2004 DODGE NEON overheating

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
4

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
152 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don't
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The steering column must be unlocked and the
gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be
towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the
transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed
more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to
the transaxle.
Manual Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 161
6

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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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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