2004 DODGE NEON SRT Owners Manual

Operating Tips
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 81
4

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.
82 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
A push-button at the center of the instrument
panel, below the radio, turns the defroster 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.
TURBO BOOST GAUGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a boost gauge that indi-
cates the intake manifold pressure relative to barometric
pressure. The engine management system in your vehicle
intelligently regulates intake manifold pressure based on
environmental (ambient) and engine operating condi-
tions. With the accelerator pedal fully depressed, it is
normal for the maximum intake manifold pressure
(boost) to vary from 11 to 15 psi.
If low octane fuel (below the recommended 91 octane
(R+M)/2)) is used, boost will be reduced significantly.
Normal boost levels will return once the recommended
fuel is used and the engine controller adapts to the fuel
octane level.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 83
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................87
NManual Transaxle......................87
NNormal Starting.......................87
NStarting In Cold Weather
(Below 32ÉF Or 0ÉC)....................87
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below -20ÉF Or -29ÉC)..................88
NIf Engine Fails To Start..................88
NAfter Starting.........................89
NTurbocharger ªCool Downº...............89
mManual Transaxle.......................90
NRecommended Shift Speeds...............91NDownshifting.........................92
mParking Brake..........................92
mBrake System..........................94
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............94
mPower Steering.........................95
mTire Safety Information...................96
NTire Markings.........................96
NTire Identification Number (TIN)...........99
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........100
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............104
NTire Pressure.........................104
5

NTire Inflation Pressures.................105
NRadial-Ply Tires......................107
NCompact Spare Tire....................107
NTire Spinning........................108
NTread Wear Indicators..................109
NReplacement Tires.....................109
NAlignment And Balance.................110
mTire Chains...........................111
mSnow Tires...........................111
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........112
mSelecting Fuel.........................113N2.4L Turbo..........................113
NSpark Knock.........................113
NReformulated Gasoline.................114
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............114
NMMT In Gasoline.....................114
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................115
NMaterials Added To Fuel................115
mAdding Fuel..........................116
NFuel Tank Filler Cap...................116
mVehicle Loading.......................117
86 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transaxle
Place the gear selector in NEUTRAL, press the clutch
pedal to the floor, and fully apply the parking brake
before starting the engine.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 5 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait
10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting proce-
dure.
Starting in Cold Weather (Below 32ÉF or 0ÉC)
Slightly depress and hold the accelerator before starting
the engine. Turn the key to the START position. When the
engine starts, release the key, then the accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 87
5

If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, turn the key
OFF wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. 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 improperly, so follow the
procedure carefully. See section 6 of this manual for
jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20ÉF or -29ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
88 STARTING AND OPERATING