2004 DODGE NEON window

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the
A/C, PANEL and blower controls. Direct the panel
outlets toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate
without A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, use the Outside Air position.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
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ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
A push-button at the center of the instrument
panel, below the radio, turns the defroster and the
heated mirrors (if equipped) ON or OFF. An amber light
shows that the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 10
minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
110 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
²When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the
shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops.
²Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the P (Park) position.
²When engaged in P (Park), you will not be able to
move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift
lever button.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result.
ªRº Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
ªNº Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
ªDº Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
118 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
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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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
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Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in the vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content of abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
194 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Console............................... 69
Contract, Service....................... 222
Coolant........................181,200,201
Cooling System........................ 180
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 182
Coolant Level.....................180,183
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 181
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 181
Inspection........................... 183
Points to Remember................182,183
Pressure Cap........................ 182
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 184
Selection of Coolant................... 181
Corrosion Protection.................... 190
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 174
Cruise Light........................... 82
Cup Holder............................ 69
Customer Assistance.................... 220
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights.......... 61
Daytime Running Lights.................. 62
Dealer Service......................... 168
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 110Defroster, Windshield...............48,103,106
Deploying, Airbag....................... 37
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 166
Dimmer Control........................ 60
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 62
Disarming, Theft System.................. 21
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 172
Domelight............................. 61
Door Locks............................ 14
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Downshifting.......................... 121
Drive Belts............................ 173
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 159
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 54
Electronic Speed Control.................. 65
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 153
Jump Starting........................ 157
Towing............................. 161
Emergency Trunk Release................. 22
232 INDEX

Disposal............................ 172
Filter.............................. 172
Identification Logo.................... 171
Materials Added to.................... 172
Quality............................. 171
Recommendation..................171,200
Synthetic........................... 172
Viscosity............................ 171
Oil Pressure Light....................... 80
Onboard Diagnostic System............166,167
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Outside Air Intake...................104,109
Outside Rearview Mirrors................. 54
Overdrive............................ 118
Overheating, Engine..................... 152
Owner's Manual......................4,225
Paint Care............................ 190
Panic Alarm........................... 18
Parking Brake......................... 121
Passing Light........................... 62
Pets.................................. 46
Phone, Cellular........................ 102Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 129
Power
Door Locks.......................... 15
Steering.........................125,177
Steering, Checking.................... 177
Sunroof............................. 68
Windows............................ 23
Power Steering Fluid.................... 201
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 30
Preparation for Jacking................... 154
Programming Transmitters................. 19
Radial Ply Tires........................ 136
Radio............................83,84,89
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 83
Radio Operation......................84,89
Radio, Satellite.......................... 95
Rear Window Defroster.................. 110
Reclining Front Seats..................... 56
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 201
Reformulated Gasoline................... 142
Refrigerant............................ 177
INDEX 237
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