Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, Dodge Neon owners
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Value Proposition:
Provides complete, authoritative factory-level repair and maintenance information for all 1997 Dodge Neon models.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, axles, driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear disc/drum)
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting systems, instrument cluster, power accessories, charging system, starting system, infotainment wiring
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, HVAC system, climate control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major overhauls, minor adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams for fault finding
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Displacement Sohc:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Configuration Sohc:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valve Train Sohc:
SOHC, 16-valve (4 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Code DOHc:
DOHC (ACR/SRT variant)
Engine Displacement DOHc:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Valve Train DOHc:
DOHC, 16-valve (4 valves per cylinder)
Horsepower DOHc:
145 hp @ 6400 rpm (standard DOHC), 150 hp (ACR)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (standard DOHC), 130 lb-ft (ACR)
Induction Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 octane recommended for optimal performance, especially DOHC)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed manual
Transmission Type Opt:
3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite A604)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MS-9070 ATF or equivalent (check specific manual section for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Type 7176) or equivalent
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 stars (as per contemporary testing standards)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 stars (as per contemporary testing standards)
Brakes:
Front: Power-assisted vented discs; Rear: Power-assisted discs or drums (model dependent)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 3 years
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on type)
Engine Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.2 Liters) for 2.0L engines
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 API SG or SH (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Engine Head Gasket:
Prone to failure on early models, especially with the 2.0L DOHC.
Automatic Transmission:
A604 can exhibit shifting issues or failure if not maintained.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are common with mileage.
Electrical:
Ignition coil packs, power window regulators, and HVAC blower motor resistor can fail.
