Dodge Neon (2005 year). Manual

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap–if equipped. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1mile
(1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.

Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.

Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12° F (7° C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.

Example: If garage temperature = 68° F (20° C) and the
outside temperature = 32° F (0° C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12° F (7° C) for this
outside temperature condition.

Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.

Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.

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WARNING!

High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).

Radial-Ply Tires

WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.

Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped

The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.

WARNING!

Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have limited
tread life. When two or more tread wear indicators
appear in adjacent grooves, the temporary use spare
tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to follow the
warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.

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135

Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.

Do not install more than one compact spare tire/wheel
on the vehicle at any given time.

CAUTION!

Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.

Limited Use Spare — If Equipped

The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use
on your vehicle. This tire is identified by a limited use
spare tire warning label located on the limited use spare
tire and wheel assembly. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited use spare

tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the same tire,
replace (or repair) the original tire and reinstall on vehicle
at the first opportunity.

WARNING!

The limited use spare tires are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more
than 60 mph (100 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold
tire inflation pressure listed on either your tire
placard or limited use spare tire and wheel assembly.
Replace (or repair) the original tire at the first
opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure
to do so could result in loss of vehicle control.

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Tire Spinning

When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).

See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section
6 of this manual.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And
don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.

Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.

Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.

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137

Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.

WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than

that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.

• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or

capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.

• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having

adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

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CAUTION!

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.

Alignment And Balance

Poor suspension alignment may result in:

• Fast tire wear.
• Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided

wear.

• Vehicle pull to right or left.

Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.

Tire Chains

If driving conditions require tire chains for your vehicle,
chains that meet SAE class “S” requirements can be used,
but they must be installed on tire sizes P175/70R14,
185/65R14, P185/65R14, 185/60R15, or P185/60R15 tires.
Contact your local dealership or tire dealer for these tire
sizes.

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139

CAUTION!

To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
• Because of restricted chain clearance between tires

and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Broken
chains can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could indicate chain
breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain
before further use.

• Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as

possible and then retighten after driving about

⁄

mile (0.8 km).

• Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large

bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.

• Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.

• Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions

on the method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the lower suggested
operating speed of the chain manufacturer if differ-
ent than the speed recommended by the manufac-
ture.

Snow Tires

Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.

If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.

Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).

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Tire Rotation Recommendations

Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.

These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.

Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the “forward-cross” shown in the
diagram.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy and performance when using
high quality unleaded “regular” gasoline
having an octane rating of 87. The use of
premium gasoline is not recommended.

The use of premium gasoline will provide no benefit over
high quality regular gasolines, and in some circum-
stances may result in poorer performance.

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141

Spark Knock

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel referred to as Reformulated Gasoline. Re-
formulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are specifi-
cally blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.

The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability for the engine
and fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Gaso-
line containing methanol may damage critical fuel
system components.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of The manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.

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MMT in Gasoline

MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasolines
blended with MMT provide no performance advantage
beyond gasolines of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown to reduce
spark plug life and reduce emission system performance in
some vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gaso-
lines free of MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline
pump, therefore you should ask your gasoline retailer
whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.

It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at higher
levels than allowed in the United States.

MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.

Materials Added to Fuel

All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal

conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:

• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.

• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.

• The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as

octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.

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143

Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:

• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-

nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

• Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to

prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.

ADDING FUEL

NOTE:

The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door

about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.

Fuel Tank Filler Cap

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.

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CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.

CAUTION!

A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp to turn on.

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you

hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.

If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunc-
tion Indicator light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is fueled.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel when the engine is running.

• Turn off engine.
• Rotate the gas cap to the left to remove.
• To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and

tighten to the right until at least one click is heard.

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145

WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

VEHICLE LOADING

Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Rear Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . 865 lbs. (392 kg)

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.

Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds

to the load on your vehicle.

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Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)

(Trailer Towing Guide(

NOTE:

For trailer towing information (maximum

trailer weight ratings) refer to the following website
address: http:// www.dodge.com/towing.

In Canada, refer to the following website address:
http:// www.dodge.ca.

Warranty

To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing. However the following
conditions must be met:

• The maximum trailer load for vehicles with the Stan-

dard 2.0L Engine and manual tranaxles is 1,500 lbs
(680 kg).

• The maximum trailer load for vehicles with the Stan-

dard 2.0L Engine and automatic transaxles is 1,000 lbs
(454 kg).

• If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,

all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.

• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed

20 square feet (1.86 square meters).

• The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of

the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.

• The “D” range can be selected when towing. However,

if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3”
range must be selected.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.

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147

WARNING!

Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.

• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

• Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer

size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.

• The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be

changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B” in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.

NOTE:

Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before

towing.

NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using

the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range

should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the
desired speed.

NOTE:

Extended driving at high RPM should be

avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
(Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)

Recreational towing on vehicle’s equipped with auto-
matic transaxle’s is not recommended.

NOTE:

If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four

wheels are off the ground.

If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transaxle, it
may be towed with all four wheels on the ground at any
legal highway speed, for any distance, if the transaxle is
in neutral.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

m Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
m If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
m Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
▫ Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

m Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low . . . 155
m Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

m Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
m Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

▫ With Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Dodge Neon (2005 year). Manual - part 9