Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Vehicle Style:
Hatchback & Sedan
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, aerodynamic styling, sporty driving dynamics
Target Audience:
Younger buyers, economy-minded consumers, those seeking spirited driving
Purpose:
To provide comprehensive repair, maintenance, and diagnostic information for the 1997 Dodge Neon.
Coverage:
Complete Factory Service & Repair
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count varies by source, but implies comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable (Implies digital format, likely PDF)
Engine:
Yes (2.0L SOHC & DOHC)
Transmission:
Yes (Manual & Automatic)
Brakes:
Yes (Hydraulic, ABS if applicable)
Suspension:
Yes (Front Strut, Rear Torsion Beam)
Steering:
Yes (Power Rack and Pinion)
Electrical:
Yes (Wiring Diagrams, Components)
HVAC:
Yes (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Body:
Yes (Body Panels, Interior Trim, Glass)
Chassis:
Yes (Frame, Mountings)
Fuel System:
Yes (Injection, Pump, Lines)
Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, Fan, Thermostat)
Ignition System:
Yes (Spark Plugs, Coils)
Emission Controls:
Yes (Sensors, Catalytic Converter)
Maintenance:
Yes (Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements)
Diagnostics:
Yes (Troubleshooting Guides, DTC Interpretation)
Repair:
Yes (Component Removal/Installation, Major Overhauls)
Overhaul:
Yes (Engine, Transmission)
Rebuilding:
Yes (Specific Components)
Specifications Data:
Yes (Torque Specs, Clearances, Gaps)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (Comprehensive)
Alignment:
Yes (Wheel Alignment Specs)
Troubleshooting Charts:
Yes
Diagnostics Flowcharts:
Yes
Depth:
Full Factory Level
Coverage Detail:
Detailed procedures, diagnostic techniques, specifications, and diagrams
Engine Type 1:
2.0L DOHC I4 (Chrysler design, Mitsubishi block)
Bore X Stroke 1:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.8:1
Horsepower 1:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
135 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine Code 2:
1.8L & 2.0L SOHC (older Chrysler design, later replaced by 2.0L DOHC in some trims)
Engine Type 2:
2.0L SOHC I4
Horsepower 2:
118 hp (SOHC)
Torque 2:
124 lb-ft (SOHC)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank Electric
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-Speed Automatic (A500/41TE variant)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 (or equivalent DEXRON-III)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 7.7 Quarts (1.9 Gallons) for complete refill
Length:
174.4 inches (Sedan) / 161.9 inches (Hatchback)
Height:
53.0 inches (Sedan) / 53.6 inches (Hatchback)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2650 lbs
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 2850 lbs
Cargo Volume Trunk:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (Sedan)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 23.7 cu ft (rear seats up)
Wheel Size Std:
14 x 5.5 inches
Tire Size Sport:
195/55R15 (optional/sport trims)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated or 3-star (early models) / 4-star (later models, varying sources)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not rated or 3-star (early models) / 4-star (later models, varying sources)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for some model years)
ABS:
Optional (standard on certain trims/later models)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Seatbelts:
Front Pretensioner Seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
3,750 miles or 3 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty, synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, platinum recommended)
Coolant Flush:
30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
90,000 - 100,000 miles (Critical for DOHC engine to prevent catastrophic failure)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Problem 1:
Timing belt failure on DOHC engines if not replaced on schedule.
Common Problem 2:
Clutch wear and master/slave cylinder issues (manual transmission).
Common Problem 3:
Engine oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Problem 4:
Electrical gremlins, particularly related to grounds and connectors.
Common Problem 5:
Suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints).
Common Problem 6:
Rust and corrosion on body panels, especially wheel wells and rocker panels.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform with Mitsubishi Lancer/Mirage (PL platform)
Significant Changes 1997:
Minor cosmetic updates, potential powertrain refinements, possibly new trim levels.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1994-1999
