🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2003

Trim Level:

PL (likely signifies a specific trim or fleet designation, requiring confirmation from the manual's scope)

Platform Code:

Chrysler PL (second generation Neon platform)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car.

Target Demographic:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families, fleet vehicles.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Attributes:

Affordability, decent fuel economy, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, available in sedan and coupe body styles.

Parts Catalog Value:

Essential for identifying and ordering correct OEM replacement parts, crucial for maintaining vehicle integrity and value.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Coverage Scope:

All major vehicle systems and components, including detailed part illustrations and numbers.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500-1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era, exact count not provided).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Drivetrain:

Engine assembly, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication, exhaust, ignition, engine control modules (ECM), clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drive axles, differentials.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear disc/drum configurations), anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior lights), wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, gauges, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system.

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels (hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid, bumpers), interior trim, seats, airbags, safety belts, glass, door hardware, seals, weatherstripping, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) components.

Parts Identification:

Detailed exploded diagrams of all major assemblies, illustrating component relationships and individual part identification with corresponding part numbers.

Interchangeability:

Information on component interchangeability where applicable, crucial for repair and sourcing.

Supersession Data:

Indication of superseded part numbers for updated components.

Depth Level:

Component-level identification and sourcing. Focuses on OEM part numbers and diagrams for accurate part ordering and replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text (dependent on OCR quality of the original document).

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to print specific pages or sections.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear part diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Type Description:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type Description:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

ECC / EDZ (2.0L SOHC I4)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated.

Displacement:

1996 cc (2.0 Liters).

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm (approximate, requires verification from detailed specs).

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1 (typical for EDZ/ECC).

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm (approximate for 2.0L SOHC).

Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate for 2.0L SOHC).

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

13.0 gallons (49.2 liters).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (42LE).

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (Getrag G358).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive.

Manual Transmission Features:

Standard clutch operation, direct gear engagement.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar Part # 05013457AA or equivalent).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant (check manual for specific Mopar part number).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm).

Width:

66.9 inches (1700 mm).

Height:

54.4 inches (1382 mm) for coupe, 54.9 inches (1395 mm) for sedan.

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm).

Front Track:

58.0 inches (1473 mm).

Rear Track:

57.7 inches (1465 mm).

Front Headroom:

39.0 inches (991 mm).

Rear Headroom:

37.2 inches (945 mm).

Front Legroom:

41.9 inches (1064 mm).

Rear Legroom:

32.7 inches (831 mm).

Trunk Volume:

13.1 cubic feet (371 liters) for sedan, 11.0 cubic feet (311 liters) for coupe.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-2850 lbs (1225-1293 kg), depending on transmission and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Requires specific trim data, typically around 3600 lbs (1633 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 stars (2003 model year).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 stars (2003 model year).

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 stars (2003 model year).

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

4 stars (2003 model year).

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags).

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this generation Neon.

Airbags:

Standard driver and front passenger airbags; optional side airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional premium audio system available on higher trims.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped with standard auxiliary input jacks; aftermarket solutions may be available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (5,000 to 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact schedule and oil type).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) with platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for specific type and gap).

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (check manual for specific viscosity and API service category, e.g., SN or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Green) - verify in manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type).

Engine Mounts:

Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.

Intake Manifold Gasket:

Plastic intake manifold can develop leaks, especially at the gasket.

Automatic Transmission:

The 42LE transmission can be prone to solenoid issues or torque converter problems if not maintained.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can be a common wear item.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket and rear main seal can develop leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Brand Focus:

Known for performance-oriented vehicles (e.g., Charger, Challenger) and robust trucks, though the Neon represented an entry into the compact segment.

Neon Generation:

Second Generation (1999-2005).

Design Changes From Gen1:

More rounded styling, improved interior quality, platform shared with Chrysler PT Cruiser and Sebring/Stratus.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

Production Period For 2003:

July 2002 - June 2003.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Generally received mixed to below-average ratings in initial quality surveys during its production run, a common criticism of domestic compacts of the era.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Often cited as having average to below-average reliability ratings, particularly concerning the powertrain and electrical systems.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.