🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Vehicle Generation:

Second Generation (PL)

Chassis Codes:

PL

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car (subcompact by some definitions).

Target Demographic:

Value-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, budget-oriented consumers.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Volkswagen Golf.

Unique Selling Points:

Often offered sporty trims (like ACR), good handling for its class, and a distinctive exterior styling. Known for being an affordable option with a decent performance envelope, especially the SOHC and DOHC engines.

Purpose:

To provide professional-level diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information for Dodge Neon models from 1997-2000, empowering owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

OEM Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on description)

Page Count:

Estimating based on typical OEM manuals for this era, likely 1000-1500 pages.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, component testing, diagnostics, performance tuning.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emission control systems, OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, ECU information.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission: disassembly, assembly, clutch system, shift linkage, bearings, seals, gear ratios.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (if applicable): disassembly, assembly, valve body, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive axles, wheel bearings, differential service.

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), steering linkage, alignment procedures.

Brake System:

Front and rear brakes (discs/drums), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor service.

Steering System:

Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, rust repair, panel replacement.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, carpeting, climate control system components, airbags.

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics, system repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt operation and maintenance, safety restraint system (SRS) diagnostics.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components and systems.

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing major and minor components, including torque specifications.

Diagnostic Tests:

Specific tests for electrical components, sensors, actuators, and mechanical systems.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, as well as advanced electrical diagnostics.

Detail Level:

High. Includes detailed exploded views, torque specifications, electrical schematics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their resolutions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and digital access.

Searchability:

High (assuming a well-formatted digital document with OCR).

Print Quality:

Designed for clear printing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

1.8L (1796cc) SOHC I4 (VIN 7)

Engine Code 2:

2.0L (1996cc) SOHC I4 (VIN Q)

Engine Code 3:

2.0L (1996cc) DOHC I4 (VIN P) - High Output ('ACR' and performance variants)

Horsepower 1.8L:

116 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque 1.8L:

120 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Horsepower 2.0L Sohc:

132 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque 2.0L Sohc:

130 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Horsepower 2.0L DOHc:

145 hp @ 6,500 rpm (standard DOHC), 150 hp for ACR

Torque 2.0L DOHc:

135 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (standard DOHC), 139 lb-ft for ACR

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder (I4)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) with 16 valves.

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. (Refer to manual for specific OE part numbers/recommendations like Mopar ATF+4 for some manual transmissions in specific years).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 or ATF+4 (MS-9602). Consult specific manual section for exact fluid type and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Length:

Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.8 inches (1392 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 2500-2700 lbs (1134-1225 kg), depending on engine and transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically around 3500-3600 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4-star (1997-1998 models, some variations may exist). Check specific model year for detailed results.

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4-star (1997-1998 models, some variations may exist). Check specific model year for detailed results.

ABS:

Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims or specific model years.

Traction Control:

Rarely available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models. Side airbags were not commonly offered on this generation.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player or CD player. Limited speaker configurations.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls with basic fan speed and temperature selection. Optional A/C.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Power Windows Locks:

Available on higher trim levels, manual operation on base models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Consult manual for precise intervals.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic is generally recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity and API classification (e.g., API SN or higher).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent. Usually a green or orange/red color. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170 or MS-9769) is often specified.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Always use fresh, sealed fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler power steering fluid or ATF+3/ATF+4. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade and leak, causing vibration.

Struts And Shocks:

Wear out, leading to poor ride quality and handling. Leaking is common.

Oil Pan Leaks:

The plastic oil filter housing can crack, causing oil leaks.

Ignition Coil Packs:

Can fail, leading to misfires and rough running.

Radiator And Hoses:

Plastic tanks on radiators can become brittle and crack. Hoses can degrade over time.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can develop play and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Brand:

Part of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), Dodge has a long history of performance-oriented and value-driven vehicles.

First Generation:

1995-1996 (PL chassis) - Introduced with a distinctive exterior design. Engines included 2.0L SOHC and DOHC variants.

Second Generation:

1997-2000 (PL chassis facelift) - Received exterior styling updates (e.g., revised front and rear fascias, integrated headlights), interior enhancements, and powertrain refinements. Introduced the 1.8L engine option for some markets.

Third Generation:

2000-2005 (BR/BG chassis) - Significant redesign, larger and more refined, with different engine options and styling.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (Belvidere, Illinois, and Sterling Heights, Michigan).

Production Period For This Manual:

1997-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The original Neon was a Car and Driver Ten Best list inclusion in 1996. The second generation continued the theme of a sporty, affordable compact but didn't repeat the 10Best designation.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings varied significantly by year and specific model, often highlighting good performance but also mixed reliability, especially with automatic transmissions and certain engine components.