🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Body Style:

Compact Car

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Market Orientation:

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) & Left-Hand Drive (LHD)

Platform Code:

PL (Neon/Stratus/Breeze)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1997 Dodge Neon was part of Chrysler's compact car offering, designed as a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle with a focus on sporty handling and a youthful appeal. It competed against established Japanese and American compacts.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.

Design Philosophy:

Cab-forward design for interior space, lightweight construction, independent suspension for improved handling.

Manual Value Proposition:

This factory service manual provides in-depth, official technical information critical for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1997 Dodge Neon, ensuring proper service procedures are followed.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1997 Dodge Neon (RHD & LHD Models)

Included Sections:

Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Clutch, Cooling System, Battery, Starting System, Charging System, Ignition System, Instrument Panel and Systems, Audio System, Chassis, Frame, Body, Emissions Control, Fuel System, Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Transmission, HVAC System, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

~1000-1500

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Cooling System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS), Differential, Driveline, Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrument Panel, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, ECU Diagnostics

Body:

Body Panel Repair, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Exterior Lighting, Bumpers, Hood, Trunk

Emissions:

Emissions Control Systems, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), EGR, EVAP

Maintenance:

Lubrication, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Coolant, Brake Fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Adjustments, Battery Testing, Tire Rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Fault Code Interpretation, Component Testing

Repair:

Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Replacement

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), Scan Tool Procedures, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair procedures, and component specifications for all major vehicle systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Printed manual

Quality:

Professional factory-grade printing, clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

Likely Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

A527 (based on Chrysler's ECC/SOHC engines)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.8:1

Horsepower:

113 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

125 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Pump Pressure:

37-43 PSI (255-297 kPa)

ECM Type:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

3-Speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Automatic Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.3 inches (2573 mm)

Length:

171.5 inches (4356 mm)

Width:

66.9 inches (1700 mm)

Height:

53.0 inches (1346 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg), depending on trim and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 stars (1997 Model Year)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 stars (1997 Model Year)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts, Rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configuration.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Hud:

Not applicable.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with standard plugs, or 100,000 miles with Platinum.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (or SAE 10W-30 for temperatures below 0°F/-18°C)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Chrysler Type MS-9769 (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially early models), coil pack failure, interior trim fitment issues, power window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, occasional ECU failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

Generation Start:

First Generation (1995-1999)

1997 Updates:

The 1997 model received minor updates, including revised interior trim and improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics. The RHD variant was introduced primarily for export markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Toluca, Mexico; Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1995.