🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1998

Platform:

PL (Platform Neon)

Vin Prefix:

1D4

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Economy-conscious car buyers, first-time car owners, DIY mechanics.

Competitors:

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

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior for its class, driver-focused cockpit.

Performance Variant:

DOCH versions offered enhanced performance.

Value Proposition:

Affordable price point with good fuel economy and a surprisingly engaging driving experience for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely PDF or proprietary digital format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L SOHC (16-valve) and 2.0L DOHC (16-valve) engines, including diagnosis, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual (Getrag F23) and Automatic (Chrysler A577) transmissions, including diagnosis, overhaul, fluid changes, and electronic control systems.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, including axle shafts, CV joints, and differential service.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, including component replacement, alignment procedures, and troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system, including pump, lines, rack, and tie rod end service.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), front and rear disc brakes (optional on some trims), ABS system, including component replacement, bleeding, and hydraulic system diagnosis.

Electrical:

Complete 12-volt electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wipers, horn, power windows, locks, mirrors, and audio systems.

Body And Frame:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim, and frame repair procedures.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnostic procedures.

Chassis Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, and diagnostic test points for all chassis electrical components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacements, spark plug service, and brake pad replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and transmission control modules, and systematic fault finding.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension and steering component replacement, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, and electrical component repair.

Installation:

Procedures for replacing various parts, such as timing belts, water pumps, alternators, starter motors, fuel pumps, and suspension components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine control, body control, lighting, and accessories.

Torque Specifications:

Exact torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and component integrity.

Depth:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting charts for a wide range of issues.

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions with illustrations or diagrams for removing and installing virtually every component on the vehicle.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on necessary diagnostic tools, scan tools, and specialized equipment for accurate fault diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (e.g., PDF, executable program)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital format; printable pages will depend on user's printer)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Searchability:

Likely includes full-text search capabilities for quick information retrieval.

Illustrations:

Typically includes diagrams, schematics, and photographic aids for repair procedures.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

420 (2.0L SOHC)

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Displacement:

1996 cc (2.0 Liters)

Valvetrain:

SOHC, 16 valves

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Horsepower Net:

118 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Net:

124 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Performance:

420 (2.0L DOHC - ACR/R/ES trims)

Engine Type Performance:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Displacement Performance:

1996 cc (2.0 Liters)

Valvetrain Performance:

DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower Net Performance:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard DOHC); 140 hp @ 6600 rpm (ACR/R models)

Torque Net Performance:

129 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (standard DOHC); 131 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm (ACR/R models)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) for DOHC engines.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag F23)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (Chrysler A577)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate with diaphragm spring (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Getrag F23)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

169.1 inches

Width:

66.4 inches

Height:

54.7 inches

Wheelbase:

101.3 inches

Front Track:

57.2 inches

Rear Track:

56.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.0 inches

Passenger Volume:

90.4 cubic feet

Front Headroom:

38.3 inches

Rear Headroom:

36.5 inches

Front Legroom:

41.2 inches

Rear Legroom:

32.7 inches

Trunk Volume:

13.1 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

2700-2850 lbs (approximate, depending on trim and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

3700 lbs (approximate)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 stars (1998 model year)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 stars (1998 model year)

IIHS Offset Frontal Impact:

Acceptable (for early models, improved with later revisions)

ABS:

Optional (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags Front:

Driver and Passenger Airbags

Seatbelts Front:

3-point height-adjustable with pretensioners

Seatbelts Rear:

3-point lap and shoulder belts (outboard), lap belt (center)

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard on this model year.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available.

Speakers:

Standard 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker system.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil), or 3,000 miles/3 months (conventional oil, severe service).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, inspect every 7,500 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (Platinum tipped)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first (critical replacement item on 2.0L engines).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher, synthetic recommended for extended life)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.25 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant

Coolant Capacity:

6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) (with automatic transmission)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or specified power steering fluid

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issue 1:

Timing belt failure (leading to catastrophic engine damage if not replaced on schedule).

Common Issue 2:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on the DOHC engine).

Common Issue 3:

Alternator failure.

Common Issue 4:

Sagging headliner.

Common Issue 5:

Leaking valve cover gaskets.

Common Issue 6:

Automatic transmission torque converter shudder or failure.

Tip 1:

Regularly inspect and replace the timing belt on schedule is paramount for engine longevity.

Tip 2:

Address any oil leaks promptly to prevent further damage.

Tip 3:

Ensure proper cooling system maintenance to prevent overheating, especially in hotter climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

First Generation Launch:

1995

Second Generation Launch:

2000

Updates For 1998:

Minor styling tweaks, interior revisions, enhanced safety features.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

Production Span:

1995-2005 (first generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Magazines:

Frequently praised for its styling and surprisingly fun-to-drive nature by automotive journalists of the era.

Safety Awards:

Achieved good crash test ratings for its time, contributing to its appeal.