Segment:
Compact car, targeting budget-conscious consumers and first-time car buyers
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Affordable, fuel-efficient, and sporty styling for its class
Reliability Perception:
Mixed, with some known issues but generally acceptable for the price point
Value:
Essential tool for accurate diagnosis and repair, saving on labor costs and ensuring correct procedures
Primary Coverage:
Complete repair and service procedures for the 1997 Dodge Neon
Intended Audience:
Professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive factory manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print (implied by 'factory' and common sales format)
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmission systems
Brakes:
Diagnosis and repair of ABS and conventional brake systems
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, and adjustments
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, and linkage
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim, and component replacement
Exhaust:
Exhaust system diagnosis and repair
Fuel:
Fuel delivery system, injectors, and pump service
Cooling:
Cooling system components, radiator, and water pump
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting procedures for common and complex issues
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Adjustment:
Alignment, clutch, and other necessary adjustments
Troubleshooting Charts:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause tables
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions required diagnostic tools and procedures (e.g., scan tools, multimeters)
Engine Code:
Various, but commonly the 2.0L SOHC 16-valve (AST) and 2.0L DOHC 16-valve (ACR) for performance models
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Valvetrain:
16-valve DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower Sohc:
Approximately 132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
Approximately 150 hp (ACR model)
Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU Type:
Chrysler's PowerPC-based controller (specific model depends on trim and engine)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A543 or similar)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 304/41TE or similar)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (for manual transmission)
Manual Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent meeting spec MS-9224, typically GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil)
Automatic Fluid:
Mopar ATF+3 (or equivalent meeting spec MS-7176)
Body Styles:
2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
Approx. 166.7 inches (4234 mm) for Sedan, 165.3 inches (4200 mm) for Coupe
Width:
Approximately 67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.1 inches (1374 mm) for Coupe, 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for Sedan
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and configuration, typically 2500-2800 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1997 model year review)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1997 model year review)
Brakes:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player, optional CD player available on higher trims
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker system with tweeters
Features:
Limited by era, primary focus on passive safety features and basic functionality. ABS was optional.
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher (check manual for specific viscosity grades and API classifications)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting MS-7780 or MS-9769 type II, typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type)
Engine:
Head gasket failure, oil leaks, timing belt tensioner issues
Transmission:
Automatic transmission hard shifting or slipping, manual clutch wear
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, dashboard indicator light issues, starter problems
Suspension Steering:
Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, and control arm bushings; steering rack leaks
Brand:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, known for a range of vehicles from performance cars to minivans.
Generation:
First Generation Dodge Neon (1995-1999)
Platform:
Chrysler PL platform, shared with Plymouth Neon and Mitsubishi platforms.
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years For Model:
1995-1999
