2005 DODGE NEON manual transmission

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................114
NAutomatic Transaxle...................114
NManual Transaxle.....................114
NNormal Starting......................114
NStarting In Cold Weather
(Below 32ÉF Of 0ÉC)...................115
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below -20ÉF Or -29ÉC).................115
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................115
NAfter Starting........................116
mAutomatic Transaxle Ð If Equipped........116
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......116N
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System..116
NFour Speed Automatic Transaxle..........117
NReset Mode.........................117
NGear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................117
mManual Transaxle Ð If Equipped..........119
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............120
NDownshifting........................120
mParking Brake.........................121
mBrake System.........................122
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð
If Equipped.........................123
5

CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transaxle, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade, shift
down early so that the engine will not be overburdened.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). Torelease the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull
up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb
on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a uphill
grade.
Parking Brake Lever
STARTING AND OPERATING 121
5

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

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND
GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil. Refer to your engine oil filler cap
for correct SAE grade meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar 4105409 or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane.
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

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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