How to Change a 2005 Dodge Neon Water Pump

by Tim Anderson

The water pump regulates the temperature of the motor by circulating engine coolant from the radiator through the engine. If your 2005 Dodge Neon begins overheating and your radiator is full of coolant, then more than likely your water pump has failed and needs to be replaced. Replacing the water pump in a 2005 Dodge Neon is a complex task that requires a working knowledge of engines.

Step 1

Park your Neon in the garage on a flat area, or on the driveway, as long as it is a level section. Allow the engine at least an hour to cool before working on it. Jack the passenger side of the car up and place a jack stand under the axle. Lower the jack so that the vehicle is resting on the jack stand.

Step 2

Open the hood of the Neon, disconnect the battery leads and set them to the side. Locate the serpentine belt diagram on the underside of the hood. Refer to this diagram to locate the serpentine belt tensioner pulley.

Step 3

Place the drain pan underneath the radiator and uncap the drain plug at the base of the unit. Drain all of the coolant out into the pan and save it for later. Reference the coolant hoses running from the radiator, as you will need to disconnect these later from the water pump itself, and use the hoses as a guide to locate the water pump if you do not already know its location.

Step 4

Remove the passenger side tire with a socket and the ratchet, and locate the splash guard behind the tire. Remove the splash guard with a screwdriver, wrench or socket. Follow the hoses back from the radiator to find the water pump, which is behind the timing belt cover. Remove the cover by loosening the bolts.

Step 5

Locate the automatic belt tensioner for the Neon and attach a socket and the ratchet to the bolt on the pulley. Rotate it in the direction indicated on your serpentine belt diagram (varies depending on your exact Neon model) to relieve tension and remove the serpentine belt. Slide the belt off the pulley, then remove the belt from the crankshaft pulley located behind the timing belt cover.

Step 6

Remove the timing belt in a similar fashion to the serpentine belt in order to access the water pump, which is within the timing belt area, on the left side of the crankshaft pulley behind the gears. Disconnect the hoses from the water pump and remove the bolts holding it in place. Remove the water pump as well as the gasket The new pump comes with a new gasket.

Step 7

Replace the old water pump with a new one. Ensure the gasket is in the same place as the old one, and place the new water pump on top of it. Bolt it in place and reverse the entire process to reassemble your Neon. Put the radiator fluid back into the reservoir, connect the battery leads, lower the vehicle back to the ground and start the engine.

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