2004 DODGE NEON checking oil

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 169
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a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
WARNING!
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere, the manufacturer recommends
that air conditioning service be done by facilities using
refrigerant recycling and recovery equipment that meets
SAE standard J1991.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, SealConditioners, Compressor Oils, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 177
7

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
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.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
7

²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transaxle and add
as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 205
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Emission Control System Maintenance....167,204
Engine............................... 165
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 169
Compartment........................ 165
Cooling............................ 180
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 145
Jump Starting........................ 157
Oil ..........................169,200,201
Oil Change Interval................... 170
Oil Filter............................ 201
Oil Selection......................... 171
Oil Synthetic......................... 172
Overheating......................... 152
Temperature Gauge.................... 82
Timing Belt.......................... 174
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 171
Exhaust Gas Caution..................47,145
Exhaust Pipes......................... 179
Exhaust System........................ 179
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 31Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 175
Automatic Transaxle................... 189
Engine Fuel......................... 175
Engine Oil.......................172,201
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 152
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 115
Fluid, Brake........................... 201
Fluid Capacities........................ 200
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 187
Manual Transaxle..................... 189
Fog Lights...........................62,78
Folding Rear Seat....................... 57
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 160
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 178
Fuel..............................141,201
Adding............................. 145
Capacity............................ 200
Filler Cap........................... 145
Filter.............................. 175
INDEX 233
10

Theft Alarm.......................... 80
Turn Signal.....................62,79,199
Voltage.............................. 80
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description).... 78
Loading Vehicle........................ 147
Tires ............................... 129
Locks................................ 14
Child Protection....................... 16
Door............................... 14
Power Door.......................... 15
Steering Wheel........................ 13
Lubrication, Body....................... 178
Maintenance.......................169,204
Maintenance, Airbag..................... 39
Maintenance Free Battery................. 175
Maintenance Procedures.................. 169
Maintenance Schedule................... 204
Schedule9A9......................... 215
Schedule9B9......................... 207
Maintenance, Sunroof.................... 69
Malfunction Indicator Light.............81,167
Manual, Service........................ 225Manual Transaxle...............67,114,119,189
Downshifting........................ 121
Fluid Level Check..................... 189
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 190
Lubricant Selection.................... 189
Map/Reading Lights..................... 60
Master Cylinder........................ 186
Mirrors............................... 51
Compass/Temperature.................. 51
Electric Remote....................... 54
Outside............................. 54
Rearview............................ 51
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............ 6
Mopar Parts........................168,224
Multi-Function Control Lever.............61,62
Occupant Restraints...................... 23
Odometer
Trip ................................ 81
Oil, Engine.........................169,200
Capacity............................ 200
Change Interval...................... 170
Checking........................... 169
236 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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