🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2000

Platform:

PL2 (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, DIY enthusiasts.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Affordable pricing, sporty handling (especially ACR models), fuel efficiency, distinctive styling.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options Covered:

2.0L SOHC (AGZ), 2.0L DOHC (AEM)

Transmission Options Covered:

Manual (NVT-150), Automatic (A413)

Trim Levels Covered:

All (e.g., ES, SE, ACR)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (2.0L SOHC/DOHC), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU/PCM), manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, drivetrain components (axles, CV joints).

Chassis:

Steering system, suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear independent trailing arm/coil spring), braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheel bearings, hubs, ABS system.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, HVAC blower motor, SRS (Airbag) system, anti-theft system.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, airbags, body control module (BCM).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, sensor data interpretation.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, seals), cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints), power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, HVAC system repair.

Installation Adjustment:

Timing belt replacement and tensioning, fuel injector replacement, starter motor installation, alternator installation, suspension alignment procedures, brake bleeding, battery terminal cleaning and connection.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and specifications for adjustments and repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Code:

AGZ

Engine 1 Type:

2.0L SOHC Inline-4

Engine 1 Displacement:

1996 cc

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Engine 1 Horsepower:

116 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

124 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Code:

AEM

Engine 2 Type:

2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (16-valve)

Engine 2 Displacement:

1996 cc

Engine 2 Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm (145 hp for ACR)

Engine 2 Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (135 lb-ft for ACR)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECM Type:

Proprietary Chrysler NGC/JTEC (depending on model year revisions)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-Speed Manual (NVT-150)

Transmission 2 Type:

4-Speed Automatic (A413)

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

53.9 inches (1370 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

2700 lbs (1225 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

2950 lbs (1338 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

3570 lbs (1620 kg) - approximate

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

Trunk Volume:

12.5 cu ft (354 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

★★★★ (4 Stars)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

★★★★ (4 Stars)

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (optional rear discs on some trims).

ABS:

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

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags not typically available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with optional premium sound system. Auxiliary input not standard.

Navigation:

Not available.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Parking Assist:

Not available.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

Usb Port:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (preferred) or 10W-30 Conventional.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator PL14610, Fram PH3614)

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years for SOHC and DOHC engines. **Crucial maintenance item due to interference engine design.**

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT-compatible, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Color: often orange or pink.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler power steering fluid or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific recommendation).

Engine Common Issues:

Timing belt failure (critical), coolant leaks (heater core, head gasket), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), carbon buildup on intake valves (DOHC).

Transmission Common Issues:

Automatic transmission shifting issues, manual transmission clutch wear, synchro ring wear in manual transmissions.

Suspension Common Issues:

Worn front struts, ball joints, and control arm bushings; rear suspension bushings can also wear out.

Electrical Common Issues:

Faulty window regulators, HVAC blower motor failures, intermittent electrical gremlins due to wiring harness issues, weak battery charging (alternator).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origins:

Dodge, an American brand founded in 1914, historically known for performance and muscle cars.

Neon Generation:

Second Generation (1999-2005).

Platform Change:

Based on Chrysler's PL2 platform, shared with SRT-4 variants in later years.

Production Period:

1994-2005

Manufacturing Locations:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1995 and 1996 for the first-generation Neon.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Nominee for MotorTrend Car of the Year upon initial release.

Reliability:

Mixed, with significant variability depending on maintenance and specific model year. Timing belt maintenance is critical for reliability.