2004 DODGE NEON parking brake

When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing trailers), use
the ª3º range.
ª3º Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
NOTE:Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the ª3º range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
ª1º Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from 2nd to first will occur as early as possible.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE Ð IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
NOTE:Clutch must be depressed for engine to start.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
STARTING AND OPERATING 119
5

If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.
Downshifting
Proper downshifting may improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transaxle, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade, shift
down early so that the engine will not be overburdened.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
STARTING AND OPERATING 121
5

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
122 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don't leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
STARTING AND OPERATING 123
5

Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas, and set the parking brake. Place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE
(manual transaxle).
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
²Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
²Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the
vehicle is being jacked.
Instructions
The spare wheel, scissors jack, and lug wrench are
stowed under the spare tire cover in the rear cargo area.
Do not attempt to raise this vehicle using a bumper jack.
1. Remove the spare wheel, scissors jack and lug wrench
from stowage.2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning
them to the left one turn while the wheel is still on the
ground.
154 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:The spare tire well is designed to hold the
compact spare tire or a deflated (flat) tire. A fully inflated
tire will not fit in the spare tire well.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES IF BATTERY IS
LOW
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow this procedure carefully.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK (manual transaxle in NEU-
TRAL) and turn ignition to OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 157
6

To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure
must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for at
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be in the crosshatch
area at normal operating temperatures. If the fluid is low,
add as required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission
belowthe operating temperature, the fluid level should
be between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 80ÉF (27ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)reference holes when the transmission reaches 180ÉF
(82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmission
fluid to bring to the proper level.
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 124
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 182
Adding Fuel.......................... 145
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 175
Air Conditioning....................104,176
Air Conditioning Controls................ 104
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 177
Air Conditioning System................. 176
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 134
Airbag................................ 31
Airbag Deployment...................... 37
Airbag Light.......................39,47,80
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Airbag, Side........................... 38
Alarm, Panic........................... 18
Alarm System........................20,80
Alignment and Balance.................. 139
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 97
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............200,201
Capacities........................... 200
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 124
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 79Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 20
Appearance Care....................... 190
Arming Theft System..................... 20
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 70
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Transaxle........... 9,114,116,117,187
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 189
Fluid Level Check..................... 187
Interlock System....................14,116
Reset Mode.......................... 117
Selection Of Lubricant................. 187
Shifting............................. 117
Special Additives..................... 189
Ball Joints............................ 178
Battery............................... 175
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 19
Belts, Drive........................... 173
Belts, Engine.......................... 174
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 178
B-Pillar Location....................... 129
Brake Fluid........................... 201
Brake, Parking......................... 121
230 INDEX