Dodge Neon 2005 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...........................7
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................49
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................71
5STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................111
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES .............................................149
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................163
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ................................................205
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .......................................223
10 INDEX ...................................................................233
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual .................4
mWarnings And Cautions ..................6
mVehicle Identification Number ..............6
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations ..........6
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on a laser
etched plate, located on the left front corner of the
instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This
number also appears on the vehicle registration or title.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys .................9
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................9
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............10
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................11
mSentry Key ............................11
▫Replacement Keys ......................12
▫Sentry Key Programming .................12
▫General Information ....................13
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped .........13
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......13
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........13
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .14
mDoor Locks ...........................14
▫Manual Door Locks .....................14
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........15
▫Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped ....15
▫Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped .......16
▫ Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) .17
mInternal Emergency Trunk Lid Release .......18
mRemote Trunk Lid Release — If Equipped .....18
mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped ........19
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................19
2

▫To Lock The Doors .....................19
▫Horn Chirp Feature .....................19
▫To Unlock The Trunk ....................20
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................20
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........20
▫General Information ....................21
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............21
mVehicle Theft Alarm — If Equipped ..........22
▫To Set The Alarm ......................22
▫To Disarm The System ...................23
▫Security System Manual Override ...........23
mPower Windows — If Equipped ............23
mOccupant Restraints .....................24
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................24
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....28
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....29
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............30
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................31
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags ...........31
▫Child Restraint ........................39
▫Transporting Pets ......................45
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ..........46
mSafety Tips ............................46
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................46
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ..........................47
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................47
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
The double sided keys
may be inserted into the
locks with either side up.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the shift
knob push button has returned to the out position. Turn
the key to the OFF position, turn to the lock position, and
remove the key.
NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place
the lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the key cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key
clockwise slightly, then remove the key as described. 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.
Vehicle Key Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2

Manual Transaxle
Depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7, Body Mechanism Lubrication
of this manual for external lock lubrication.
Ignition Key Release Button
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE