Dodge Neon SRT (2005 year). Manual

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.

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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.

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

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

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

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

TURBO BOOST GAUGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a boost gauge that indi-
cates the intake manifold pressure relative to barometric
pressure. The engine management system in your vehicle
intelligently regulates intake manifold pressure based on
environmental (ambient) and engine operating condi-
tions. With the accelerator pedal fully depressed, it is
normal for the maximum intake manifold pressure
(boost) to vary from 11 to 15 psi.

If low octane fuel (below the recommended 91 octane
(R+M)/2)) is used, boost will be reduced significantly.
Normal boost levels will return once the recommended
fuel is used and the engine controller adapts to the fuel
octane level.

Turbo Boost Gauge

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

▫ Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
▫ Starting In Cold Weather (Below 32°F Or 0°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

䡵 Manual Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

▫ Recommended Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

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

䡵 Tires—General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
▫ Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
▫ Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 120
䡵 Selecting Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

▫ 2.4L Turbo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

▫ Spark Knock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

▫ Fuel Tank Filler Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

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.

Starting in Cold Weather (Below 32°F or 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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. 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 improperly, 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

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.

Turbocharger “Cool Down”

NOTE:

Letting the engine idle after severe operation

allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operating
temperature.

The following chart should be used as a guide in deter-
minning the amount of engine idle time required to
sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut
down, depending upon the type of driving and the
amount of cargo.

TURBOCHARGER

ⴖCOOL DOWNⴖ CHART

Driving Conditions

Idle Time (in minutes) Before Shut Down

Normal Driving

Not required.

Aggressive Driving or Heavily Loaded

STARTING AND OPERATING

MANUAL TRANSAXLE
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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

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

NORMAL ACCELERATION SHIFT

SPEEDS

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.4L

TURBO

(24)

(40)

(53)

(71)

TABLE 2-MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED

SHIFT SPEEDS

IN MPH (KM/H)

ENGINE

CRUISE SHIFT SPEEDS

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.4L

TURBO

(26)

(32)

(45)

(61)

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

STARTING AND OPERATING

TABLE 3-MANUAL TRANSAXLE RECOMMENDED

SHIFT SPEEDS

IN MPH (KM/H)

ENGINE

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE SHIFT

SPEEDS

SIZE

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.4L

TURBO

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.

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.

100

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 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,, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a
uphill grade.

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.

Parking Brake Lever

STARTING AND OPERATING

101

Dodge Neon SRT (2005 year). Manual - part 6