2004 DODGE NEON Owners Manual

resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
NOTE:
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
Fuel Tank Filler Cap
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger's side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.
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5

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp to turn on.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunc-
tion Indicator light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is fueled.
146 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a
spray of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove
the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running.
²Turn off engine.
²Rotate the gas cap to the left to remove.
²To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten to the right until at least one click is heard.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 865lbs. (392 kg)
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5

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
²Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer's Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with the Stan-
dard 2.0L Engine and manual tranaxles is 1,500 lbs
(680 kg).
²The maximum trailer load for vehicles with the Stan-
dard 2.0L Engine and automatic transaxles is 1,000 lbs
(454 kg).
²Trailer towing is not recommended for vehicles with
the optional 2.0L Magnum Engine (R/T) and manual
transaxle.
²If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.
²The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
20 square feet (1.86 square meters).
²The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
²The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ª3º
range must be selected.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using
the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range
should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose ª4º if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose ª3º or ª2º if needed to maintain the
desired speed.
NOTE:Extended driving at high RPM should be
avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Retirn to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
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5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................152
mIf Your Engine Overheats................152
mJacking And Tire Changing...............153
NPreparations For Jacking................154
NInstructions.........................154
mJump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low...157
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............159
NAcceleration.........................159NTraction............................160
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle.................160
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............161
NWith Ignition Key.....................161
NWithout The Ignition Key...............162
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................162
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
152 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES