🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2001

Platform:

PL (Second Generation)

Generation Designation:

Second Generation

Generation Years:

2000-2005

Chassis Code:

PL

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car, often targeting younger buyers or those seeking value.

Competition 2001:

Strengths:

Competitive pricing, sporty handling in some trims (e.g., R/T), and a relatively spacious interior for its class.

Weaknesses:

Perceived build quality issues, engine power could be modest in base models, and sometimes dated interior design compared to rivals.

Body Styles:

Engine Availability:

Primarily the 2.0L SOHC and DOHC engines.

Performance Trims:

R/T (Road and Track) trim offered enhanced performance features.

📋 Manual Details

All Systems:

True

Mechanical Systems:

Electrical Systems:

Body And Frame:

Comfort And Climate:

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Distinction:

Not an Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants.

Powertrain Control:

Detailed information on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sensors, actuators, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Brake System:

ABS, brake hydraulic system, disc and drum brake component repair, parking brake.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment procedures, power steering system.

Electrical Schematics:

Detailed, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed steps for all scheduled maintenance tasks.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair And Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation.

Rebuilding:

Complete procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding.

Specifications Torque Values:

Precise torque specifications for all fasteners.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

True

Printable:

True

Resolution:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text.

Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

ECC, ECE, ECH

Engine Type:

2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (GEMA engine family)

Displacement:

1996 cc (121.8 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm (3.44 in x 3.27 in)

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1 (typical for DOHC)

Horsepower DOHc:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm (standard DOHC)

Horsepower Sohc:

114 hp @ 5200 rpm (SOHC)

Torque DOHc:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (standard DOHC)

Torque Sohc:

124 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (SOHC)

Redline:

6200 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug ignition

ECM Type:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar variant

🔧 Transmission

Type Sedan Coupe:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 285 or similar)

Type Sedan Coupe:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE/AE)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Automatic Control:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check manual for specific part numbers)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar material number 05010057GA or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length Coupe:

166.4 inches (4226 mm)

Length Sedan:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height Coupe:

53.4 inches (1356 mm)

Height Sedan:

54.2 inches (1377 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.1 inches (2644 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 3600-3700 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

Standard Wheel Size:

14 or 15 inches (steel or alloy)

Optional Wheel Size:

16 inches (alloy, especially on R/T models)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm (4x3.94 inches)

Standard Tire Size:

185/70R14 or 195/60R15 (check specific trim)

Optional Tire Size:

205/50R16 (on R/T models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:

4 stars (2001 model year specific ratings may vary slightly)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:

4 stars (2001 model year specific ratings may vary slightly)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

4 stars (2001 model year specific ratings may vary slightly)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Impact:

Acceptable/Good (depending on specific crash test year and reporting)

ABS:

Available (standard on some trims, optional on others)

Traction Control:

Optional on some higher trims, typically linked with ABS.

Airbags Front:

Dual front airbags (driver and passenger)

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags available on select trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts; pretensioners for front seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with basic speaker system. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lamps for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trims or as an option.

Power Windows Locks:

Available on higher trims, manual operation on base models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil is recommended for longevity.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs recommended for DOHC engines).

Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles or 5 years (using HOAT coolant).

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 60,000 miles, or more frequently under severe driving conditions.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (for 2.0L engines)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30 (refer to manual for ambient temperature suitability)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler's approved HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent (typically orange or yellow).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified by manufacturer)

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some early 2.0L engines (particularly early DOHC) could consume oil; regular checks are important.

Engine Mounts:

Engine mounts can wear out prematurely, leading to vibration and noise.

Suspension Components:

Struts, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear, affecting ride and handling.

Radiator And Cooling System:

Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack over time; coolant leaks are not uncommon.

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

Common in many vehicles of this era, particularly with mileage.

Evaporative Emissions System Codes:

Can sometimes trigger check engine lights due to faulty purge valves or vent solenoids.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler (later Stellantis), has a history of producing a wide range of vehicles, often emphasizing performance and value.

Neon First Gen:

The original Neon (1995-1999) was a significant product for Chrysler, known for its spunky performance and distinctive styling.

Neon Second Gen:

The second-generation Neon (2000-2005), introduced for the 2000 model year, featured revised styling, a slightly larger platform, and updated powertrains.

Year 2001 Updates:

For 2001, the Neon received minor updates, including slight exterior trim changes and potential equipment package adjustments. The R/T trim continued to be the performance leader.

Assembly Locations:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Production Span:

1995-2005 (across both generations)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The original Dodge Neon was a Car and Driver 10Best list recipient multiple times, highlighting its chassis dynamics and value, though this specific 2001 model's recognition might be less prominent than the first generation.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings for this generation were typically average to below average in terms of predicted reliability.

Fuel Economy Est Mpg City:

24 MPG (for 2.0L SOHC Auto)

Fuel Economy Est Mpg Highway:

31 MPG (for 2.0L SOHC Auto)