Segment:
Compact car, entry-level to compact sporty sedan/coupe.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Hyundai Elantra.
Appeal:
Affordability, sporty styling (especially SRT-4 variant), decent performance for its class, relatively simple mechanicals for DIY repair.
Utility:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and undertake repairs, saving significant costs on dealership or independent mechanic services.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 2004 Dodge Neon.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, often distributed as printable pages)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L DOHC SOHC), transmission (manual/automatic), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, starting/charging system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (ABS/non-ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, interior trim, safety systems (airbags).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common symptoms and their causes, systematic diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Depth:
Detailed, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and component testing.
Digital Quality:
High resolution, searchable text, printable pages.
Printability:
Designed for clear printing of diagrams, schematics, and text.
Binding For Print:
N/A (digital format); if printed, likely bound for durability.
Paper Quality For Print:
N/A (digital format); historically factory manuals used high-quality, durable paper.
Engine Code:
EDZ (SOHC), ECL (DOHC) / Neon SRT-4: ECE (2.4L Turbo)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996cc) for SOHC and DOHC; 2.4 Liters (2429cc) for SRT-4
Configuration:
Inline-4 (I4)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 16-valve, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) 16-valve, DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged (SRT-4).
Horsepower 2.0L Sohc:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.0L Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L DOHc:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower Srt-4:
230 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque Srt-4:
250 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm (manual transmission)
Induction:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for non-turbo; 91+ octane for SRT-4)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified for gasoline engines)
Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L engines.
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag A578 for SRT-4, other Chrysler transmissions for standard models)
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed automatic transmission (41TE)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent synthetic GL-4 (viscosity dependent on temperature, often 75W-90).
Length:
Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm) for sedan.
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm).
Height:
Approx. 54.9 inches (1394 mm) for sedan.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm).
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and body style, typically 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) for standard models, around 3000 lbs (1360 kg) for SRT-4.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (driver/passenger) in some tests, but inconsistent across NHTSA reports for this generation.
IIHS Ratings:
Marginal to Acceptable in frontal offset tests depending on the specific test and year, common issues noted with seatbelt effectiveness and interior intrusion.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Drums standard, optional discs. ABS available on higher trims and as an option.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, especially with automatic transmission or ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts. Pretensioners for front seat belts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette. Optional Infinity premium sound system with subwoofer.
Display:
Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature. No central display screens beyond basic radio interface.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on most trims, standard on SRT-4.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Usb:
Not available from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at least every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item for 2.0L DOHC and SOHC engines. Recommended interval is 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (Chrysler MS-5774).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 (check specific model recommendations).
Engine Internal:
Head gasket failures, particularly on early second-gen models with the 2.0L DOHC. Piston slap on cold starts. Timing belt failure (critical maintenance).
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) wear out prematurely. Power steering pump leaks.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, instrument cluster issues, O2 sensor failures.
Exhaust:
Catalytic converter failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on performance variants).
Parent Company:
DaimlerChrysler (at the time of production).
Generation:
Second Generation (PL), 2000-2005. The 2004 model year falls within this generation's facelifted period.
Facelift Impact:
The 2003-2005 models received updated styling, revised interior, and chassis improvements. The SRT-4 variant was introduced for 2003.
Assembly Location:
Mexico (Toluca Assembly Plant).
Production Years:
Dodge Neon produced from 1994-2005 (North America); second generation 2000-2005.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Dodge Neon (first generation) was on Car and Driver's 10 Best list for 1995, highlighting its chassis and value proposition. The second generation built upon this but faced tougher competition.
Consumer Reports:
Historically, Consumer Reports has rated the Neon's reliability as average to below average in certain model years, often citing issues with the transmission and electrical systems.
Emission Standards:
Complies with EPA emission standards for the model year.