2004 Dodge Neon Owner's Manual - Page 114

114 STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts. Automatic Transaxle The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK position before you can start the engine. NOTE: You must press the brake pedal before shifting out of Park. 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. CAUTION! Long periods of engine idling, especially at high engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust temperatures 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. 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 procedure.