2004 DODGE NEON light

Airbag System Components
The front airbag system consists of the following:
²Airbag Control Module (ACM)
²AIRBAG Readiness Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Crash Sensor
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolsters
The side airbag system, if equipped, consists of the
following:
²AIRBAG Readiness Light (shared with the front airbag
system)
²Side Airbag in the Driver's Seat
²Side Airbag in the Passenger's Seat
²Right and Left Side Impact Airbag Control Modules
(SIACM)
²Interconnecting Wiring
How The Airbag System Works
Front Airbag System
²The front Airbag Control Module determines if a
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate.
²The Airbag Control Module is not designed to detect
side, roll over, or rear collisions.
²The Airbag Control Module also monitors the readi-
ness of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN positions.
These include all of the items listed above except the
knee bolsters, the instrument panel, and the steering
wheel and column. If the key is in the OFF position, in
the ACC position, or not in the ignition switch, the
airbags are not on and will not inflate.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35
2

²The Airbag Control Module also turns on the AIRBAG
light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when
the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN, then
turns the light off. If it detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it turns on the light either momen-
tarily or continuously.WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
²When the Airbag Control Module detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The
airbags fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is
only about half of the time it takes you to blink your
eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to
restrain the driver and front passenger. The driver's
front airbag gas is vented through the airbag material
towards the instrument panel. The passenger's front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. In this way the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Deployed airbags can't protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Side Airbag System Ð If Equipped
²
The Side Impact Airbag Control Modules determine if
a side collision is severe enough to require the airbag
to inflate. The Side Impact Airbag Control Modules is
not designed to detect roll over, front, or rear impacts.
²The Side Impact Airbag Control Module monitors the
readiness of the electronic parts of the system when-
ever the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN
positions. These include all of the items listed above. If
the left or right SIACM detects a malfunction in any
part of the system, it will send a message to the frontal
ACM to turn the Airbag Light on. The Airbag Control
Module also turns on the AIRBAG light in the instru-
ment panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch
is first turned on as a diagnostic or system check, then
turns the light off.
²In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered by
the appropriate SIACM, releasing a quantity of non-
toxic gas. The inflating side airbag exits through the
seat seam into the space between the occupant and the
door. The side airbag moves at a very high speed and
with such a high force, that it could injure you if you
are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in
the area where the side airbag inflates. This especially
applies to children.
Enhanced Accident Response Time Ð If Equipped
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately:
²The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
2

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close the
trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it mustremain open, close all windows. Adjust the heating or
cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the bulb is
not lit during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays
on or comes on while driving, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mMirrors..............................51
NInside Day/Night Mirror.................51
NInside Compass/Temperature MirrorÐIf
Equipped............................51
NOutside Mirror Ð Driver's Side............54
NOutside Mirror Ð Passenger's Side..........54
NElectric Remote-Control Mirrors Ð If
Equipped............................54
mSeats................................55
NFront Seat Adjustment...................55
NReclining Bucket Seats...................56
NAdjustable Head Restraints...............57NFolding Rear Seat......................57
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............58
mLights...............................60
NFront Map/Reading Lights Ð If Equipped....60
NInterior Lights........................60
NMulti-Function Control Lever..............61
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights..............................61
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only)......62
NLights-On Reminder....................62
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................62
NTurn Signals..........................62
3

NHeadlight Dimmer Switch................62
NPassing Light.........................62
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........63
NWindshield Washers....................63
NMist Function.........................63
NIntermittent Wiper System................63
NLo Speed Wipers.......................64
NHi Speed Wipers.......................64
mTilt Steering Column.....................64
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......65
NTo Activate...........................65NTo Set At A Desired Speed................66
NTo Deactivate.........................66
NTo Resume Speed......................66
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................66
NManual Transaxle......................67
NTo Accelerate For Passing................67
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............68
NSunroof Maintenance....................69
NWind Buffeting........................69
mConsole Features.......................69
NAsh Receiver And Cigar Lighter............70
50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE