🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2005

Platform Code:

Chrysler JS platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2005 Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car, competing in a segment with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. It offered a sporty design and a reasonable feature set for its price point.

Competitive Analysis:

While facing strong competition, the Neon distinguished itself with its expressive styling and agile handling, particularly in its SRT-4 variant. This factory service manual provides the same level of detail used by dealership technicians, offering a significant advantage for DIY mechanics and independent repair shops.

Key Features:

This manual is the definitive resource for servicing the 2005 Dodge Neon, providing factory-accurate procedures, diagrams, and specifications essential for maintaining and repairing the vehicle correctly.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Restraints, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance Schedules

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components, including cylinder head, pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system operation and diagnosis, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics and reprogramming.

Transmission Manual:

Repair and overhaul procedures for the Getrag RT50 manual transmission, clutch system service, shift linkage adjustments.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of the automatic transaxle (e.g., 41TE/42LE variations), torque converter service, transmission fluid and filter replacement.

Drivetrain:

Front axle and CV joint service, differential inspection and repair, wheel bearing replacement.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), wheel alignment specifications and procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column service, tie rod end replacement.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service (discs, pads, calipers, drums, shoes), brake fluid replacement and bleeding, ABS system diagnosis and repair.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting systems, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, instrument cluster, battery and charging system diagnostics.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser service, heater core replacement, blower motor and control panel service.

Body:

Exterior panel removal and installation (doors, hood, trunk, fenders), interior trim panel removal, glass replacement, seal replacement, body repair techniques.

Restraints:

Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt service, SRS module troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, system overhauls, and major repair procedures.

Diagnostics:

Detailed procedures for using diagnostic scan tools (OBD-II), interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and performing system checks.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and text, suitable for professional printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Description:

2.0L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) 4-cylinder, typically the ECC/EDZ engine. (For SRT-4: 2.4L DOHC Turbocharged PT Cruiser Engine - PTG)

Horsepower And Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 132 hp @ 5600 rpm and 130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. (SRT-4: Approx. 230 hp @ 5300 rpm and 250 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm)

Fuel System Type:

Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (91 octane for SRT-4).

Bore Stroke 2.0L:

87.5 mm x 90.8 mm

Compression Ratio 2.0L:

9.3:1

Ignition System Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or coil pack.

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostatically controlled fan.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 5-speed manual transaxle (G360 for base models, G50 for others).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., 41TE/42LE).

Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) transaxle design.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.7 inches (4437 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.1 inches (2644 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg), varies by trim and transmission.

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 13.0 cubic feet (0.368 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Good (for driver and passenger in frontal impact tests)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most trims, Traction Control System (TCS) available on higher trims.

Passive Features:

Front driver and passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional), crumple zones, side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD stereo system, optional cassette player, and upgraded speaker systems. Sirius Satellite Radio was an option on some trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited driver assistance features for the era. Primarily focused on core safety systems like ABS and airbags.

Connectivity Options:

Basic connectivity through audio system. No advanced Bluetooth or USB integration typically found on later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 2 years. Refer to manual for specific coolant type.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, higher for platinum/iridium plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-96,000 km). Manual: As needed/inspected.

Engine Oil Type And Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified, ILSAC GF-3.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769. Typically a 50/50 mix.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Issues Engine:

Head gasket failures (especially on early models and 2.4L non-turbo), oil leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pressure sensor failures.

Common Issues Transmission:

Automatic transmission solenoid failures, rough shifting, manual transmission clutch wear, throw-out bearing noise.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), strut mount issues, power steering pump leaks or noise.

Common Issues Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, ABS sensor failures, gauge cluster issues.

Common Issues HVAC:

Blend door actuator failures, AC compressor clutch issues, heater core leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler, has a history of producing a range of vehicles from trucks to performance cars. The Neon was part of Chrysler's strategy to compete in the global compact car market.

Model Evolution:

The 2005 model represents the second generation of the Dodge Neon, which debuted for the 2000 model year. This generation received styling updates and mechanical refinements over the first generation.

Production Location:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

Production Years Second Gen:

2000-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the base Neon models were generally seen as economical, the performance-oriented SRT-4 variant received considerable praise for its power and handling, earning accolades in enthusiast publications.