🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

PL

Vehicle Platform:

Chrysler PL platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, economy sedan/coupe

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, DIY mechanics

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege

Design Philosophy:

Sporty styling, relatively agile handling, spacious interior for its class

Performance Variants:

High Output (HO) 2.0L DOHC engine in ACR and R/T models

Chassis Innovation:

Unique multi-link rear suspension designed for good handling characteristics

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the 1997 Dodge Neon

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, assembly, disassembly, servicing, troubleshooting, diagnostics, wiring diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L SOHC (16V), 2.0L DOHC (16V) (ACR/R/T models)

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (MPI), ignition system, emission controls (OBD-II)

Transmission:

3-speed Automatic (A500/40TE), 5-speed Manual (NV1500/2500)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), CV joints, differential

Suspension:

Front McPherson strut, Rear multi-link independent suspension

Steering:

Power rack and pinion

Brakes:

Front disc, Rear drum (standard), Front and Rear disc (optional/performance models)

Electrical:

12V system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, power accessories

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, glass, seals, interior trim, exterior trim

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components and service

Safety Systems:

Airbags (SRS), seat belts, anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped

Diagnostic Tools:

OBD-II scan tool procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation

Engine Repair:

Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head service, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft service

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid change, filter replacement, clutch service (manual), component replacement (automatic)

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, brake line bleeding, caliper service

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump service

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, circuit tracing, fuse/relay troubleshooting

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system charging, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser), blower motor service

Body And Interior Repair:

Panel replacement, door mechanism repair, window regulator service, interior trim installation/removal

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting charts

Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical schematics for all systems

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clarity of diagrams and images

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

420A

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Engine Code DOHc:

DOHC (High Output)

Displacement DOHc:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Horsepower DOHc:

150 hp @ 6200 rpm (ACR/R/T models)

Torque DOHc:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (ACR/R/T models)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pump Pressure:

38-46 psi (specified in manual)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-Speed Automatic (A500/40TE)

Automatic Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500/2500)

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (specified in manual)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

161.0 inches

Width:

66.9 inches

Height:

53.2 inches (Coupe), 54.7 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches

Front Track:

58.2 inches

Rear Track:

58.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.2 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 90 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 13-14 cu ft (Sedan), 10-11 cu ft (Coupe)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 3650 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (with side airbags)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (with side airbags)

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good (in later tests, improved over early models)

ABS:

Optional (4-wheel disc brake models)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard, optional side-impact airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo, cassette player, optional CD player

Speakers:

4-speaker or 6-speaker systems

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily power windows, power locks (optional), remote keyless entry (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific oil type)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., platinum)

Coolant Flush:

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

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable (uses a timing chain)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter (for 2.0L SOHC/DOHC)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific temperature ranges)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron III ATF may be used in some cases, refer to manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, PCV valve issues, ignition coil failure, AC compressor clutch failure, door lock actuator failure, front suspension components wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), occasional automatic transmission issues

Common Problems Electrical:

Wiring harness degradation in engine bay (chafing), gauge cluster issues, power window regulator failure

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

First Generation:

1995-2005

Platform Introduction:

Chrysler PL platform, replacing the Dodge Colt

Design Influences:

European design influences, particularly from Chrysler's acquisition of AMC/Renault and Daimler-Benz collaborations

Production Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Production Years:

1995-2005 (for the first generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1997

Wardsauto Engine Award:

The 2.0L DOHC engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld for its performance and technology in its class