2004 DODGE NEON spare tire

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
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

WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel and wheel
covers where applicable off the hub. Install the spare
wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the
nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid
the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten
the nuts fully until the vehicle has been lowered.
WARNING!
To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp
edges.
NOTE:The wheel cover is held on the wheel by the
wheel nuts. When reinstalling original wheel, properlyalign the wheel cover to the valve stem, place the wheel
cover onto the wheel, then install the wheel nuts.
6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
7. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts until each
nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut torque is
100 ft. lbs. (135 N´m). If you are not sure about the
tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by
your dealer or at a service station.
8. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is
free. Stow the lug wrench, replaced tire, and jack. Secure
all parts using the means provided.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
9. Adjust the tire pressure as soon as possible.
156 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

Brake System.......................123,185
Anti-Lock........................... 124
Hoses.............................. 185
Master Cylinder...................... 186
Parking............................ 121
Warning Light........................ 78
Brakes............................123,185
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 116
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 46
Bulb Replacement...................196,197
Calibration, Compass..................... 54
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 200
Capacities, Fluid....................... 200
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 145
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 145
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance........ 98
Cassette Tape Player...................84,86
Catalytic Converter..................... 173
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 47
CD Changer.....................87,92,93,99
CD Player...........................89,91CD Player Maintenance.................. 101
Cellular Phone......................... 102
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 199
Central Door Locks...................... 15
Central Locking......................... 15
Chains, Tire........................... 139
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 153
Charging System Light................... 80
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 126
Child Restraint......................... 39
Child Safety Locks....................... 16
Circuit Breakers........................ 195
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 194
Headlights.......................... 193
Climate Control........................ 102
Clock................................. 83
Compact Disc Changer................... 99
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 101
Compact Spare Tire..................... 136
Compass.............................. 51
Compass Calibration..................... 54
Compass Variance....................... 53
INDEX 231
10

Speed Control........................65,82
Speedometer........................... 79
Speedometer and Odometer...........75,76,77
Starting.............................. 114
Engine Fails to Start................... 115
Starting Procedures..................... 114
Steering
Power............................. 125
Tilt Column.......................... 64
Wheel Lock.......................... 13
Storage, Vehicle........................ 196
Sun Roof.............................. 68
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 69
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 31
Synthetic Engine Oil..................... 172
Tachometer............................ 79
Tape Player............................ 98
Temperature Control, Automatic............ 102
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......82,153
Theft Alarm............................ 20
Theft System........................... 20
Theft System Arming..................... 20Theft System Disarming................... 21
Tilt Steering Column..................... 64
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 129
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 128
Tire Markings......................... 125
Tire Safety Information................... 125
Tires ...........................48,133,226
Air Pressure......................... 133
Alignment.......................... 139
Chains............................. 139
Changing........................... 153
Compact Spare....................... 136
General Information................... 133
High Speed......................... 135
Inflation Pressures.................... 134
Jacking............................. 153
Load Capacity....................129,130
Quality Grading...................... 226
Radial............................. 136
Replacement......................... 138
Rotation............................ 141
Safety...........................125,133
Sizes............................... 126
INDEX 239
10