🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

First Generation Code:

PG

Platform:

Chrysler JA/JX platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, DIY enthusiasts

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier

Design Philosophy:

Affordable, practical, sporty styling for its class

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs on labor and potential diagnostic fees.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnosis, Repair

Specific Systems:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Driveline, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Frame, Interior Components, Exterior Components, Diagnostic Procedures, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (WSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Portability:

Easily accessible on laptops, tablets, or smartphones for use in the garage or on the go.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, oil pump, timing belt/chain, lubrication system

Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, evaporative emission control (EVAP), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), catalytic converter

Ignition And Charging:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP), Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP), alternator, battery, starter motor

Cooling And Heating:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, heater core, climate control system, A/C system

Transmission And Driveline:

Manual transmission (clutch operation, gear shifting), Automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, hydraulic control), CV joints, drive axles, differential

Suspension And Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear suspension (torsion beam, shock absorbers), power steering system, steering rack/gearbox

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on trim), brake fluid, hydraulic lines, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, anti-theft system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety belts

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problem identification and resolution

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation, component overhaul and rebuild

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECM diagnostic procedures

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, fuse and relay location charts, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic strategies.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Coverage Level:

Full factory documentation, equivalent to what a dealership technician would use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

SOHC 2.0L (1996 cc) I4

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.8:1

Engine Displacement Liters:

2.0L

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECM Type:

Chrysler SBEC (Single Board Engine Controller) or PICO (Powertrain Integrated Control) depending on build date/options

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Recommended at 100,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial due to interference engine design.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transmission

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific specs and capacity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, consult manual for exact type and capacity)

Clutch:

Hydraulic actuation

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 162.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 53.2 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 97.2 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,600 - 2,800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration (consult manual for specific VIN-based rating)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Generally rated well for its class at the time, but specific ratings can vary. Consult NHTSA archives for detailed reports.

ABS:

Optional on many trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.

Display:

Analog gauges and warning lights in instrument cluster.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend recommended for longevity), or as per severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with oil change. Example part number: Purolator L14006, Fram PH3795

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Example part number: Fram CA3904

Cabin Air Filter:

Not typically equipped on base models of this era.

Coolant Flush:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Use HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (consult manual for exact specification)

Engine Mounts:

Can wear out prematurely, leading to vibration and clunking noises.

Timing Belt:

Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage due to interference design. Adherence to replacement schedule is critical.

Rear Axle Bushings:

Can wear, causing handling issues and clunking over bumps.

Heater Core:

Prone to leaks, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket can degrade over time.

Fuel Injector Clogging:

Can occur due to fuel quality, leading to rough idle or misfires.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and affordable compacts.

First Generation Introduction:

The Dodge Neon was introduced for the 1994 model year as an all-new compact car designed to compete with imports.

1997 Model Year Changes:

Minor updates, often focused on comfort and feature packaging. The core design and powertrain remained largely the same as the initial launch.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA

Production Years First Gen:

1994-1999

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Dodge Neon was recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 1995 and 1996, highlighting its value and driving dynamics for the price.