Dodge Neon (2005 year). Manual — part 8

WARNING!

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:

• When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the

shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops.

• Look at the shift indicator window on the console to

ensure it is in the P (Park) position.

• When engaged in P (Park), you will not be able to

move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift
lever button.

CAUTION!

Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result.

“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

“N” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.

“D” Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.

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When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing trailers), use
the “3” range.

“3” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.

Use the “3” range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.

“1” Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from 2nd to first will occur as early as possible.

MANUAL TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED

NOTE:

The parking brake should be engaged and the

gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.

NOTE:

Clutch must be depressed for engine to start.

Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.

Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.

For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or try
to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially
engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the clutch.

Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

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NOTE:

During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-

cant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting. This
is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.

Recommended Shift Speeds

To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1-MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED

SHIFT SPEEDS

IN MPH (KM/H)

ENGINE

SIZE

NORMAL ACCELERATION SHIFT SPEEDS

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.0L

14

23

29

45

(23)

(37)

(47)

(72)

TABLE 2-MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED

SHIFT SPEEDS

IN MPH (KM/H)

ENGINE

CRUISE SHIFT SPEEDS

SIZE

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.0L

12

18

25

32

(19)

(29)

(40)

(51)

For improved performance, your manual transaxle may
be upshifted up to the maximum speeds listed in table 3
(within legal speed limits).

TABLE 3-MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED

SHIFT SPEEDS

IN MPH (KM/H)

ENGINE

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCESHIFT

SPEEDS

SIZE

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.0L

30

50

80

110

(48)

(80)

(129)

(177)

If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.

Downshifting

Proper downshifting may improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.

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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). To

release 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

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You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-

gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.

BRAKE SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.

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.

If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the

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malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped

The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.

During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.

NOTE:

Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the

effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.

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.

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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 Markings

NOTE:

• P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.

• European 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 letter

9P9 is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H

• LT(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 “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact

spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High 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.

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Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Size Designation:

P

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards

(. blank. ( = Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT

= Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards

T

= Temporary Spare tire

31

= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)

215

= Section Width in Milimeters (mm)

65

= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)

—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.

10.5

= Section Width in Inches (in)

R

= Construction Code

—

9R9 means Radial Construction.

—

9D9 means Diagonal or Bias Construction.

15

= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)

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EXAMPLE:

Service Description:

95

= Load Index

—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.

H

= Speed Symbol

—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding
to its load index under certain operating conditions.
—The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un-
der specified operating conditions. (ie. tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions and
posted speed limits).

Load Identification:

(. blank. ( = Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire
Extra Load (XL)

= Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire

Light Load

= Light Load Tire

C,D,E

= Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load

— Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry.

Maximum Pressure

— Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this

tire.

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Tire Identification Number (TIN)

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire
however the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including
date code located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side
of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

—This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire
safety standards, and is approved for highway use.

MA

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location.(2 digits)

L9

= Code representing the tire size.(2 digits)

ABCD

= Code used by tire manufacturer.(1 to 4 digits)

03

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured.(2 digits)

—03 means the 3rd week.

01

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured.(2 digits)

—01 means the year 2001.
—Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in
which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.

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Tire Loading and Tire Pressure

Tire Placard Location

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure for

passenger cars is listed on either the face of the driver’s
door or the driver’s side “B” pillar. For vehicles other
than passenger cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are
listed on either the shutface of the driver’s door, the “B”
pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire Inflation
Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.

Tire and Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about
the:
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) the total weight your vehicle can carry
3) the tire size designed for your vehicle
4) the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear
and spare tires.

Tire Placard Location

Tire and Loading Information

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Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.

NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,

gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.

To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on
your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (since 5 x 150 = 750,
and 1400 – 750 = 650 lb.)

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.

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6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE:

The following table shows examples on how to

calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and

number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE:

For the following example the combined weight

of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).

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WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.

TIRES—GENERAL INFORMATION

Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:

1. Safety—

WARNING!

Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
• Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
• Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.

Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.

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2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.

3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.

Tire Inflation Pressures

The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the
driver’s side “B” pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the “B” pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.

Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than the
maximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.

The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are under inflated.

Tire Placard Location

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