as
necessary.
(c) Vent at coolant recovery/reserve
container is plugged. Clean vent
and repair as necessary.
(d) Recovery/reserve container is
internally blocked or plugged. Check
for blockage and repair as
necessary.
ELECTRIC RADIATOR FAN
OPERATES ALL THE TIME.1. Fan relay, powertrain control
module (PCM) or engine coolant
temperature sensor defective.1. Refer to appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool.
Repair as necessary.
2. Check for low coolant level. 2. Repair as necessary.
7 - 10 COOLING SYSTEMPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
ELECTRIC RADIATOR FAN WILL
NOT OPERATE. GAUGE READING
HIGH OR HOT1. Fan motor defective. 1. Refer to appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool.
Repair as necessary.
2. Fan relay, powertrain control
module (PCM) or engine coolant
temperature sensor defective.2. Refer to appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool.
Repair as necessary.
3. Blown fuse in power distribution
center (PDC).3. Determine reason for blown fuse
and repair as necessary.
NOISY FAN 1. Fan blade loose. 1. Replace fan blade assembly.
Refer to Cooling System Fan in this
section.
2. Fan blade striking a surrounding
object.2. Locate point of fan blade contact
and repair as necessary.
3. Air obstructions at radiator or A/C
condenser.3. Remove obstructions and/or
clean debris from radiator and/or
A/C condenser.
4. Electric fan motor defective. 4. Refer to procedure in this section.
INADEQUATE AIR CONDITIONER
PERFORMANCE (COOLING
SYSTEM SUSPECTED)1. Radiator and/or air conditioning
condenser is restricted, obstructed
or dirty.1. Remove restriction and/or clean
as necessary.
2. Electric radiator fan not operating
when A/C is on.2. Refer to appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool.
Repair as necessary.
3. Engine is overheating (heat may
be transferred from radiator to A/C
condenser). High underhood
temperature due to engine
overheating may also transfer heat
to A/C components.3. Correct overheating condition.
Refer to this section.
PLCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
INADEQUATE HEATER
PERFORMANCE.1. Has a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) been set?1. Refer to On-Board Diagnostic in
Group 25, Emission Control
Systems.
2. Coolant level low. 2. Refer to testing cooling system
for leaks in this section. Repair as
necessary.
3. Obstructions in heater hose
fittings at engine.3. Remove heater hoses at both
ends and check for obstructions.
Repair as necessary.
4. Heater hose kinked. 4. Locate kinked area and repair as
necessary.
5. Water pump is not pumping
coolant to heater core. When the
engine is fully warmed up, both
heater hoses should be hot to the
touch. The water pump drive belt
may be slipping causing poor water
pump operation.5. Refer to water pump in this
section. Repair as necessary.
HEAT ODOR 1. Various heat shields are used at
certain driveline components. One
or more of these shields may be
missing.1. Locate missing shields and
replace or repair as necessary.
2. Is temperature gauge reading
above the normal range?2. Refer to the previous
Temperature Gauge Reads High in
these Diagnostic Charts. Repair as
necessary.
3. Is cooling fan operating
correctly?3. Refer to Cooling System Fan in
this section for diagnosis. Repair as
necessary.
4. Has undercoating been applied
to any unnecessary component.4. Clean undercoating as necessary.
5. Engine may be running rich
causing the catalytic converter to
overheat.5. Refer to appropriate Powertrain
Diagnostic Procedures manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool.
Repair as necessary.
POOR DRIVEABILITY
(THERMOSTAT POSSIBLY STUCK
OPEN). GAUGE MAY BE READING
LOW1. For proper driveability, good
vehicle emissions and for
preventing build-up of engine oil
sludge, the thermostat must be
operating properly. Has a diagnostic
trouble code (DTC ) been set?1. Refer to On-Board Diagnostics in
Group 25, Emission Control
Systems. DTC's may also be check
using the DRB scan tool. Refer to
the proper Powertrain Diagnostic
Procedure manual for checking the
thermostat if necessary.
7 - 12 COOLING SYSTEMPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STEAM IS COMING FROM FRONT
OF VEHICLE NEAR GRILL AREA
WHEN WEATHER IS WET,
ENGINE IS WARMED UP,
RUNNING, AND VEHICLE IS
STATIONARY. TEMPERATURE
GAUGE IS IN NORMAL RANGE.1. During wet weather, moisture
(snow, ice or rain condensation) on
the radiator will evaporate when the
thermostat opens. This opening
allows heated water into the
radiator. When the moisture contact
the hot radiator, steam may be
emitted. This usually occurs in cold
weather with no fan or airflow to
blow it away.1. Occasional steam emitting from
this area is normal. No repair is
necessary.
COOLANT COLOR 1. Coolant color is not necessarily
an indication of adequate corrosion
or temperature protection. Do not
rely on coolant color for determining
condition of coolant.1. Check the freeze point of the
coolant. Refer to Coolant
Concentration Testing in this section
for procedure. Adjust the glycol-to-
water ratio as required.
COOLANT LEVEL CHANGES IN
COOLANT RECOVERY/RESERVE
CONTAINER1. Level changes are to be
expected as coolant volume
fluctuates with engine temperature.
If the level in the container was
between the FULL and ADD marks
at normal engine operating
temperature, the level should return
to within that range after operation
at elevated temperatures.1. A normal condition. No repair is
necessary.
PLCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)