Positioning:
The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly sporty compact car, offering a compelling value proposition in its segment.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.
Design Philosophy:
Designed with an emphasis on driver engagement, aerodynamic styling, and a surprisingly spacious interior for its class.
Performance Orientation:
Many models featured responsive engines and well-tuned suspension, contributing to a positive driving experience.
Professional Use:
Identical to the manuals used by dealership technicians, providing the same level of detail and accuracy for professional repair work.
Engine:
All aspects including: Engine Mechanical, Engine Control Systems (ECM), Fuel Delivery, Ignition System, Emissions Control, Cooling System, Lubrication System.
Transmission:
Covers both manual and automatic transmissions, including: clutch system, gearshift mechanism, internal transmission components, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, Antilock Braking System (ABS) if equipped, parking brake, brake bleeding procedures, component replacement (master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, lines).
Steering Suspension:
Power steering system, rack and pinion steering, suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, diagnostic procedures for all electrical components, starter, alternator, battery system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, locks, body repair specifications, paint codes.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor).
Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis, repair, and replacement procedures; seatbelt systems.
Maintenance:
Detailed instructions for all scheduled maintenance items including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, including interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Complete repair procedures for all major and minor components, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Installation:
Procedures for replacing various components, from minor parts like bulbs to major assemblies like engines or transmissions.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic values, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Extremely High: Covers everything from basic DIY maintenance to complex internal engine/transmission repairs, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork. This is a professional-level manual.
Digital Format:
Likely PDF, offering searchability and printability.
Print Quality:
High quality, featuring clear diagrams and legible text.
Binding:
Typically a durable comb binding or perfect binding for printed versions.
Paper Quality:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for shop use, often with a semi-gloss finish for clarity of diagrams.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.6 mm x 83.0 mm
Fuel Induction:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Peak:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (for 420A engine)
Torque Peak:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (for 420A engine)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
37-49 psi (255-338 kPa)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs.
Engine Control Unit:
Various modules depending on transmission and features, e.g., SBEC (Single Board Engine Controller).
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate (for manual).
Automatic Control:
Electronically controlled for optimal shift points and performance (for automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 synthetic gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3 (Chrysler Part # 04741110)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
Not explicitly rated or data unavailable for this specific model year. Early Neons had mixed results in crash testing.
IIHS Ratings:
Not readily available for this specific model year; later generations saw improvements.
ABS:
Optional Antilock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's seatbelt pretensioner.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (if using original equipment platinum-tipped plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change for 2.0L engine.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine and transmission mounts leading to excessive vibration, especially at idle or under acceleration.
Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings, leading to steering looseness and noise.
Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing.
Electrical Gremlins:
Issues with door lock actuators, power window motors, and intermittent dash warning lights due to wiring or module failures.
HVAC Blend Door:
Failure of the HVAC blend door actuator, resulting in incorrect temperature control or no air from vents.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (later Stellantis), has a long history of producing performance-oriented and practical vehicles.
Neon Introduction:
The Dodge Neon was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Sundance/Duster. It was designed as a global car for Chrysler.
First Generation:
The 1995 model represents the very first generation of the Neon (P-Platform), which ran from 1995 to 1999.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Belvidere, Illinois, USA, and Toluca, Mexico.
Platform:
Built on Chrysler's innovative 'P-Platform' (also known as the PL platform).