2004 DODGE NEON SRT wheel

If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to a
point midway between ON and START. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
4. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
5. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn
signal, when using the turn signal lever.
6. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
7. Tachometer
The silver area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
8. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will
come on and remain on when the ignition key is
turned from OFF to the ON position, and the light will
turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
64 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

When parking on a hill,, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a
uphill grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 93
5

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 themalfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
94 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Don't drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have a total
tread life of 3,000 miles (4 800 km). Be sure to follow
the warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to
do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.
STARTING AND OPERATING 107
5

CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section
6 of this manual.
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.
108 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²fast tire wear;
²uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
²vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
110 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Chains
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Some standard tires are of the all season
type and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
WARNING!
The SRT-4 is equipped with tires that are optimized
for driving in dry and wet weather conditions.
However, these tires have reduced traction capability
in snow and ice. When driving an SRT±4 in these
conditions with these tires, you must take special
care to maintain control and avoid accidents. We
recommend that you equip your vehicle with
ªSNOWº or ªALL SEASONº tires on all four wheels
for driving in snowy and icy conditions. It is neces-
sary to select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. ªSNOWº tires may
have lower speed rating than factory equipped tires
and may not match the maximum vehicle speed. Do
not use tires or wheels other than the size recom-
mended by the manufacturer for this vehicle.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
load rating to the original equipment tires. Refer to the
tire pressure label for inflation pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 111
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................120
mIf Your Engine Overheats................120
mJacking And Tire Changing...............122
NPreparations For Jacking................122
NInstructions.........................122
mJump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low
Battery
..............................125
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............128
NAcceleration.........................128NTraction............................128
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle.................129
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............130
NWith Ignition Key.....................130
NWithout The Ignition Key...............130
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................130
6