🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1999

Platform:

PL

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, young drivers.

Competitors:

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

Value Proposition:

Affordability, fuel efficiency, surprisingly agile handling for its class.

Design Philosophy:

Chrysler's cab-forward design language, contributing to a spacious interior for its exterior dimensions.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Parts Catalog

Estimated Pages:

500+

Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (injectors, rails, pump), exhaust system (manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers).

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission components, including gears, shafts, clutch assembly (for manual), torque converter (for automatic), seals, gaskets, internal and external housings.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive components, including CV axles, differential, drive shafts, wheel bearings, hubs.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bars, bushings, steering knuckles.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system components, including calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake assembly.

Steering:

Steering column, steering rack, power steering pump, hoses, tie rod ends.

Electrical:

Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), sensors, actuators, starter motor, alternator, battery components.

Body:

Exterior body panels (hood, fenders, doors, bumpers, trunk lid), interior trim panels, glass components (windshield, side glass, rear glass), seals, emblems, hardware.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, including evaporator, condenser, compressor, blower motor, heater core, ductwork, controls.

Part Identification:

Detailed diagrams with part numbers for precise identification.

Assembly Disassembly:

Visual representation of how parts are assembled and disassembled, facilitating component replacement.

Component Layout:

Illustrations showing the location and arrangement of various components within the vehicle.

Depth:

Component-level identification and OEM part numbers. Focuses on 'what' part is needed rather than 'how' to install it (typical of a parts catalog).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF for broad compatibility and searchability.

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear image reproduction of diagrams.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format, but implies a well-organized and indexed structure if printed.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format, but would be high-quality paper for printed versions to ensure diagram clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Engine Code Series:

420A

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower Est:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Est:

130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Performance Variant:

Dodge Neon R/T (higher output engine variant may exist for this trim, often with different camshafts or tuning, though the core engine block is typically the same 2.0L.)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Opt:

3-Speed Automatic (A500 or similar Chrysler transmission)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch (for manual transmission)

Automatic Features:

Torque converter lock-up

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (consult specific manual for exact type and quantity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 or equivalent (consult specific manual for exact type and quantity)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length Sedan:

173.6 inches (4409 mm)

Length Coupe:

174.0 inches (4420 mm)

Width:

67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height Sedan:

53.1 inches (1349 mm)

Height Coupe:

53.5 inches (1359 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg) depending on body style and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg)

Wheel Size Standard:

14-inch or 15-inch steel or alloy

Tire Size Standard Est:

P185/70R14 or P195/60R15

Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver Est:

Good (for comparable models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Est:

Good (for comparable models)

IIHS Side Impact Est:

Acceptable to Poor (depending on specific year and testing parameters)

ABS:

Available on some trims, optional.

Traction Control:

Rarely available on base models, may be present on performance variants.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure (common for compact cars of this era).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an aftermarket upgrade.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims.

Rear Defroster:

Standard on most models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not available on factory audio systems; requires aftermarket modification.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Est:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions).

Engine Coolant Flush Interval Est:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Est:

Manual: Every 60,000 miles; Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on driving).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Est:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval Est:

Not applicable, uses a timing chain.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SJ, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity and API service category).

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Issues:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), radiator leaks, alternator failures, starter motor issues, potential for oil dilution with fuel in early models.

Transmission Issues:

Automatic transmission hard shifting or failure, manual clutch wear, shifter cable issues.

Suspension Issues:

Premature wear of ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings, strut mounts. Strut leaks.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, intermittent electrical gremlins due to wiring harness wear.

Body Issues:

Rust around wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels. Door seal degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

Generation:

First Generation (1995-1999)

Introduction Year:

1995

Facelift Year:

1998 (minor cosmetic updates)

Manufacturing Plant:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA

Production Years:

1995-2005 (First Gen: 1995-1999, Second Gen: 2000-2005)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 1997 and 1998, recognized for its handling and value.