2005 DODGE NEON SRT power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys................. 9
▫Ignition Key Removal................... 9
▫Locking Doors With The Key..............10
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................10

Sentry Key............................10
▫Replacement Keys......................11
▫Customer Key Programming..............12
▫General Information....................12

Steering Wheel Lock.....................13
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......13
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........13

Door Locks...........................13
▫Manual Door Locks.....................13
▫Power Door Locks.....................14
▫Central Locking/Unlocking...............14
▫Automatic Door Locks...................15
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors)..........................16

Internal Emergency Trunk Lid Release.......17

Remote Trunk Lid Release................17

Remote Keyless Entry—If Equipped........18
▫To Unlock The Doors...................18
▫To Lock The Doors.....................18
2

•In 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—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!
•Modifications 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.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•It 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2

▫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

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
POWER SUNROOF—IF EQUIPPED
The sunroof control is located on the headliner between
the sun visors.
A single control“tilts”the sunroof to the vent position
and also slides the sunroof rearward to the full open
position. Move the switch rearward to move the sunroof
panel to the full vent position. The sunroof can be
stopped at any position between closed and full vent
open.
Power Sunroof Switch
60 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................95
▫Manual Transaxle......................95
▫Normal Starting.......................95
▫Starting In Cold Weather (Below 32°FOr0°C) . .95
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C) ..................96
▫If Engine Fails To Start..................96
▫After Starting.........................97
▫Turbocharger“Cool Down”...............97

Manual Transaxle.......................98
▫Recommended Shift Speeds...............99
▫Downshifting........................100

Parking Brake.........................100

Brake System.........................102
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............102

Power Steering........................103

Tire Safety Information..................104
▫Tire Markings........................104
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........107
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........108

Ti re s—General Information...............112
▫Tire Pressure.........................112
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................113
5

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your SRT-4 pro-
vides 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 103
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.4L Turbo Charged Engine Compartment....141

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......142

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................143

Replacement Parts.....................144

Dealer Service........................144

Maintenance Procedures.................145
▫Engine Oil..........................145
▫Ignition Wiring System.................151
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........151
▫Fuel Filter..........................151
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............151▫Maintenance-Free Battery................152
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............153
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............154
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............154
▫Body Lubrication.....................155
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................155
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......156
▫Windshield Washer Aiming..............156
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............156
▫Exhaust System......................156
▫Cooling System.......................157
7

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
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.
154 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE