Segment:
Compact car, economy segment.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking a practical and affordable transportation option.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Value Proposition:
Affordability, decent fuel economy, available in coupe and sedan body styles.
Design Evolution:
Second-generation Neon, featuring a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to the first generation.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, internal components, cylinder head, block assembly, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel system (injection, pressure, components), air intake system, exhaust system, emissions controls.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair of the manual transmission, clutch, driveline components.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair of the automatic transmission, hydraulic controls, torque converter, related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rod ends, alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic components, ABS system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, gauges, switches, relays.
Body Exterior:
Body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim.
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, headliner, carpeting, HVAC system components (dash related).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, components.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts.
Maintenance Scheduled:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic procedures for various symptoms.
Repair Component Level:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components, from minor adjustments to major component replacement.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth Level:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and bodywork.
Engine Code:
420A (Standard on most trims)
Engine Type:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (16-valve)
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
ECU Type:
Manufacturer-specific ECU (refer to manual for exact part numbers and programming)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, EGR system (where applicable).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Refer to maintenance schedule, typically 90,000-100,000 miles or 7 years, but due to potential for interference, early replacement is advised if service history is unknown.
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.0 quarts (3.8 liters)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Oil Filter Part Number:
Ph2837 (Fram) or equivalent.
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Chrysler Specification)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring type.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 stars (2001 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 stars (2001 model year)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Acceptable (as per contemporary tests for similar vehicles, refer to specific IIHS archives for definitive data)
ABS:
Optional on lower trims, standard on some higher trims (Anti-lock Braking System).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, driver and front passenger pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional premium sound system available.
Display:
Digital clock and basic display for audio functions. No integrated navigation or advanced infotainment for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Available on select trims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not standard on this model year.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard. Aftermarket solutions may be available.
Anti Theft System:
Factory immobilizer system available on some models.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Refer to severe service schedule in manual.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, or more frequently under severe use.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (refer to manual for specific type and replacement interval).
Engine Common Problems:
Head gasket failures, oil leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, starter motor issues, accessory belt tensioner failure.
Transmission Common Problems:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, manual transmission clutch wear, synchro ring wear.
Electrical Common Problems:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, instrument cluster intermittent issues, power mirror switch failure.
Suspension Common Problems:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and strut mounts. Rattle from rear suspension.
Cooling System Common Problems:
Cracked radiator end tanks, heater core leaks, thermostat housing leaks.
