🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2002

Platform:

PL (Chrysler JA/JC/JXI)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking to understand their vehicle's maintenance and repair needs.

Value Proposition:

Provides the detailed technical information found in official factory manuals, empowering users to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs compared to professional services.

Focus:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, comprehensive repair instructions, accurate torque specifications, and clear wiring diagrams are key features of this manual type.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

2.0L SOHC (ECC), 2.0L DOHC (DEK)

Transmission Types Covered:

3-speed Automatic (31TH), 4-speed Automatic (41TE), 5-speed Manual (NVT550)

Body Styles Covered:

2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 (comprehensive service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics.

Transmission Transaxle:

Automatic transmission (ATX) and manual transaxle (MTX) overhaul, diagnosis, and repair. Clutch system, gear shift mechanisms.

Chassis:

Suspension (front struts, rear torsion beam), steering system (power steering), braking system (ABS, disc/drum configurations), wheel bearings, drive axles.

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio systems, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), anti-theft systems, charging system, starting system.

Body Interior:

Body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, seat systems, airbags, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), doors, windows, glass replacement.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding, specific component testing procedures.

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems. Includes engine rebuilding, transmission overhauling, brake caliper replacement, etc.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters, alignment specifications, electrical resistance values, engine timing specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes advanced diagnostics and electrical system troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (if properly created PDF)

Digital Quality:

Variable (depends on source, generally clear diagrams and text)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

ECC

Engine Description 1:

2.0L (1996cc) SOHC 4-cylinder, 16 valves

Horsepower 1:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1:

130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Bore X Stroke 1:

87.6 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.8:1

Engine Code 2:

DEK

Engine Description 2:

2.0L (1996cc) DOHC 4-cylinder, 16 valves (High Output)

Horsepower 2:

150 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Bore X Stroke 2:

87.6 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Coupe:

5-speed Manual (NVT550)

Standard Transmission Sedan:

3-speed Automatic (31TH)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (41TE) - Available on some trims/engines

Manual Transaxle Features:

Cable-operated clutch, internal gear ratios specific to trim.

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up, specific fluid type (ATF+4).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length Coupe:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Length Sedan:

174.7 inches (4437 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height Coupe:

53.3 inches (1354 mm)

Height Sedan:

54.9 inches (1394 mm)

Track Front:

57.8 inches (1468 mm)

Track Rear:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Front Headroom:

~38.5 inches (978 mm)

Rear Headroom:

~36.7 inches (932 mm)

Front Legroom:

~41.8 inches (1062 mm)

Rear Legroom:

~33.0 inches (838 mm)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

~13.0 cu ft (368 L)

Trunk Volume Coupe:

~11.0 cu ft (312 L)

Curb Weight Base:

~2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

~3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 Stars (2002 model year testing)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 Stars (2002 model year testing)

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Not Rated (vehicle generation predates this testing standard)

ABS:

Available (standard on some higher trims or optional)

Traction Control:

Not typically available for this model year.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Airbags Side:

Optional side-impact airbags on select trims.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point, rear 3-point and center lap belt.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette or CD player, optional premium sound system with amplifier. Basic dashboard-mounted speakers.

Display:

Digital odometer, analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Basic warning lights.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional on many trims, standard on some higher-end variants or specific engine/transmission combinations.

Aux Input:

Not typically available for factory systems. Aftermarket solutions or FM transmitters are common.

Bluetooth:

Not available in factory configuration for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.

Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:

Every 60,000 miles (standard platinum plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:

Every 100,000 miles (iridium plugs recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for specific intervals and conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, ILSAC GF-3)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (ECC/DEK)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Manual Transaxle Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 GL-4 gear lubricant

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems Engine:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, cracked spark plug insulators (early models), coolant leaks from heater core or hoses, piston slap on cold starts (DEK engine).

Common Problems Transmission:

Automatic transmission clutch shudder or slipping, manual transmission synchro wear, noisy wheel bearings.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn front control arm bushings, worn ball joints, power steering pump whine or leaks, rear axle bushings.

Common Problems Electrical:

Faulty power window motors, intermittent gauge cluster operation, headlight switch failures, door lock actuator issues, failing BCM on some units.

Common Problems HVAC:

A/C blower motor resistor failure, evaporator core leaks, blend door actuator issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to performance cars. The Neon was part of its efforts to compete in the compact car segment.

Neon Generations:

The 2002 Dodge Neon belongs to the second generation (1999-2005) of the Neon. This generation saw redesigned styling, improved chassis dynamics, and updated powertrains compared to the first generation (1994-1999).

2002 Updates:

While major redesigns happened for 1999, the 2002 model year continued with minor refinements, focusing on reliability and feature availability. The ACR (American Club Racer) model was still a notable performance variant.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, USA.

Production Years:

2002 model year production typically ran from late 2001 through mid-2002.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

First-generation Neon (1995-1996) was a Car and Driver 10Best winner, highlighting its performance and value for its time. The second generation continued this reputation for spirited handling, especially in performance trims.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied for the Neon. While some years and components were better than others, early second-generation models often had mixed reviews for reliability compared to Japanese competitors. This manual is crucial for addressing common issues.

Emissions Certification:

Meets U.S. EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.