Positioning:
The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, sporty compact car, appealing to a younger demographic and those seeking value.
Competitors 2004:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege.
Performance Variants:
The 2004 model year offered the potent SRT-4 variant, a significant performance upgrade over standard models.
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on diagnostic scan tools and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Audio System, Anti-theft System, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Glass
Fuel And Emissions:
Fuel delivery system, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and associated diagnostics.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
Refrigerant system, A/C compressor, blower motor, controls, and diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Repair:
Engine Mechanical Repair, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis/Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Special Procedures:
Engine Removal/Installation, Transmission Removal/Installation, Airbag System Service, ABS System Service, Turbocharger Service (SRT-4)
Engine Mechanical Rebuild:
Includes torque specifications, piston/ring/bearing data, cylinder head procedures, and crankshaft/connecting rod specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major systems, including engine control, lighting, body electronics, and power distribution.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and filter replacements to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repair.
Diagnostic Charts:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for electrical and mechanical issues.
Engine Code Standard:
2.0L SOHC I4 (132 hp, 130 lb-ft)
Engine Code Performance:
2.4L DOHC Turbocharged I4 (SRT-4) (230 hp, 250 lb-ft)
Redline Standard Engine:
Approx. 6500 RPM
Redline Srt4 Engine:
Approx. 7000 RPM
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended for SRT-4)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for standard engines, Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) for SRT-4.
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Standard models only, not available on SRT-4)
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate Clutch (Manual)
Gear Ratios Manual 2.0L:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: ~3.92, 2nd: ~2.17, 3rd: ~1.45, 4th: ~1.07, 5th: ~0.89)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MS-9224 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90 manual transmission fluid)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MS-9602 (ATF+4)
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Overall Length:
174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Overall Width:
67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Overall Height:
55.8 inches (1417 mm)
Curb Weight Est Std:
2,700 - 2,900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg)
Curb Weight Est Srt4:
3,000 - 3,150 lbs (1360 - 1430 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle placard for specific GVWR.
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 13.0 cu ft (0.368 m³)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for 2004 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for 2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2004 models)
ABS:
Available (standard on R/T and SRT-4, optional on SE/SXT)
Traction Control:
Available (Optional on some models, standard on SRT-4)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Airbags Side:
Optional Side Impact Airbags (Front)
Seatbelts:
3-Point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners, 3-Point Rear Seatbelts
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (standard ignition), 30,000 miles (if using platinum plugs not specified from factory)
Timing Belt Serpentine Belt:
Inspect serpentine belt every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Timing belt is a Non-Interference engine design on 2.0L SOHC, but refer to manual for specific replacement recommendations (often around 90,000-100,000 miles if applicable to specific build).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, wheel bearings, clutch wear, transmission synchros (manual), EGR valve clogging, oil leaks from valve cover/oil pan.
Srt4 Specific Issues:
Clutch failure under high-torque conditions, turbocharger oil line issues, rear main seal leaks, catalytic converter issues.
Dodge Compact Segment:
Dodge has a history of offering compact and subcompact vehicles, often with a focus on performance and value for money.
Neon Generations:
The first generation ran from 1995-1999. The second generation (2000-2006), covered by this manual, featured revised styling, improved chassis dynamics, and the introduction of the high-performance SRT-4 variant.
Production Years Us:
1995-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Car And Driver 10Best:
The original Dodge Neon was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1996 and 1997, though the 2004 model year itself did not receive this specific recognition, the platform's earlier success highlights its inherent design strengths.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings for the 2004 Neon varied, with typical critiques focusing on interior materials and ride quality compared to some Japanese competitors, while praising performance for the price point, especially the SRT-4.
