🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Model Years Covered:

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Generation Designation:

First Generation (PG)

Platform Code:

PG Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Economy Car

Target Audience:

Value-conscious buyers seeking an affordable and relatively sporty compact car.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Saturn SC/SL

Design:

Distinctive cab-forward design, sporty styling for its class, available in sedan and coupe body styles.

Performance Options:

Availability of DOHC engines and 'ACR' (American Club Racer) variants offered performance upgrades.

Value Proposition:

Offered a compelling blend of price, style, and performance for the compact segment.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical Repair and Servicing

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Systems, Bodywork

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants including 2.0L SOHC (16-valve) and 2.0L DOHC (16-valve, '2.0L Turbo' on ACR models)

Engine Management:

Ignition, Fuel Injection (EFI), Emission Controls, Engine Control Module (ECM)

Transmission:

Manual Transaxle (e.g., A520, A555) and Automatic Transaxle (e.g., 31TH)

Drivetrain:

Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, axles, CV joints

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (Multi-link Beam Axle)

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion steering system

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc on performance models), ABS systems

Electrical:

Charging system, Starting system, Lighting, Power accessories, Fuses, Relays, Wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems

Body:

Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, latches, body structure

Safety Systems:

Airbags (SRS), Seat belts

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components

Electrical Diagnostics:

Reading wiring diagrams, testing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults

Body Repairs:

Panel alignment, rust repair, glass replacement

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls and complex electrical diagnostics.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes OE diagnostic procedures, trouble codes (DTCs), and recommended diagnostic tools.

Rebuild Information:

Detailed specifications and procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (16-valve)

Base Engine Power:

Approx. 113-116 hp @ 5200-5400 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

Approx. 129-131 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm

Performance Engine:

2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (16-valve, '315' or '322' engine codes)

Performance Engine Power:

Approx. 143-150 hp @ 6000-6400 rpm

Performance Engine Torque:

Approx. 133-135 lb-ft @ 4800-5200 rpm

Sport Engine Turbo:

2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 (16-valve, found in ACR and some R/T models)

Sport Engine Turbo Power:

Approx. 175-180 hp @ 5600 rpm

Sport Engine Turbo Torque:

Approx. 185-190 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher for performance engines)

Engine Codes:

Common base engine: 318 (2.0L SOHC), common performance engine: 323 (2.0L DOHC). Turbo engines vary.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., 31TH)

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated diaphragm clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check specific manual for exact specs)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar designation) or equivalent (check specific manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

Approx. 172.6 inches (4384 mm) for sedan, 173.5 inches (4407 mm) for coupe

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.7 inches (1364 mm) for coupe, 54.3 inches (1380 mm) for sedan

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2900 lbs (1180-1315 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varied by model year and test. Early models had mixed results, later models improved. Check specific NHTSA reports.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims/models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS) standard from 1995 onwards.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, three-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

SOHC: Approx. 60,000 miles. DOHC: Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum).

Coolant Flush Interval:

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

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical component. Interval typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 API certified (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API service classification based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.0L engines.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent green ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified) brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), exhaust manifold cracks, radiator leaks/failure, AC compressor issues, power steering pump noise, occasional transmission issues (especially clutch wear), interior component wear.

Timing Belt Failure Risk:

Interference engine design means timing belt failure can cause piston-to-valve contact, leading to severe internal engine damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, known for performance and value-oriented vehicles.

First Generation Introduction:

Introduced in 1994 as a completely new model for Dodge, aiming to compete in the growing compact segment with a focus on European design influence and sporty driving dynamics.

Mid Generation Updates:

Received a significant refresh for the 1997 model year, including revised exterior styling (front and rear fascias, hood, fenders), interior updates, and powertrain refinements. Safety features like standard airbags were also enhanced.

Assembly Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Production Span:

1994-2005 (First Generation: 1994-2000)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

Received positive reviews for its styling and driving dynamics at launch, particularly the performance models.

Import Alternative:

Positioned as a domestic alternative to popular Japanese compact cars.