Dodge Neon Srt4 (2005 year). Manual

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

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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.

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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).

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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

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101

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

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)
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.

102

STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your SRT-4 pro-
vides 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.

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103

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

⬙P⬙ 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:

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

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

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

= Temporary Spare tire

= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)

215

= Section Width in Milimeters (mm)

= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)

—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.

10.5

= Section Width in Inches (in)

= Construction Code

—

⬙R⬙ means Radial Construction.

—

⬙D⬙ means Diagonal or Bias Construction.

= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)

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105

EXAMPLE:

Service Description:

= Load Index

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

= 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:

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = 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.

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

= Code representing the tire size.(2 digits)

ABCD

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

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

—03 means the 3rd week.

= 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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107

Tire Loading and Tire Pressure

Tire Placard Location

NOTE:

Some vehicles have a “Tire and Loading Infor-

mation” placard located on the driver’s side “B” pillar.

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

108

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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. (1400–750 (5 x 150) =
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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109

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).

110

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WARNING!

Overloading of your tire 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.
• Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.

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

112

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Dodge Neon Srt4 (2005 year). Manual - part 7