2005 DODGE NEON SRT maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1
INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...........................7
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................47
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL..................................65
5
STARTING AND OPERATING.................................................93
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES.............................................127
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................139
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES................................................179
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE.......................................195
10
INDEX...................................................................203
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE:After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately:
•The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times—babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.
Infants And Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Windshield Washers....................58
▫Mist Function.........................58
▫Intermittent Wiper System................59
▫Lo Speed Wipers.......................59
▫Hi Speed Wipers.......................59

Tilt Steering Column.....................59

Power Sunroof—If Equipped.............60
▫Sunroof Maintenance....................61
▫Wind Buffeting........................62

Console Features.......................62
▫Ash Receiver And Cigar Lighter............63
48 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Once the sunroof panel is in the full vent position, you
may momentarily move the switch rearward (less than
one second) to initiate the express open mode. During
this operation, any movement of the switch will stop the
sunroof and it will remain in a partial open position.
NOTE:When closing the sunroof, make sure the close
button is held in the close position until the motor stops.
This ensures the sunroof is fully closed and latched.
To close the sunroof, hold the switch in the forward
position. Again, any release of the switch will stop the
movement and the sunroof will remain in a partial open
condition until the switch is pushed forward again.
CAUTION!
The sunroof should not be operated above 70 mph.
Opening or closing the sunroof above 70 mph may
jam the sunroof mechanism.
WARNING!
In an accident, there is a greater risk of being thrown
from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You could also
be seriously injured or killed. Always fasten your
seat belt properly and make sure all passengers are
properly secured too.
Do not allow small children to operate the sunroof.
Never allow fingers or other body parts, or any
object to project through the sunroof opening. Injury
may result.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 61
3

▫Selecting Satellite Mode In RBP, RBU, RAZ, RB1
And RBQ Radios......................81
▫Selecting a Channel.....................82
▫Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels.......82
▫Using The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped).........................82
▫PTY ButtonScan......................82
▫PTY ButtonSeek......................83
▫Satellite Antenna.......................83▫Reception Quality......................83

Compact Disc Maintenance................83

Radio Operation And Cellular Phones........84

Climate Controls.......................84
▫Air Conditioning......................84
▫Operating Tips........................88

Electric Rear Window Defroster............90

Turbo Boost Gauge......................91
66 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Pressing theSEEKorSCANbutton while
performing a music type scan will change the channel by
one and stop the search. Pressing a pre-set memory
button during a music type scan, will call up the memory
channel and stop the search.
PTY ButtonSEEK
When the desired program is obtained, press theSEEK
button within five seconds. The channel will change to
the next channel that matches the program type selected.
Satellite Antenna
To ensure optimum reception, do not place items on the
roof around the rooftop antenna location. Metal objects
placed within the line of sight of the antenna will cause
decreased performance. Larger luggage items should be
placed as far forward as possible. Do not place items
directly on or above the antenna.
Reception Quality
Satellite reception may be interrupted due to one of the
following reasons.
•The vehicle is parked in an underground parking
structure or under a physical obstacle.
•Dense tree coverage may interrupt reception in the
form of short audio mutes.
•Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
•Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage.
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 83
4

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the“Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired.Your SRT-4 is equipped with directional tread pattern
tires. These tires are designed to optimize dry handling as
well as wet performance. To obtain the full benefits of
this design, the tires must be installed so that they rotate
in the correct direction. The rotation direction of this type
of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall of the tire.
The required rotation method for directional tires is to
swap the front tire with the rear on the same side of the
vehicle. Do not cross switch tires without dismounting
the tires and re-mounting them in the correct rotational
direction.
120 STARTING AND OPERATING