2005 DODGE NEON SRT suspension

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•fast tire wear;
•uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear;
•vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
118 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning
them to the left one turn while the wheel is still on the
ground.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on the
crossmember below the radiator or on the front
suspension crossmember.
3. Jack saddle support must be positioned in between
locating darts at the front of the vehicle and behind
locating dart at the rear. Turn the jack screw to the right
until the jack head is properly engaged with the lift area
closest to the wheel to be changed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 131
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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
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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

Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
182 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Exhaust Pipes......................... 156
Exhaust System........................ 156
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 30
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 151
Engine Fuel......................... 151
Engine Oil.......................149,177
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 128
Flooded Engine Starting................... 96
Fluid, Brake........................... 177
Fluid Capacities........................ 176
Fluid Leaks............................ 46
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transaxle..................... 164
Fluids............................... 177
Fog Lights...........................57,69
Folding Rear Seat....................... 52
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 137
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 154
Fuel..............................121,177
Adding............................. 124Capacity............................ 176
Filler Cap........................... 124
Filter.............................. 151
Gauge.............................. 71
Light............................... 71
Octane Rating........................ 121
Tank Capacity........................ 176
Fuel System Caution.................... 123
Fuses................................ 170
GasCap .............................. 124
Gasoline............................. 176
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 121
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 122
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 73
Fuel................................ 71
Tachometer.......................... 70
Turbo Boost.......................91,121
General Information...................... 12
Glass Cleaning......................... 168
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 128
INDEX 207
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