🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Years Covered:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Product Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Platform Code:

Chrysler PL platform (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Compact/Small family car, offering a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and sporty styling, competing with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.

Competitive Analysis:

The Dodge Neon, particularly in its second generation (2000-2005), aimed to provide a compelling value proposition with more refined styling and improved performance compared to its predecessor. It offered more features and often a lower price point than some key competitors.

Key Features:

Sporty design, available performance trims (e.g., SRT-4), spacious interior for its class, value for money.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Authorized Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, valve train.

Engine Performance:

Engine management system (ECM/PCM), fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (Getrag A568) overhaul, clutch system, gear shifting mechanisms.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (Chrysler 41TE/42LE) overhaul, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls.

Brakes:

Brake system inspection, repair, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link beam axle), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, heater core, climate control module.

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hoods, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seat systems.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage.

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic approaches for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions.

Alignment Procedures:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures.

Diagnostic Tree:

Flowcharts and decision trees for diagnosing specific issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, allowing for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EKG (2.0L SOHC)

Displacement:

1996 cc (2.0 Liters)

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Horsepower Ekg:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ekg:

130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code High Output:

EGA (2.0L DOHC - Turbocharged)

Horsepower Ega:

205 hp @ 5600 rpm (SRT-4)

Torque Ega:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (SRT-4)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for EKG, premium required for SRT-4)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) with Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/6 year.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change for 2.0L SOHC.

Recommended Oil:

SAE 5W-30 API Service Category SG or higher (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag A568 5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

Chrysler 41TE 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, torque converter clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Gear oil (refer to manual for specific API GL-4/GL-5 rating and viscosity).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 US quarts (7.1 liters) for initial fill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.4 inches (4429 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.1 inches (2644 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.1 inches (968 mm)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 36.6 inches (930 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 42.5 inches (1080 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 31.3 inches (795 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 13.5 cubic feet (382 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2750 - 3100 lbs (1247 - 1406 kg) depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3700 lbs (1678 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

4/5 Stars (2000 model, may vary)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

4/5 Stars (2000 model, may vary)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, may vary by year)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on some base models.

Traction Control:

Available on some models, particularly with automatic transmissions.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models typically featured an AM/FM stereo with CD player. Higher trims offered premium audio systems, and optional CD/cassette combination units were available.

Driver Assistance:

Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary driver assistance feature. Cruise control was a common option.

Connectivity:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Analog audio input may be present on some aftermarket head units or via adapters.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals). Check manual for specific guidance based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

NGK Platinum or Iridium spark plugs recommended. Replace every 100,000 miles.

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (2.0L SOHC engine features a timing chain; 2.0L DOHC Turbo engine also uses a timing chain). Verify based on manual for specific engine.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.

Common Issues:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket leaks, heater core issues, ABS sensor failures, occasional transmission control module (TCM) issues in automatic transmissions.

Srt-4 Specific Issues:

Clutch wear, turbocharger plumbing leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds on early SRT-4 models.

Tire Sizes:

Commonly 185/70R14, 195/60R15, 205/50R16, or 225/45R17 for SRT-4.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance-oriented vehicles and trucks.

Model Evolution:

The second generation Dodge Neon (2000-2005) represented a significant redesign from the first generation. It featured a more sophisticated exterior and interior design, improved chassis dynamics, and the introduction of the high-performance SRT-4 variant in 2003.

Production Years:

1994-2005 (North America)

Manufacturing Locations:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a consistent award winner, the Neon was recognized for its value proposition and affordability. The SRT-4 variant received significant critical acclaim for its performance and handling capabilities in its segment.