Positioning:
The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, sporty compact car, competing in a segment with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cavalier. This manual is essential for owners and technicians looking to maintain and repair these vehicles effectively.
Competition:
Competed directly with a strong field of compacts from Japanese and American manufacturers. The Neon differentiated itself with its distinctive styling and available performance variants (e.g., Neon R/T).
Vehicle Features:
Front-wheel drive, unibody construction, comfortable ride for its class, spacious interior for its size, variety of engine options, and sportier handling on performance trims.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Generations Covered:
First Generation (1994-1999), Second Generation (2000-2005)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (aggregate estimate for comprehensive coverage across years)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (likely PDF)
Engine:
All engine types and variants, including DOHC and SOHC configurations, engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, and engine electrical systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch system, torque converter, transmission control systems, driveline, axles, and differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, power assist, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc and drum brake components, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, power windows, locks, mirrors, and related components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant circuits, climate control, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor.
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, roof, bumpers, body panels, chassis diagnostics, rust repair, and collision repair information.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, ignition system diagnostics, electrical diagnostics.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component replacement.
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including component specifications, tolerances, and assembly instructions.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, engine specifications, performance data, diagnostic specifications, and dimensional data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Code 1:
420A (2.0L SOHC I4)
Engine Code 2:
DOHC (2.0L DOHC I4)
Engine Code 3:
EK2 (2.4L DOHC I4 - ACR models)
Horsepower 1:
Approximately 118 hp (420A engine)
Horsepower 2:
Approximately 132 hp (DOHC engine)
Horsepower 3:
Approximately 150 hp (2.4L DOHC - ACR)
Torque 1:
Approximately 120 lb-ft (420A engine)
Torque 2:
Approximately 128 lb-ft (DOHC engine)
Torque 3:
Approximately 160 lb-ft (2.4L DOHC - ACR)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (for early models, with improvements in later generations)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (for early models)
ABS:
Available on most models, standard on performance trims
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years. Use HOAT coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, meeting API SJ or SL specifications.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange colored).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 synthetic gear lubricant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issue 1:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on early models).
Common Issue 2:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and rear main seal.
Common Issue 3:
Timing belt tensioner failure (on DOHC engines, crucial for timely replacement).
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump leaks or failure.
Common Issue 5:
Headlight switch failure.
Common Issue 6:
Sagging rear hatch supports (coupe models).
Common Issue 7:
ABS sensor failures leading to ABS warning light.
Dodge History:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to performance cars.
First Generation 1995 1999:
Introduced in 1995, the first-generation Neon was praised for its agile handling and spacious interior. It was available as a coupe and sedan with 2.0L engines, including a performance R/T model.
Second Generation 2000 2005:
The second generation arrived in 2000 with updated styling, improved interior quality, and the introduction of the 2.4L engine on ACR models. It continued to offer coupe and sedan variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
