2005 DODGE NEON power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys................. 9
NIgnition Key Removal................... 9
NLocking Doors With The Key..............10
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................11
mSentry Key............................11
NReplacement Keys......................12
NSentry Key Programming.................12
NGeneral Information....................13
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped.........13
NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......13
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........13NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .14
mDoor Locks...........................14
NManual Door Locks.....................14
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........15
NCentral Locking/Unlocking Ð If Equipped....15
NAutomatic Door Locks Ð If Equipped.......16
N
Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors).17
mInternal Emergency Trunk Lid Release.......18
mRemote Trunk Lid Release Ð If Equipped.....18
mRemote Keyless Entry Ð If Equipped........19
NTo Unlock The Doors...................19
2

²In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered by
the appropriate SIACM, releasing a quantity of non-
toxic gas. The inflating side airbag exits through the
seat seam into the space between the occupant and the
door. The side airbag moves at a very high speed and
with such a high force, that it could injure you if you
are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in
the area where the side airbag inflates. This especially
applies to children.
Enhanced Accident Response Time Ð If Equipped
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NPassing Light.........................62
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........63
NWindshield Washers....................63
NMist Function.........................63
NIntermittent Wiper System................64
NLo Speed Wipers.......................64
NHi Speed Wipers.......................64
mTilt Steering Column.....................64
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......65
NTo Activate...........................65
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................66NTo Deactivate.........................66
NTo Resume Speed......................66
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................66
NManual Transaxle......................67
NTo Accelerate For Passing................67
mPower Sunroof Ð If Equipped.............68
NSunroof Maintenance....................69
NWind Buffeting........................69
mConsole Features.......................70
NAsh Receiver And Cigar Lighter............70
50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

mPower Steering........................124
mTire Safety Information..................124
NTire Markings........................124
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........127
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........128
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............132
NTire Pressure.........................132
NTire Inflation Pressures.................133
NRadial-Ply Tires......................135
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........135
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........136
NTire Spinning........................137
NTread Wear Indicators..................137
NReplacement Tires.....................138
NAlignment And Balance.................139
mTire Chains...........................139
mSnow Tires...........................140
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........141
mFuel Requirements.....................141
NSpark Knock.........................142
NReformulated Gasoline.................142
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............142
NMMT In Gasoline.....................143
NMaterials Added To Fuel................143
NFuel System Cautions..................143
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............144
mAdding Fuel..........................144
NFuel Tank Filler Cap...................144
mVehicle Loading.......................146
mTrailer Towing........................146
112 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire MarkingsNOTE:
²
P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
²European Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter9P9is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H
²LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters ªLTº that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
²Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact
spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter ªTº
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
²High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
124 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.0L Engine Compartment...............165
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......166
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................167
mReplacement Parts.....................168
mDealer Service........................168
mMaintenance Procedures.................169
NEngine Oil..........................169
NIgnition Wiring System.................175
NCrankcase Emission Control System........175
NFuel Filter..........................175
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............175NMaintenance-Free Battery................176
NAir Conditioner......................177
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............178
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............178
NBody Lubrication.....................178
NWindshield Wiper Blades................179
NWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......179
NWindshield Washer Aiming..............180
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............180
NExhaust System......................180
NCooling System.......................181
7

Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under-vehicle service is done. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or grease contami-
nation.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, trunk and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
178 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
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.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
186 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE