Vehicle Segment:
Compact car
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, home repair enthusiasts, automotive technicians
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Vehicle Appeal:
Affordable pricing, sporty handling (especially R/T and SRT-4 models), distinctive styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs, empowers owners with detailed knowledge, supports both basic upkeep and complex troubleshooting.
Model Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Trim Levels Covered:
All trims including ES, SE, SXT, R/T, SRT-4 (where applicable to specific model years within the range)
Engine Variants Covered:
All engine options for the specified model years
Transmission Types Covered:
All transmission options (manual and automatic) for the specified model years
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by edition, typically 2000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all applicable engine variants (e.g., 2.0L DOHC, 2.4L DOHC Turbocharged for SRT-4).
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emission controls, cooling systems, lubrication systems, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch assembly, gear train, and shifting mechanisms.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential systems.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox, tie rods, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum where applicable), including brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Complete electrical schematics, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, and accessory systems.
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, mirrors, bumpers, hood, trunk, and structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Body Electronics:
Airbag system, body control modules (BCM), immobilizer systems, and remote keyless entry.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical system diagnostics and component replacement.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor components of the vehicle.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across the vehicle.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code 2.0L DOHc:
ECC/EDZ (SOHC), AEV (DOHC - often found in higher trims or specific years)
Displacement 2.0L DOHc:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Horsepower 2.0L DOHc:
Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm (for DOHC variants)
Torque 2.0L DOHc:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for DOHC variants)
Engine Code 2.4L Turbo:
BCC (2.4L DOHC Turbocharged - SRT-4)
Displacement 2.4L Turbo:
2429 cc (148.2 cu in)
Horsepower 2.4L Turbo:
205 hp @ 5800 rpm (SRT-4)
Torque 2.4L Turbo:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (SRT-4)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended for naturally aspirated; 91 octane recommended for SRT-4)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs; consult manual for specific type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual: Typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (API certified). Use synthetic for best performance.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on earlier 2.0L engines), oil leaks, ignition coil failures.
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, failing front struts, ball joint wear.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Common Problems Body:
Rust issues on rocker panels and wheel wells, interior trim degradation.
Dodge Neon Legacy:
Successor to the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance, positioned as an affordable and sporty compact car.
Generation:
Second Generation (PG platform), introduced for the 2000 model year, featuring a significant redesign over the first generation.
Srt-4 Introduction:
The high-performance SRT-4 variant was introduced in 2003, featuring a turbocharged 2.4L engine and aggressive styling.
Production Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years Overall:
1994-2005 (First Gen: 1995-1999, Second Gen: 2000-2005)