🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2005

Model Generation:

Second Generation (PL)

Platform:

Chrysler PL platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2005 Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car, often competing with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. It offered a range of engine options and styling variations to appeal to a broad demographic, particularly younger buyers and budget-conscious consumers.

Competitive Analysis:

Compared to its contemporaries, the Neon often stood out for its sporty handling characteristics and available performance-oriented models (like the SRT-4). However, it sometimes faced criticism for interior material quality and reliability in certain areas compared to Japanese competitors. This service manual provides the essential technical information for owners and technicians to maintain and repair these aspects effectively.

Key Features:

Accessible pricing, lively performance options (especially SRT-4 variant), stylish exterior design for its class, and a relatively straightforward mechanical layout for serviceability, which this manual fully supports.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All Service and Repair Procedures for 2005 Dodge Neon

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (comprehensive service manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical (2.0L SOHC and DOHC), Fuel and Emissions, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch, Manual Transmission (Getrag 5-Speed), Automatic Transmission (41TE/42LE), Driveshaft and Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc/Rear Drum or Disc), ABS, Body and Frame, HVAC, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), SRS (Airbag System)

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, Component Removal and Installation, Component Rebuilding/Overhaul, Torque Specifications, Alignment Procedures, Electrical System Diagnostics, HVAC System Service, Bodywork and Panel Repair, Special Tool Usage, Wiring Diagrams, Component Location Charts

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical system troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and schematics

Print Quality:

Printable on standard home or office printers

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L (1996cc) SOHC Inline-4 (16-valve, Chrysler Powertech)

Engine Options:

2.0L (1996cc) DOHC Inline-4 (16-valve, Chrysler Turbocharged, SRT-4 model)

Performance Sohc:

Approx. 132 horsepower @ 5600 rpm, 130 lb-ft torque @ 4800 rpm

Performance DOHc Srt4:

Approx. 230 horsepower @ 5300 rpm, 250 lb-ft torque @ 2200 rpm (SRT-4)

Bore X Stroke Sohc:

3.44 in x 3.37 in (87.5 mm x 85.5 mm)

Bore X Stroke DOHc:

3.44 in x 3.37 in (87.5 mm x 85.5 mm)

Compression Ratio Sohc:

9.4:1

Compression Ratio DOHc:

8.9:1 (SRT-4)

Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Turbocharged with intercooler (SRT-4)

Engine Management:

Chrysler Electronic Control Module (ECM), Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

Recommended Fuel Sohc:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Fuel DOHc:

91 Octane or Higher Unleaded Gasoline (SRT-4)

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag NM35/NM23)

Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE / 42LE)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MS-9070 (Manual Transmission Fluid, e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate (Manual Transmission)

Gear Ratios Manual:

Varies by specific Getrag model, typically around 3.45:1 for 1st gear

Gear Ratios Automatic:

Varies by specific 41TE/42LE model, typically around 2.80:1 for 1st gear

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Exterior Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Exterior Height:

Approx. 54.2 inches (1377 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.1 inches (2644 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg), varies by trim and configuration

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 13.0 cu ft (368 liters)

Cargo Volume Coupe:

Approx. 10.4 cu ft (294 liters)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Size Standard:

15-inch steel or alloy wheels

Wheel Size Optional Srt4:

17-inch alloy wheels (SRT-4)

Tire Size Standard:

195/60R15

Tire Size Optional Srt4:

205/50R17 (SRT-4)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings NHTSA:

Driver/Passenger Front: 4/4 stars (2005 model). Side Impact: Not rated for all configurations.

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum or disc brakes (depending on trim), Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, Optional side-impact airbags, Front and rear crumple zones, Side-impact door beams, Seatbelt pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Factory installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and optional Infinity premium sound system. Basic climate controls.

Driver Assistance:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). No electronic stability control or advanced driver-assistance systems available on this model year.

Connectivity:

Limited to optional steering wheel audio controls on higher trims. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check owner's manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions).

Service Intervals Coolant:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Check coolant level regularly.

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

SOHC: Approx. 100,000 miles. DOHC (SRT-4): Approx. 50,000-60,000 miles (special performance plugs).

Service Intervals Timing Belt:

For 2.0L SOHC and DOHC engines, it is highly recommended to replace the timing belt and tensioner every 70,000 - 90,000 miles or 7 years, due to potential catastrophic engine damage if it breaks. The manual details the procedure and specifications.

Fluid Specifications Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional (API Certified), check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate.

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Known Issues:

Transmission issues (especially automatic), suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, electrical gremlins, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), exhaust system corrosion, potential head gasket issues on some early models (less common on 2005), clutch wear on manual transmissions, turbocharger issues on SRT-4 if not maintained properly.

Tire Pressure:

Typically 30-32 PSI for standard tires (check door jamb sticker for exact specifications).

Battery Spec:

Group Size 34 or 35, 600-700 CCA recommended

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from performance cars to practical family vehicles. The Neon represented Dodge's entry into the competitive compact car segment.

Model Evolution:

The first-generation Neon (1995-1999) established the platform. The second generation (2000-2005) brought revised styling, improved safety features, and the introduction of the high-performance SRT-4 model for the 2003 model year, which became a cult favorite. The 2005 model year was the final year for the Neon in North America.

Production:

Manufactured by DaimlerChrysler. Production for the second generation (PL) occurred at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the standard Neon models received mixed reviews, the performance-oriented Dodge Neon SRT-4 gained significant recognition and praise from automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its aggressive styling, powerful turbocharged engine, and excellent value for performance. It was often lauded as a 'pocket rocket'.

Ratings:

Consumer ratings varied. While praised for performance (especially SRT-4) and handling, some models faced criticism for interior materials and long-term reliability compared to some competitors.