'Cold Climate Package' on my Neon?

03sxt · Post by **03sxt** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:44 am

I've been meaning to ask this question for a while now, but kept forgetting because it's not a huge deal. Shortly after I got my car, I noticed a couple things that made me think my car might have some kind of 'Cold Climate Package' installed, but I'm not sure if it's just me. Behind my grill (the two lower honeycomb grills) I have black styrofoam looking pieces that are plugging the grill. You can't tell it's even there unless you're up close. Is this normal on all '03+'s? Also, around my battery is a blanket looking thing with a plug & wire harness on the back of it? I thought this might be some kind of battery warmer, but I could be wrong. Any ideas? Thanks!

Here's a pic of the lower section of the grill that's plugged:

Frizbe · Post by **Frizbe** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 12:43 pm

yes both are normal for 03+

mospaxreton · Post by **mospaxreton** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:27 am

Yea I have exactly the same thing on my 03 SXT, well actually I should say I HAD. The battery thing I still have, but that foam crap I took it out and painted the front frame support thing behind it, I think it looks better... As for the batter "blanket" Im not sure exactly what it doest other than to keep the battery warm.. and the sensor to read how warm it is, I dont think it's an actual warmer.. heres a pic of the front end spray painted... :

03sxt · Post by **03sxt** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 2:54 am

That looks pretty good! I don't know if I'll go through all of the removing and painting though... I was just wondering if anyone else had this and if it was some option or something. I don't think there'd be any performance gains by removing the foam so I'll probably just leave it alone unless I get really bored.

2002srt4 · Post by **2002srt4** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 6:09 am

The foam just gives a little more cushion if you hit something. It'll keep your grill from busting in a minor bump. As far as the battery it is a heat sensor. Don't ask me what it does but that's what it said in the service manual.

RopeRat1 · Post by **RopeRat1** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:58 pm

The battery blanket is to protect the battery from high underhood temps.

The battery temp sensor is to tailor charging system voltage to battery temps. A cold battery has higher internal resistance and the charging system has to be higher to properly charge the battery.

Jonathan (RopeRat1)

03sxt · Post by **03sxt** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 6:21 pm

Great information, everyone. Thank you very much!

I can quit calling it a "battery-warmer-thing-or-something" now.