I bought a 2004 SXT for my daughter last weekend and it has 56K on the clock. I checked the maintenance schedule and since I am a fan of preventive maintenance, I just cleaned the TB and replaced the air filter. I have a couple of questions though and I am hoping someone can help me out:

I want to have the automatic trans fluid and filter changed but the owners manual also calls out for a band adjustment. Is a band adjustment even applicable to this model and if so, is it necessary?

Also, I haven't had a chance to really explore the workings of the car yet so I wonder if someone can tell me where the oil filter and the fuel filter is located. I suspect that they are accessible from undeneath and I have ramps that I use for my 04 CTS (for the drain plug-the filter is topside) so if it is under, it won't be a problem.

Anyway, I had fun driving the spirited little car back from Newark, Delaware about 45 miles back to my house and my wife was mad because I left her behind in her underpowered Grand Cherokee with its anemic 6 cylinder. I think she will want to drive the Neon next time.

Please feel free to pass along any tips as I am interested in making sure my girl has a reliable car to get her through for the next 4 or 5 years.

It's funny, we had her test my neighbor's 2001 Buick LeSabre because it was such a good deal but as you can imagine, it just wasn't the car for a young lady (maybe a good car for a riverboat captain). Needless to say, whe was much relieved when we showed up with the Neon!

 

I don't believe the electronic transmissions need band adjustments, so no. Also, if you take it somewhere, just have a change done; not a flush.

Oil filter is directly under the engine right behind the oil pan. It is a vertically oriented filter. The fuel filter is supposed to be a non-serviceable part, but apparently the dealer does sell them as I learned in another thread. You'll have to drop the tank to get to it though.

 

having just looked over the maintenance schedule last night, with that recommendation (to adjust the bands), there is a little white diamond footnote, when you find that note at the bottom of the chart, it says this is only necessary if the vehicle is in police, or taxi service.

however since you originally posted this thread 20 days ago, i'll assume you've had the tranny flush done.

 

You may not be able to use conventional tire ramps with your neon since it does not have much front end ground clearance. When I used mine it scraped the front bumper and they started to crack.

 

yea the fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator is all one unit. they say that i never needs to be replaced. like any other filter out there it does get clogged. so chrysler tried to get me for a brand new fuel pump about 2 months ago when my regulator went out. but it wasnt going to happen. after about 15 minutes of back and forth stuff they finally told me that they do sell the filter/regulator by its self. so $115.00 later i had my car running again

 

Hey, I'm in Lewes, DE! Howdy neighbor!