Market Segment:
Compact car, economy segment
Key Competitors 1999:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus (introduced later), Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra
Unique Selling Points:
Distinctive styling, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, affordable price point, engaging driving dynamics for its segment.
Primary Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Dodge Neon enthusiasts
Value To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle lifespan. Provides in-depth technical knowledge for accurate troubleshooting.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag), Automatic transmission (41TE/42LE), Clutch operation and diagnosis, driveline components
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc options), wheel alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and controls, wipers and washers, horn, power windows, power locks, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, exterior trim
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical diagnosis, specific component testing procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and replacement for all major systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, wear limits, and assembly dimensions.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams and illustrations.
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download - Printable)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - User to print on desired paper)
Engine Code:
Various (e.g., 2.0L SOHC I4, 2.0L DOHC I4 for ACR/SRT variants)
Displacement:
1996 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder (I4)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on trim/engine
Horsepower Sohc:
Approx. 118-132 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (depending on specific calibration)
Horsepower DOHc:
Approx. 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (for ACR/SRT variants)
Torque Sohc:
Approx. 124-130 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm
Torque DOHc:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (minimum for SOHC), 91 Octane (recommended for DOHC performance variants)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag F23)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE/42LE)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar designation, equivalent to Dexron III/Mercon in this era)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 US quarts (with filter change)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 synthetic manual transmission fluid
Length:
Approx. 162.1 inches (Coupe), 170.0 inches (Sedan)
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches
Height:
Approx. 53.7 inches (Coupe), 54.1 inches (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2900 lbs (depending on body style and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3600-3800 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4 Stars (for 1999 models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1999 models)
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear:
Drum (standard), Disc (optional on some trims/performance models)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette or CD player. Aftermarket options abundant.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers (e.g., front dash, rear deck).
OBD Ii Support:
Standard for 1999 model year, allowing for electronic diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Every 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7 years (intermittent interference engine design - failure can cause severe engine damage).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT type recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 US quarts
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems 1:
Rear axle bearing failure (often requires axle replacement), dashboard cracks (sun exposure), oil filter adapter housing leaks, power steering pump issues.
Common Problems 2:
Ignition coil pack failure, front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), exhaust system rust, A/C system performance degradation.
Timing Belt Criticality:
The 2.0L engines in the Neon are generally considered 'interference' or 'limited-interference'. Timing belt failure will likely result in piston-to-valve contact, leading to significant engine damage. Regular replacement is paramount.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Generation Start Year:
1995
Major Redesign Year:
1999 (Minor refresh for second generation)
Production End Year North America:
2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Toluca, Mexico
