2000 DODGE NEON engine coolant

LUBRICANTS AND GREASES
Lubricating grease is rated for quality and usage
by the NLGI. All approved products have the NLGI
symbol (Fig. 2) on the label. At the bottom NLGI
symbol is the usage and quality identification letters.
Wheel bearing lubricant is identified by the letter
ªGº. Chassis lubricant is identified by the latter ªLº.
The letter following the usage letter indicates the
quality of the lubricant. The following symbols indi-
cate the highest quality.
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DaimlerChrysler Corporation uses international
symbols to identify engine compartment lubricant
and fluid check and fill locations (Fig. 3).
FLUID CHECK/FILL POINTS AND LUBRICATION
LOCATIONS
The fluid check/fill points and lubrication locations
are located in each applicable Sections.
LUBRICATION POINT LOCATIONS
Lubrication point locations are located in each
applicable Sections.
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
Fuel Tank (approximate)....47.5 Liter (12.5 gal.)
Engine Oil ± With Filter....... 4.3Liter (4.5 qts.)
Engine Oil ± Without Filter.... 3.8Liter (4.0 qts.)
Cooling System ± Includes Heater & Coolant
Recovery Bottle*........... 6.2Liter (6.5 qts.)
Automatic Transaxle ± Estimated Service
Fill........................ 3.8L(4.0 qts.)
Automatic Transaxle ± 31 TH ± Overhaul Fill
Capacity with Torque Converter Empty . . . 8.4 L
(8.9. qts.)
Manual Transaxle ± NV T350........ 1.9to2.2L
(4.0 to 4.6 pts.)
*Capacities include 1 qt. for coolant reserve tank.
Fig. 2 NLGI Symbol
1 ± WHEEL BEARINGS
2 ± CHASSIS LUBRICATION
3 ± CHASSIS AND WHEEL BEARINGS
Fig. 3 International Symbols
0 - 2 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................3
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION................3SCHEDULE ± A...........................3
SCHEDULE ± B...........................4
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule ±A. It lists all the scheduled
maintenance to be performed under ªnormalº operat-
ing conditions.
Second is Schedule ±B. It is a schedule for vehi-
cles that are operated under the following conditions:
²Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km)
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions
²Extensive idling
²More than 50% of the driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C)
SPECIFICATIONS
UNSCHEDULED INSPECTION
At Each Stop For Fuel
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as
required.
Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear
or damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten termi-
nals as required.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission.
Add fluid as required.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for
correct operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension com-
ponent boots and seals.²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval
shown on Schedule ± A (7,500 miles - 12 000 km) or
every other interval on Schedule ± B (6,000 miles -
10 000 km).
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and
clamps.
If mileage is less than 7,500 miles (12 000 km)
yearly, replace the engine oil filter at each oil change.
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.
FLUID FILL POINTS AND LUBRICATION
LOCATIONS
The fluid fill/check locations and lubrication loca-
tions are located in each applicable group.
SCHEDULE ± A
7,500 Miles (12 000 km) or at 6 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km) or at 12 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
22,500 Miles (36 000 km) or at 18 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 3

30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 24 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joint.
²Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the engine spark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
37,500 Miles (60 000 km) or at 30 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km) or at 36 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant at 36
months, regardless of mileage.
52,500 Miles (84 000 km) or at 42 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done
at 36 months.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 48 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Replace the drive belts.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the ignition cables.
²Replace the spark plugs.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
67,500 Miles (108 000 km) or at 54 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km) or at 60 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Flush and replace engine coolant if 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 the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
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 the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Check the PCV valve and replace, if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace the engine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace the spark plugs.
²Inspect the serpentine drive belt, replace if nec-
essary. This maintenance is not required if the belt
was previously replaced.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid.
97,500 Miles (156 000 km) or at 78 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Replace the engine timing belt.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
NOTE: Inspection and service should also be per-
formed anytime a malfunction is observed or sus-
pected. Retain all receipts.
SCHEDULE ± B
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
9,000 Miles (14 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

12,000 Miles (19 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).Replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
18,000 Miles (29 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
21,000 Miles (34 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
24,000 Miles (38 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
27,000 Miles (43 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect thePCV valveand replace as neces-
sary.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace thespark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
33,000 Miles (53 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
36,000 Miles (58 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
39,000 Miles (62 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
42,000 Miles (67 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).Replace as necessary.*
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
48,000 Miles (77 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
51,000 Miles (82 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
54,000 Miles (86 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
57,000 Miles (91 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect thePCV valveand replace if neces-
sary.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joints.
²Replace the drive belts.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).
²Replace theignition cables
²Replace thespark plugs
²Check and replace, if necessary, theengine tim-
ing belton 3.0 liter engines.
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
63,000 Miles (101 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
66,000 Miles (106 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
PLLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 5
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

69,000 Miles (110 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
72,000 Miles (115 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
75,000 Miles (120 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter)and replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust bands.
78,000 Miles (125 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
81,000 Miles (130 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
84,000 Miles (134 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
87,000 Miles (139 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
²Inspect front brake pads and rear brake linings
²Check thePCV valveand replace if necessary.
Not required if previously changed.*
²Lubricate the front suspension lower ball joint.
²Replace theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter).²Replace thespark plugs
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
93,000 Miles (149 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
96,000 Miles (154 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
99,000 Miles (158 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Inspect the front brake pads and rear brake lin-
ings.
102,000 Miles (163 000 km)
²Change the engine oil.
²Replace the engine oil filter.
105,000 Miles (168 000 km)
²Replace theengine timing belt.
²Change the engine oil.
²Adjust the drive belt tension.
²Inspect theengine air cleaner element (fil-
ter)and replace as necessary.*
²Change the automatic transaxle fluid/filter and
adjust the bands.
²Flush and replace the engine coolant.
* This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
NOTE: Operating the vehicle more than 50% in
heavy traffic during hot weather, above 90É F (32É
C), using vehicle for police, taxi, limousine type
operation or trailer towing require the more fre-
quent transaxle service noted in Schedule ± B. Per-
form these services if vehicle usually operate under
these conditions.
Inspection and service should also be performed
anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected.
0 - 6 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

COOLING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
COOLING SYSTEM........................1
COOLANT...............................2
COOLANT PERFORMANCE..................2
COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM..............3
ENGINE THERMOSTAT.....................3
RADIATOR..............................3
RADIATOR COOLING FAN MODULE...........3
COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE CAP..........4
RADIATOR HOSES AND CLAMPS............5
WATER PUMP...........................5
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER.....6
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS.................6
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER...................6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
COOLING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS..............7
ENGINE THERMOSTAT TESTING............14
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS........14
WATER PUMP DIAGNOSIS................15
COOLING SYSTEM FLOW CHECK...........15
ELECTRIC FAN MOTOR TEST...............15
COOLANT CONCENTRATION TESTING........15
TESTING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS.....15
PRESSURE CAP TO FILLER NECK SEAL
PRESSURE RELIEF CHECK...............16
PRESSURE TESTING COOLING SYSTEM
PRESSURE CAP.......................16
LOW COOLANT LEVEL AERATION...........17
DEAERATION...........................17
TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATION.........17
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER..................17
SERVICE PROCEDURES
COOLANT LEVEL CHECKÐROUTINE.........17COOLANTÐADDING ADDITIONAL...........18
COOLANT LEVELÐSERVICING.............18
COOLING SYSTEMÐDRAINING.............19
COOLING SYSTEMÐREFILLING............19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WATER PUMP..........................19
WATER PUMP INLET TUBE................20
ENGINE THERMOSTAT....................20
RADIATOR.............................21
RADIATOR DRAINCOCK...................22
COOLING FAN MODULE...................22
COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER..........23
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER..................24
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS................24
AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER & PULLEY....26
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
COOLING FAN MODULE...................26
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
WATER PUMP..........................28
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTION.......28
COOLING SYSTEM CAP...................28
COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING..............28
RADIATOR FLUSHING....................28
REVERSE FLUSHING.....................29
CHEMICAL CLEANING....................29
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT TENSION..........................29
SPECIFICATIONS
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITY..............30
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.................30
SPECIAL TOOLS
COOLING..............................30
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system consists of an engine cooling
module, thermostat, coolant, and a water pump to
circulate the coolant. The engine cooling module may
consist of a radiator, electric fan motor, fan, shroud,
coolant reserve system, transmission oil cooler, hoses,clamps, air conditioning condenser and transmission
oil lines.
²When the Engine is cold: The thermostat is
closed and the cooling system has no flow through
the radiator. The coolant flows through the engine,
heater system and bypass.
²When the Engine is warm: Thermostat is open
and the cooling system has flow through the radiator,
engine, heater system, and bypass.
PLCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 1

Coolant flow circuit for the 2.0L engine is shown in
(Fig. 1).
During any reassembly procedures all pipe fittings
in water jacket, and water box require cleaning and
application of thread sealant for entire length of
threads.
COOLANT
The cooling system is designed around the coolant.
The coolant must accept heat from engine block
metal and in the cylinder head area near the exhaust
valves. Then coolant carries this heat to the radiator
where the tube/fin assemblies can give off the heat to
the air.
MopartAntifreeze or the equivalent is recom-
mended for optimum cooling performance and corro-
sion protection when mixed to a freeze point of -37É C
(-35É F).
COOLANT REPLACEMENT
Refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance for
schedule.
COOLANT PERFORMANCE
Performance is measurable. For heat transfer pure
water excels (Formula = 1 btu per minute for eachdegree of temperature rise for each pound of water).
This formula is altered when necessary additives to
control boiling, freezing, and corrosion are added as
follows:
²Pure Water (1 btu) boils at 100ÉC (212ÉF) and
freezes at 0ÉC (32ÉF).
²100 Percent Glycol (.7 btu) can cause a hot
engine and detonation and will raise the freeze point
to 22ÉC (-8ÉF).
²50/50 Glycol and Water (0.82 btu) is the recom-
mended combination that provides a freeze point of
-37ÉC (-35ÉF). The radiator, water pump, engine
water jacket, radiator pressure cap, thermostat, tem-
perature gauge, sending unit and heater are all
designed for 50/50 glycol.
Where required, a 56 percent glycol and 44 percent
water mixture will provide a freeze point of -59ÉC
(-50ÉF).
CAUTION: Richer mixtures cannot be measured
with field equipment which can lead to problems
associated with 100 percent glycol.SELECTION AND ADDITIVES
The use of aluminum cylinder heads, intake mani-
folds, and water pumps requires special corrosion
Fig. 1 Cooling System Operation
1 ± HEATER
2 ± HEAT UP
3 ± COOL DOWN
4 ± PRESSURE CAP
5 ± THERMOSTAT HOUSING6 ± WATER PUMP
7 ± ENGINE
8 ± COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM TANK
9 ± RADIATOR
7 - 2 COOLING SYSTEMPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

protection. MopartAntifreeze or the equivalent is
recommended for best engine cooling without corro-
sion. When mixed only to a freeze point of -37ÉC
(-35ÉF) to -59ÉC (-50ÉF). If it looses color or becomes
contaminated, drain, flush, and replace with fresh
properly mixed solution.
COOLANT RECOVERY SYSTEM
This system works in conjunction with the radiator
pressure cap to utilize thermal expansion and con-
traction of the coolant to keep the coolant free of
trapped air. The system provides space for expansion
and contraction. Also, the system provides a conve-
nient and safe method for checking and adjusting the
coolant level at atmospheric pressure without remov-
ing the pressure cap. It also provides some reserve
coolant to compensate for minor leaks and evapora-
tion or boiling losses. All vehicles are equipped with
this system (Fig. 2).
Refer to Coolant Level Check, Deaeration, and
Pressure Cap sections for operation and service.
ENGINE THERMOSTAT
The engine thermostat is located on the front of
the engine (radiator side) in the thermostat housing/
engine outlet connector. The thermostat has an air
bleed (vent) located in the flange and a O-ring for
sealing incorporate on it. There is a relief in the ther-
mostat housing/outlet connector for the O-ring.
The engine thermostat is a wax pellet driven,
reverse poppet choke type. It is designed to provide
the fastest warm up possible by preventing leakage
through it and to guarantee a minimum engine oper-
ating temperature of 88 to 93ÉC (192 to 199ÉF). Also,
the thermostat will automatically reach wide open, to
accommodate unrestricted flow to the radiator astemperature of the coolant rises in hot weather to
around 104ÉC (220ÉF). Above this temperature the
coolant temperature is controlled by the radiator, fan,
and ambient temperatureÐnot the thermostat.
A thermostats primary purpose is to maintain
engine temperature in a range that will provide sat-
isfactory engine performance and emission levels
under all expected driving conditions. It also provides
hot water (coolant) for heater performance. It does
this by transferring heat from engine metal and
automatic transmission oil cooler (if equipped) to
coolant, moving this heated coolant to the heater core
and radiator, and then transferring this heat to the
ambient air.
RADIATOR
The radiator is a down-flow type (vertical tubes)
with design features that provide greater strength,
as well as sufficient heat transfer capabilities to keep
the engine coolant within operating temperatures.
The radiator functions as a heat exchanger, using
air flow across the exterior of the radiator tubes. This
heat is then transferred from the coolant and into
the passing air.
The radiator has an aluminum core with plastic
tanks. Although stronger than brass, plastic tanks
are subject to damage by impact. Always handle radi-
ator with care.
RADIATOR COOLING FAN MODULE
The radiator cooling fan is a single speed electric
motor driven fan. The fan module includes an electric
motor, fan blade, and a support shroud that is
attached to the radiator (Fig. 3).
Fig. 2 Coolant Recovery System
1 ± RECOVERY HOSE
2 ± ENGINE COOLANT RECOVERY CONTAINER
3 ± PRESSURE CAP
Fig. 3 Radiator Fan
1 ± SCREWS
2 ± LOWER MOUNTS
3 ± FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
PLCOOLING SYSTEM 7 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)