Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Car. Positioned as an affordable and economical daily driver.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
Styling:
Distinctive 'cab-forward' design with a focus on maximizing interior space.
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a competitive price point.
Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, and those seeking an economical commuter car.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting charts and diagnostic flowcharts for all major systems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for all mechanical and electrical repairs.
Maintenance Schedules:
Comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules and fluid change intervals.
Total Pages:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, typical for full factory manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
2.0L SOHC (ECC) and 2.0L DOHC (DOHC) engines. Includes disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torque specifications.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission (ATX) service, including clutch, gears, and hydraulic controls.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, calipers, and master cylinder.
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, and linkages.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, charging system, starter, battery, and fuses/relays.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, and troubleshooting.
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, and exterior moldings.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) components, sensors, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing checks, and cylinder head service.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleed procedures, and ABS component replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon issues using diagnostic charts.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits.
Specifications Torque:
Precise torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.
Replacement Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for replacing virtually any component.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Engine Description 1:
2.0L (1996cc) 16-valve SOHC I4
Horsepower 1:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine Description 2:
2.0L (1996cc) 16-valve DOHC I4 (Optional on some trims, e.g., ACR)
Horsepower 2:
145 hp @ 6600 rpm (approx. for DOHC)
Torque 2:
135 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm (approx. for DOHC)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum recommended)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, P/N 04729541 or equivalent.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ATX)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler P/N 05013457GA or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (typical, consult manual for exact spec)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for 2002 model year, specific testing may vary by source).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on some trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front occupants.
Body Structure:
Unibody construction with integrated crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 100,000 miles (Long Life Platinum Spark Plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 10 years for OAT coolant.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Inspect every 30,000 miles, change if fluid is dirty or at 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on usage). Manual: Inspect periodically, change if performance degrades.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.26 L) with filter change (2.0L engines).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (recommended for most conditions).
Common Problem 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Problem 2:
Radiator failure or coolant leaks.
Common Problem 3:
Ignition coil or spark plug wire issues leading to misfires.
Common Problem 4:
Automatic transmission shifting problems or failure.
Timing Belt:
Crucial to replace the timing belt on the 2.0L SOHC engine as per schedule (typically every 100,000 miles) to prevent catastrophic engine damage. The DOHC engine uses a timing chain. The manual details this replacement procedure.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Generation:
Second Generation Neon (1999-2005). The 2002 model year is part of this generation.
Updates 2002:
Minor styling tweaks, updated interior materials, and some feature availability changes compared to earlier years.
Assembly Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years Overall:
1994-2005 (First Gen: 1994-1999, Second Gen: 1999-2005)
