Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking practical and sporty transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Design:
Distinctive cab-forward design, available in coupe and sedan body styles.
Performance Variants:
Performance-oriented 'R/T' and 'SRT-4' (later model) variants offered.
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing and good fuel economy, often with sporty handling.
Coverage Scope:
All aspects of service, repair, and maintenance for Dodge Neon 1997-2005 models.
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands of pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emission controls, engine management.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, axles, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, power distribution, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, body controls, comfort and convenience.
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seating.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, inspection points.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance, test values.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and signal tracing.
Electrical Detail:
Highly detailed electrical schematics and pinpoint diagnostics for all vehicle circuits.
Engine Code Early Models:
EJ (2.0L SOHC)
Engine Code Later Models:
ECC (2.0L SOHC), EDZ (2.4L DOHC - optional on some trims)
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 132 hp @ 5600 rpm (varies slightly by year/calibration)
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (varies slightly by year/calibration)
Horsepower 2.4L:
Approx. 150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Performance Variants Horsepower:
Dodge Neon R/T (2.0L DOHC, 150 hp), SRT-4 (2.4L Turbocharged, 205-230 hp depending on year).
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Transmission Type Early:
5-speed manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed automatic (early years), 4-speed automatic (later years)
Sport Transmission Variant:
5-speed manual standard on performance models (R/T, SRT-4).
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (refer to manual for specific viscosity)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (for similar vehicles in its class, specific ratings may vary by year)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Acceptable (for similar vehicles in its class, specific ratings may vary by year)
ABS:
Optional on many trims, standard on R/T and SRT-4.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo, optional cassette or CD player. Upgraded Infinity sound systems available on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most trims.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on many trims, standard on sport/performance models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically found on factory systems; aftermarket solutions are common.
Bluetooth:
Not a factory feature.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil, consult manual for conventional oil intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (for platinum or iridium plugs, consult manual for specific types).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, refer to manual for exact specification and viscosity for climate).
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent, typically a HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) orange coolant.
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 2.0L engines), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), AC compressor failures, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), power window regulator failures, catalytic converter failure.
Engine Performance Issues:
Stalling, rough idle (often related to vacuum leaks, PCV valve, or ignition components).
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission harsh shifts or slippage.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler).
First Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1995 model year as a 1995 model, but this manual covers the facelifted PL platform from 1997 onwards.
Facelift Year:
1997 model year saw a significant facelift with updated styling and chassis improvements.
Second Generation Transition:
The second generation Neon (PG platform) began with the 2000 model year, which is also covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
Production End Year:
2005 (for the Neon nameplate in North America).
Initial Reception:
Generally well-received upon launch for its styling and value, but early models faced some reliability concerns.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable; early models often ranked below average, while later models and specific engines showed improvement. This manual is crucial for addressing common issues.
Emission Compliance:
Designed to meet federal emission standards for its respective model years; manual details specific emission control systems and testing procedures.
