🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1996

Platform Code:

PL

First Generation Years:

1994-1999

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Dodge Neon owners, independent repair shops, automotive parts suppliers, restoration enthusiasts.

Value Proposition:

Provides definitive OEM part numbers and detailed visual breakdowns, crucial for accurate part sourcing and ensuring the correct fitment for repairs and maintenance.

Feature 1:

Comprehensive coverage of all vehicle parts.

Feature 2:

Manufacturer part numbers included for every item.

Feature 3:

High-quality exploded diagrams for clear visualization.

Feature 4:

Enlargeable views for detailed part inspection.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered Overview:

All mechanical and electrical systems, body components, and accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Large, comprehensive catalog (exact number not specified in product info, but implies extensive coverage).

Type:

Parts Manual Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, given common availability of such manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Engine block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing system, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold.

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch assembly, drive axles, CV joints, differential components.

Suspension And Steering:

Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, steering rack, power steering pump.

Braking System:

Front brakes (disc), rear brakes (disc or drum depending on configuration), brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, sensors.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels (hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid), bumpers, grille, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seats, chassis components, frame.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, ducting.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel filter.

Part Identification:

Identification of all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers for every component.

Assembly Disassembly Aid:

Utilizes exploded diagrams to illustrate the order and arrangement of parts for assembly and disassembly.

Detail Level:

Highly detailed, intended for parts identification, ordering, and understanding component relationships. Not a repair manual, but essential for parts procurement for repairs.

Diagram Clarity:

High-resolution exploded diagrams with zoom capability for precise identification of even small components and fasteners.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and searching.

Diagram Resolution:

Professional quality, with enlargeable views ensuring clarity of detail.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Various, but common for 1996 includes the 2.0L SOHC (ACR) and DOHC (3.0L V6 not common in Neon, but was available in other Chrysler products. Neon typically had 4-cylinders).

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Displacement:

1996 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm (typical for 2.0L Neon engine)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 9.8:1 (varies slightly by engine variant)

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard 2.0L SOHC)

Torque:

129 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (standard 2.0L SOHC)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Configuration:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 16-valve (4 valves per cylinder)

Mechanism:

Timing Belt

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate (Manual Transmission)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (Refer to specific manual for precise specs)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 (MS-7176) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Overall Length:

171.1 inches (4346 mm)

Overall Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Overall Height:

54.3 inches (1380 mm)

Front Track:

57.2 inches (1453 mm)

Rear Track:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approximately 2750 lbs (1247 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approximately 2850 lbs (1293 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, consult specific vehicle VIN.

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Intended for towing.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Four-star driver, four-star passenger (for the 1995 model year, likely similar for 1996).

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for the 1995 model year, likely similar for 1996).

ABS Availability:

Optional on most trims, standard on ACR models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in this era, typically relied on seatbelt anchoring.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims or as an option.

Display:

Basic digital or analog display for radio and clock.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims.

Auxiliary Ports:

None (pre-dating widespread adoption of aux inputs).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 70,000 to 100,000 miles or 7 years, due to the interference nature of the engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or as per manual specifications.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-3 years, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified 5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) compatible antifreeze (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 year/100,000 mile formula).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Automotive Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or manufacturer-specified power steering fluid.

Common Issue 1:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced at recommended intervals).

Common Issue 2:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.

Common Issue 3:

Rear main seal leaks.

Common Issue 4:

Suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods).

Common Issue 5:

Window regulator failure (especially in coupes).

Common Issue 6:

HVAC blower motor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, often with a focus on performance and value.

Neon Introduction:

The Dodge Neon was introduced for the 1994 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance. It was conceived as a competitive, fuel-efficient compact car with a focus on sporty handling.

First Generation Design:

The first generation (1994-1999) featured a distinctive cab-forward design, contributing to its spacious interior for its class. It was available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA and Toluca, Mexico.

Production Period:

1994-2005 (across two generations).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Dodge Neon was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1997, recognizing its sporty handling and value proposition.

Kbb Value:

As a 1996 model, its initial new car pricing would have been competitive within the compact segment. Current resale value is low but it holds enthusiast appeal.

Epa Fuel Economy City:

Approximately 22 MPG (for manual transmission, may vary).

Epa Fuel Economy Highway:

Approximately 30 MPG (for manual transmission, may vary).