Dodge Neon Srt4 (2005 year). Manual

Points To Remember

NOTE:

When the vehicle is stopped after a few kilome-

ters (a few miles) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.

• Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
• Check coolant freeze point in the system.
• If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling

system should be pressure tested for leaks.

• Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene

glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.

• Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery

bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.

• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has

air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.

• Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter

operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.

Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tear, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.

Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.

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161

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.

Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.

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.

Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.

NOTE:

Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,

and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

Inspection of brake hoses should be done

whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.

WARNING!

Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.

Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp is on.

Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.

Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.

Brake Fluid Master Cylinder

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

163

WARNING!

Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.

WARNING!

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.

Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!

Manual Transaxle

Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.

Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16” (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.

Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.

Frequency of Fluid Change
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 of this
manual.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion

Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body car requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in you vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.

The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.

What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.

The most common causes are:

• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.

• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near sea coast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.

Washing

• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-

hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.

• If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-

lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible.

• Use Mopar auto polish to remove road film and stains

and to polish your vehicle. Take care never to scratch
the paint.

• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing

that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

165

CAUTION!

Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces. Many wheel
cleaners contain acids that may harm the wheel
surface.

Special Care

• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive

near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.

• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges

of the doors, rocker panels and rear deck lid be kept
clear and open.

• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,

touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.

• Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches or chips as

soon as possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.

• If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or

similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.

• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,

deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.

• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider

mud or stone shields behind each wheel.

Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially Aluminum and
Chrome plated, should be cleaned regularly, using mild
soap and water to maintain their luster and to prevent
corrosion. Wash them with the same soap solution as the
body of your vehicle. Rinse wheels thoroughly.

When cleaning extremely dirty wheels, care must be
taken in the selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemi-
cals and equipment to prevent damage to the wheels.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Only Mopar Wheel Cleaners are recommended. Any of
the “DO NOT USE” items listed below can damage
wheels and wheel trim.

DO NOT USE:

• Any abrasive cleaner
• Any abrasive cleaning pad (such as steel wool) or

abrasive brush

• Any cleaner that contains an acid which can react with

and discolor the chrome surface.

CAUTION!

Many wheel cleaners contain acids that may harm
the wheel surface.

• Oven cleaner
• A car wash that uses carbide-tipped wheel cleaning

brushes or acidic solutions.

Interior Care
Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.

Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery.

Mopar Vinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for
vinyl trim.

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.
Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

167

WARNING!

Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.

Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.

Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.

168

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in the vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.

1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content of abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.

2. Dry with a soft tissue.

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.

If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.

Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

169

FUSES

Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment; next to the battery. A label identifying the
components and circuits is located on the underside of
the cover.

FUSE

Amp/Color

Items Fused

—

40 Amp/
Green

Headlamps

40 Amp/Blue Ignition Run

30 Amp/
Green

ABS Solenoid

30 Amp/Blue Radiator Fan

Spare

40 Amp/
Green

ABS Pump

30 Amp/
Green

Starter

40 Amp/
Green

Electric Back Light (EBL)

Spare

20 Amp/
Yellow

IOD/Int Lighting/Radio

20 Amp/Lt.
Blue

Power Outlet

Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)

170

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

15 Amp/
Yellow

Hazard Flasher

15 Amp/Lt.
Blue

MTV

20 Amp/
Yellow

Electronic Automatic
Transaxle (EATX)

10 Amp/Red

Horn

Spare

20 Amp/
Yellow

Fog Lamp (Export Only)

20 Amp/
Yellow

ASD/Fuel Pump

10 Amp/Red

A/C Clutch

15 Amp/Lt.
Blue

Stop Lamps

Interior Fuses
The fuse access panel is behind the end cover at the left
side of the instrument panel. To remove the panel, pull it
out, as shown. A diagram identifying the components
and circuits is located on the inside of the cover.

FUSE

Amp/Color

Items Fused

10 Amp/Red

Power Mirror/
Multifunction

20 Amp/
Yellow

Wiper Switch/Motor

20 Amp/
Yellow

Radio/Power Sunroof

15 Amp/Lt.
Blue

Interior Lighting

Interior Fuse Panel

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

171

10 Amp/Red

Airbag Run Only

20 Amp/
Yellow

HVAC Blower

10 Amp/Red

Backup Switch/EBL/
Temp/Comp

15 Amp/Lt.
Blue

High Headlamp

10 Amp/Red

Airbag Run-Start

15 Amp/Lt.
Blue

ABS Engine Run Start

10 Amp/Red

ARKEM Run Start

10 Amp/Red

Ignition Off/Run/ Start

20 Amp/
Yellow

Power Seat Height Adjust

20 Amp/
Yellow

ARKEM Door Locks

15 Amp/Lt
Blue

Exterior Lighting

25 Amp/
Natural

Headlamp

10 Amp/Red

Lt Low Beam Headlamp/
Headlamp Level Switch
(Bux Only)

10 Amp/Red

Rt Low Beam Headlamp/
Headlamp Level Motor

10 Amp/Red

Fog lamps

Spare

CAUTION!

When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.

172

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.
You may:

• Disengage the mini fuse in the Power Distribution

Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).

• Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

REPLACEMENT BULBS

LIGHT BULBS — Inside

Bulb No.

ABS Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Airbag Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Brake System Warning Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Console Gear Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PC194
Dome Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T579
Glove Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PC194
Front Fog Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
High Beam Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PC194
Instrument Cluster Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . PC194
Low Fuel Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED

Low Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Rear Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T906
Seat Belt Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Security Alarm Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Malfunction Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
TRAC OFF Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED
Turn Signal Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PC194
Voltage Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LED

All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.

LIGHTS BULBS — Outside

Bulb No.

Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9007
Front Park/Turn Signal Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3457AK
Front Side Marker Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Front Fog Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9145/H10
Center High Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921–W16W
Rear Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Light . . . . . . 3157–P27/7W
Backup Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921–W16W
License Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

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173

BULB REPLACEMENT

Headlight Bulb Replacement

CAUTION!

Do not touch the new headlight bulb with your
fingers. Oil contamination will severely shorten
bulb life.

1. Remove the three upper fascia screws.

2. Remove two screws from the headlight assembly and
remove the assembly from the vehicle.

NOTE:

The headlight assembly is located to the fender

by a molded pin. Pull the outboard side of the headlight
straight out until the molded pin clears the fender, then
slide the headlight out from behind the bumper fascia
and grille.

3. Disconnect the electrical connector.

4. Remove the retaining ring and replace the bulb.

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!

During installation, be sure when tightening the
inboard screw, to only tighten until the rubber
grommet on the screw starts to compress against the
headlamp module housing.

Front Park/Turn Signal Lights

1. Remove the headlight assembly

2. Twist the bulb socket 1/4 turn and remove.

3. Pull the bulb from the socket and replace.

Front Sidemarker Light

1. Remove the screws and push-pins from the front
fender splash shield.

2. Reach between the fender and the splash shield, grasp
the bulb and socket assembly and turn it counterclock-
wise. Remove the bulb and socket assembly from the
light housing.

3. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace the bulb.
Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly and replace the
fender splash shield.

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175

Tail/Stop, Rear Turn Signals and Back-up Lights

1. Open the trunk and move the trunk liner away from
the rear light mounting area.

2. Twist the bulb socket 1/4 turn to remove it from the
housing.

3. Pull bulb from socket and replace

Center High Mounted Stop Light

1. Twist the socket 1/4 turn and remove it from the
housing.

2. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace.

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES

U.S.

Metric

Fuel (Approximate) 91 Octane

12.5 Gallons

47.5 Liters

Engine Oil-With Filter

2.4 Liter Turbo Charged Engines (5W-30, API Certified Engine

Oils)

5.0 qts

4.7 Liters

Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Turbo Charged Engines (Mopar

威 Antifreeze/Coolant 5

Year/100,000 Mile Formula)

8.1 qts

7.7 Liters

* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.

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Dodge Neon Srt4 (2005 year). Manual - part 11