Dodge Neon (2005 year). Manual — part 7

Mode Control (Air Direction)

The mode control allows
you to choose from sev-
eral patterns of air distri-
bution. You can select ei-
ther a primary mode, as
identified by the sym-
bols, or a blend of two of

these modes. The center point between modes gives an
even blend of both modes. The closer the control is to a
particular mode, the more air distribution you receive
from that mode.

Panel

Air is directed through the adjustable outlets in
the instrument panel.

Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor out-
lets.

NOTE:

There is a difference in temperature between the

upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.

Floor

Air is directed through the floor and side win-
dow demist outlets with a small amount through

the defrost outlet.

Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. This setting works
best in cold or snowy conditions that require

extra heat at the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the
windshield.

Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demister outlets. Use this setting with

maximum fan and heat settings for the best wind-
shield and side window clearing.

102

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Temperature Control

Use this control to regu-
late the temperature of
the air inside the passen-
ger compartment. Turn
the control clockwise to
increase the temperature
of the air entering the ve-

hicle.

Side Window Demisters

A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.

Outside Air Intake

When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.

The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.

During engine warm-up in cold weather, use the Defrost
mode to direct any cold air away from the occupants.

Air Conditioning — If Equipped

The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle.

The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere.

CAUTION!

If your vehicle was not built with air conditioning, The
manufacturer does not recommend that you install any
non-factory A/C system. The design of add-on air
conditioning kits may be inadequate. This may cause
damage to your engine or other components.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

103

4

The controls are as follows:

Fan and Air Conditioning Control

Use this control to regulate
the amount of air forced
through the system in any
mode you select. The fan
speeds to the left of the OFF
position are for Air Condi-
tioning. Choosing one of
these speeds turns on the air
conditioning compressor. The
fan speed increases as you

move the control counterclockwise from the OFF posi-
tion.

NOTE:

The air conditioning compressor will not en-

gage until the engine has been running for about 10
seconds.

Fan speeds to the right of OFF are for heater or ventila-
tion operation. The fan speed increases as you move the
control clockwise from the OFF position.

Mode Control (Air Direction)

The mode control allows you
to choose from several pat-
terns of air distribution. You
can select either a primary
mode, as identified by the
symbols, or a blend of two of
these modes. The center point
between modes gives an even
blend of both modes. The
closer the control is to a par-

ticular mode, the more air distribution you receive from
that mode.

Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct

air flow.

104

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor out-
lets.

NOTE:

There is a difference in temperature between the

upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.

NOTE:

If you choose either the Mix or Defrost modes

while the Circulation control is in the Recirculation
Mode, the system will automatically switch to the Out-
side Air mode and the knob will move to that position.

Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets and side
window demist outlets with a small amount

through the defrost outlet.

Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best
in cold or snowy conditions that require extra

heat at the windshield. This setting is good for main-
taining comfort while reducing moisture on the wind-
shield.

Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with

maximum fan and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.

NOTE:

The air conditioning compressor operates in

both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if
the fan switch is not in the A/C position. This dehumidi-
fies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve fuel
economy, use these modes only when necessary.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

105

4

Temperature Control

Use this control to regulate
the temperature of the air in-
side the passenger compart-
ment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler tem-
peratures while the red area
indicates warmer tempera-
tures.

NOTE:

If your air conditioning performance seems

lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.

Circulation Control

Use this control to choose be-
tween outside air intake or
recirculation of the air inside
the vehicle. Only use the re-
circulate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid
weather.

This control only operates in the Outside Air and Recir-
culate modes; there is no in between position. Do not
place the control between these positions.

NOTE:

Continuous use of the recirculate mode may

make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.

106

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

In cold weather, the use of the Recirculate position will
cause windows to fog on the inside because of moisture
build up inside the vehicle. For maximum defogging,
select the Outside Air position.

If the mode control is in the range between Mix and
Defrost and you choose the Recirculate mode, the mode
control knob will automatically move to the Mix position.

NOTE:

If you choose either the Mix or Defrost modes

and the Circulation control is in the Recirculate Mode, the
system will automatically switch to the Outside Air
position.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

107

4

Operating Tips

108

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the
A/C, PANEL and blower controls. Direct the panel
outlets toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate
without A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.

Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.

If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass

NOTE:

In cold weather, the use of the recirculate

position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, use the Outside Air position.

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.

Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.

The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

109

4

ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER

A push-button at the center of the instrument
panel, below the radio, turns the defroster and the

heated mirrors (if equipped) ON or OFF. An amber light
shows that the defroster is on.

NOTE:

The defroster turns off automatically after 10

minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.

CAUTION!

To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.

Rear Defroster Switch

110

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

m Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
▫ Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
▫ Starting In Cold Weather

(Below 32°F Of 0°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

▫ Extremely Cold Weather

(Below -20°F Or -29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

m Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 116

▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System . . . . . . . 116

▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . . 116
▫ Four Speed Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . 117
▫ Reset Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
▫ Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic

Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

m Manual Transaxle — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 119

▫ Recommended Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

m Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
m Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

5

m Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
m Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 127
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 128

m Tires—General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 135
▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 136
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
▫ Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

m Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
m Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
m Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 141
m Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

▫ Spark Knock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

m Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

▫ Fuel Tank Filler Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

m Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
m Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

112

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Trailer Towing Information

(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . 147

▫ Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

m Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

STARTING AND OPERATING

113

5

STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

CAUTION!

Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.

WARNING!

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.

Automatic Transaxle

The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting

out of Park.

Manual Transaxle

Place the gear selector in NEUTRAL, press the clutch
pedal to the floor, and fully apply the parking brake
before starting the engine.

NOTE:

The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal

is pressed to the floor.

Normal Starting

Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 5 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait
10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting proce-
dure.

114

STARTING AND OPERATING

Starting in Cold Weather (Below 32°F of 0°C)

Slightly depress and hold the accelerator before starting
the engine. Turn the key to the START position. When the
engine starts, release the key, then the accelerator pedal.
If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, turn the key
OFF wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.

Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)

To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails to Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure.

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

STARTING AND OPERATING

115

5

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a

complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has

come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle
speed.

• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into

any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly on the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You MUST press and hold the brake pedal

down while shifting out of Park.

Brake/Transmission Interlock System

This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON positions. Always depress the brake
pedal first,

before moving the gear selector out of PARK.

Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System

This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob push button
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the ON or RUN positions.

116

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.

Four Speed Automatic Transaxle

The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self calibrat-
ing; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci-
sion shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.

Reset Mode

The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle shifts automatically into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear despite the
forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral
(N) will continue to operate. This second gear limp-in
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transaxle.

In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.

Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).

Turn the Key to OFF then restart the engine.

Shift into D and resume driving.

NOTE:

Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-

mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.

If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.

Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.

“P” Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P
(Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the selector
in P (Park) position.

STARTING AND OPERATING

117

5