2000 DODGE NEON oil change

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)

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

For more information on the description and oper-
ation of an individual component, refer to the appli-
cable component heading in this section.
STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)
The rear strut assemblies support the weight of
the vehicle using coil springs positioned around
struts. The coil springs are contained between the
upper mount of the strut assembly and a lower
spring seat on the body of the strut.
The top of each strut assembly is bolted to the top
of the inner fender through a rubber isolated mount.
The bottom of the strut assembly attaches to the rear
knuckle using 2 thru-bolts with prevailing torque
nuts.
The rear strut assembly includes the following
components (Fig. 1): A rubber isolated upper mount,
a dust shield, a jounce bumper, a coil spring, a lower
spring isolator, and a strut. Any component in need
of service requires removal of the strut assembly
from the vehicle and disassembly of it.
COIL SPRING
Rear coil springs are rated separately for each cor-
ner or side of the vehicle depending on optional
equipment and type of vehicle service. If a coil spring
requires replacement, be sure the spring needing
replacement is replaced with a spring meeting the
correct load rating for the vehicle with its specific
options.
KNUCKLE (REAR)
A forged rear knuckle bolts to each rear strut
assembly (Fig. 1). The rear knuckle's spindle sup-
ports the rear hub and bearing. Together they sup-
port the rear tire and wheel. The movement of the
rear knuckle is controlled laterally using two lateral
arms attached to the knuckle. Fore and aft move-
ment of the knuckle is controlled by using a tension
strut.
HUB AND BEARING (REAR)
The hub and bearing is mounted on the rear
knuckle's spindle (Fig. 1). The hub and bearing
adapts the tire and wheel assembly to the knuckle.
It's bearing allows the tire and wheel assembly to
rotate freely on the vehicle.
All vehicles are equipped with permanently lubri-
cated and sealed for life rear wheel bearings. There
is no periodic lubrication or maintenance recom-
mended for these units.
The only servicable components of the hub and
bearing are the wheel mounting studs.
If a vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, the
tone wheels for the rear wheel speed sensors are
pressed onto the hub.
LATERAL ARMS
The lateral arms control the lateral movement of
the rear suspension, specifically the knuckle (Fig. 1).
There are two lateral arms per side of the rear sus-
pension. One arm is attached to the front end of the
knuckle and the other is attached to the rear of the
knuckle. The other end of each lateral arm attaches
to the rear crossmember.
Visually it appears that the left rear arm is
mounted backwards in relation to the other arms
(Fig. 2). Although the left rear arm looks like it is
same as the right rear arm, just reversed, it is not
the same; the arms are not interchangeable.
The front arms are interchangeable, but should be
mounted with the side displaying the word ªFOR-
WARDº stamped into it toward the front of the vehi-
cle. The trimmed outer edge of the arms will then be
facing the rear of the vehicle.
1 ± VEHICLE STRUT TOWER
2 ± STRUT ASSEMBLY
3 ± TENSION STRUT
4 ± LATERAL ARMS
5 ± KNUCKLE
6 ± HUB AND BEARING
7 ± WHEEL ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT CAM
8 ± STRUT9 ± LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR
10 ± COIL SPRING
11 ± STABILIZER BAR
12 ± JOUNCE BUMPER
13 ± DUST SHIELD
14 ± UPPER MOUNT
15 ± STABILIZER BAR LINK
16 ± STABILIZER BAR CUSHION AND RETAINER
PLSUSPENSION 2 - 37
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(4) Install piston into caliper bore pushing it past
the piston seal until it bottoms in the caliper bore
(Fig. 122).
(5) Position the dust boot into the counterbore of
the caliper assembly piston bore.
(6) Using a hammer and Installer, Special Tool
C-4689, and Handle, Special Tool C-4171, drive the
boot into the counterbore of the caliper (Fig. 123).
(7) Install the brake shoes.
(8) Reinstall the caliper on the vehicle and bleed
the brakes as necessary. Follow the installation pro-
cedure found in DISC BRAKE CALIPER in the
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION section in this sec-
tion of this service manual group.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
BRAKE 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 period-
ically for evidence of corrosion, physical damage or
contact with moving or hot components of the vehi-
cle.
DISC BRAKES (FRONT)
BRAKE SHOES
Clean the front brake shoes and calipers with a
water-dampened cloth or with a brake cleaner. Do
not use a petroleum based product.
If a visual inspection does not adequately deter-
mine the condition of the lining, a physical check will
be necessary.
Remove the front disc brake shoes. Refer to DISC
BRAKE SHOES in the REMOVAL AND INSTALLA-
TION section in this section of this service manual
group.
The combined brake shoe and lining material
thickness should be measured at the thinnest part of
the assembly.
When a set of brake shoes are worn to a total
thickness of approximately 7.95 mm (5/16 inch) or
less, they should be replaced.
Replace both brake shoe assemblies (inboard and
outboard). It is necessary that both front wheel sets
be replaced whenever brake shoe assemblies on
either side are replaced.
Fig. 122 Installing Piston Into Caliper Bore
1 ± BOOT
2 ± PISTON
3 ± CALIPER
Fig. 123 Installing Dust Boot In Caliper Counterbore
1 ± HAMMER
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4689
4 ± CALIPER
PLBRAKES 5 - 59
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (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)