Segment:
Compact car, focused on affordability and practicality
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Unique 'cab-forward' design, spacious interior for its class, distinctive styling
Sales Strategy:
Value pricing, aggressive marketing, sporty appearance
Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for 1997 Chrysler Neon models
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Professional Repair Manual
Format:
Likely printed paper manual, possibly available digitally as PDF
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Automatic and manual transmission service, repair, and diagnostics
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, struts
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped)
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack
Electrical Systems:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, horns, wipers, power accessories
Engine Control Systems:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) diagnostics, sensors, actuators, OBD-II
Body Systems:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seats
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components and service
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seatbelts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, fluid flushes, filter replacements, belt inspections/replacements, spark plug service
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems
Component Rebuilds:
Engine, transmission, brake caliper, steering rack rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits
Special Tools:
Listing and usage instructions for Chrysler-specific or special tools
Depth:
Extensive, covering from basic preventive maintenance to major component overhaul and complex diagnostics
File Format Type:
Print (Paper), potentially PDF
Print Quality:
Professional factory printing, clear text and diagrams
Binding Type:
Likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched for paper versions
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments
Engine Code:
3D (1.8L SOHC I4), 4D (2.0L DOHC I4)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, multi-point fuel injection
Displacement 1.8L:
1755 cc (107.1 cu in)
Displacement 2.0L:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Horsepower 1.8L:
116 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1.8L:
120 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 2.0L:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.0L:
130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Redline:
Approx. 6300 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Refer to manual for specific PSI range (typically 35-45 PSI for MPI)
Fuel Injector Type:
Solenoid-actuated, top-feed
Standard Transmission:
Getrag 5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
Chrysler A500/41TE 4-speed automatic transmission
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Manual Features:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent (ATF+2/3 for earlier specs, consult manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (e.g., 75W-90 GL-4) or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for refill
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (refer to specific NHTSA reports for exact details)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (refer to specific NHTSA reports for exact details)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, driver's side pretensioner
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - consult manual)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific temperature ranges)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Long Life Coolant (OAT type, pink) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Common Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, starter failure, ignition coil issues
Common Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, torque converter shudder, manual clutch wear
Common Suspension Issues:
Premature wear of control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends; strut/shock absorber failure
Common Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, instrument cluster problems, PCM failures
Common Body Issues:
Rusting, particularly on rocker panels and wheel arches; door lock actuator failures
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Introduction Year:
1995 model year
First Generation Code:
PL
Design Influences:
Cab-forward design concept, inspired by European compacts
Manufacturing Locations:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production Span:
1995-2005 (Two generations)