2005 DODGE NEON maintenance

CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐ No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªBº± Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
²Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16º (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
190 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
following conditions exist:
²The lubricant has become contaminated with water. If
contaminated with water, the fluid should be changed
immediately.
²If severe usage has occurred, refer to Maintenance
Schedule ªBº in Section 8 of this manual.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body car requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in you vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extremehot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
²Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
²Stone and gravel impact.
²Insects, tree sap and tar.
²Salt in the air near sea coast localities.
²Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 191
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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.
FUSES
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment; next to the battery. A label identifying the
components and circuits is located on the underside of
the cover.
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
mEmission Control System Maintenance......206
mMaintenance Schedules..................206NSchedule ªBº........................209
NSchedule ªAº........................218
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªBº. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.²L
²Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial ser-
vices).²L
²Off-road or desert operation.
206 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule ªBº of the9Maintenance 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 207
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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.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²
Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
208 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Schedule ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated
under one or more of the conditions marked with anL.
Change the manual transaxle fluid every 48,000 miles (77
000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or
more of the conditions marked with an ².
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.²L
²Taxi, police or delivery service (commercial services).²
L
²Off-road or desert operation.
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:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (163 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule ªBº of the9Maintenance Schedules9section of
this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule9A9of the9Mainte-
nance Schedules9section of this manual.
SCHEDULE ªBº 209
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