🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Applicable Years:

1997, 1999, 2000, 2004

Platform:

PL

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Value-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, budget-minded families

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra

Design:

Distinctive 'cab-forward' design, aerodynamic styling

Practicality:

Spacious interior for its class, available as sedan and coupe (and later hatchback)

Performance Focus:

Sporty handling characteristics, availability of higher-output engines (e.g., ACR models)

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Combined Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2000 pages (cumulative for all years/models)

Manual Content Type:

Service Manual

Scope:

Factory-level repair and maintenance information

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine construction, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical and injection), intake system, exhaust system, timing system (belts/chains), engine mounts

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), engine control module (ECM/PCM) operation, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAF, MAP, O2, TPS, ECT), actuators (injectors, ignition coils), wiring diagrams

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, internal components, shift linkage, transmission fluid, repair procedures

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic system, transmission control module (TCM), shift solenoids, transmission fluid, repair procedures

Drivetrain:

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

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (torsion beam, shock absorbers, trailing arms), wheel alignment specifications, bushings, spring specifications

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses, fluid), steering column, steering wheel, linkage, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some trims/years), brake master cylinder, brake lines, brake calipers, brake pads, brake shoes, parking brake system, ABS system components and operation, hydraulic fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, horn, instrument cluster, warning lights, wiring harnesses

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant), heating system (heater core, blower motor), climate controls, ducting, cabin air filter replacement

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, seals, paint and corrosion protection

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpets, trim pieces, seat belts, airbags (deployment, sensors, modules)

Chassis Frame:

Unibody construction, frame components, mounting points

Fuel Tank And Lines:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, drive belt inspection/replacement, battery checks, tire rotations, wiper blade replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, common problem identification and solutions for engine, transmission, brakes, electrical systems, HVAC

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul/rebuild, transmission overhaul/rebuild, cylinder head replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, radiator replacement

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all components including sensors, actuators, fuel injectors, ignition coils, fuel pump, water pump, thermostat, exhaust components, interior trim, exterior lighting, mirrors

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), using scan tools, interpreting sensor data, electrical system testing (multimeter usage), pressure testing (fuel, coolant, oil)

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all major systems, including component locations, wire colors, and connector pinouts

Tightening Specifications:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, body components)

Bodywork And Collision Repair:

Body panel alignment, dent repair, rust repair, glass replacement, bumper repair/replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)

Detail Level:

Step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations for most procedures

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics including component testing, circuit tracing, and system analysis

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations

Readability:

Optimized for digital viewing and printing

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1997:

2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve, Code: A3) - 116 hp @ 5200 rpm, 130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Engine Code 1999 2000:

2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve, Code: A3) - 116 hp @ 5200 rpm, 130 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm; 2.0L DOHC I4 (16-valve, Code: ACR, PL) - 132 hp @ 5600 rpm, 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (ACR)

Engine Code 2004:

2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve, Code: A3) - 132 hp @ 5600 rpm, 139 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm; 2.4L DOHC I4 (16-valve, Code: EDZ) - 147 hp @ 5800 rpm, 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SX 2.0, SRT-4 later)

Hp Range:

116 hp to 150 hp (standard models); higher in performance variants like ACR and SRT-4

Torque Range:

130 lb-ft to 165 lb-ft (standard models)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (minimum)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EVAP system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1997 2000:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission 1997 2000:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission 2004:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (manual transmission)

Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant MS-9224 or equivalent)

Fluid Capacity Manual:

Approx. 2.2 Quarts (2.1 Liters)

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent

Fluid Capacity Automatic:

Approx. 3.9 Quarts (3.7 Liters) for drain and fill

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 1997 2000 Sedan:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Wheelbase 2000 Coupe:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Wheelbase 2004:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length Sedan:

Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Length Coupe:

Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Height Coupe:

Approx. 52.5 inches (1334 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 90-95 cubic feet (depending on body style)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 13.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2500-2800 lbs (depending on model and equipment)

Gvw:

Approx. 3700-3900 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact 1997:

4 Stars

NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact 1997:

4 Stars

IIHS Offset Frontal Impact:

Marginal (for early models, improvements made over years)

ABS:

Optional on most trims; standard on some later models or performance variants

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on most models within these years

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in early years; ISOFIX equivalents may be present on later models

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

AM/FM radio with cassette and/or CD player, optional premium sound systems

Display:

Basic digital or analog displays for radio, clock, and climate controls

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels

Anti Lock Braking System:

Available as an option on many models, becoming more common in later years

Usb Aux Ports:

Not available in these model years

Bluetooth:

Not available in these model years

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Manual: Every 50,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as recommended.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Approx. 90,000-100,000 miles (Critical for SOHC engines to prevent catastrophic failure)

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)

Coolant Spec:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based, HOAT - Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) - Pink color

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear and cracking, leading to vibration and noise

Alternator:

Failure of the alternator, especially with early models

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in control arm and sway bar bushings causing clunking noises and poor handling

Radiator And Cooling System:

Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack; water pump seals can fail

Cv Joints:

Outer CV joint boots can tear, leading to joint failure

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

Common in dashboard, door panels, and trim pieces

Evaporative Emission Control System:

Problems with charcoal canister, purge valve, or fuel tank pressure sensor can trigger check engine light

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar MO-090 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3731, Wix 51515)

Air Filter Example:

Mopar 4796795AA or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA3930, Wix 42253)

Spark Plugs Example:

Champion Platinum Plus (e.g., RC12LYC) or NGK (e.g., PZFR5N-11)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chrysler Corporation (Dodge division)

First Generation Launch:

1995 model year

Second Generation Launch:

2000 model year (significant redesign)

Project Name:

Project Phoenix

Production Location:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA

Production Years Covered:

1995-2005 (with specific coverage for 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10 Best list for its debut year (1995) and again in 1996, recognized for its value and handling.

Other Accolades:

Often praised for its innovative styling and surprisingly good driving dynamics for its price point.