🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

PL

Platform:

Chrysler JA/JC platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, economy segment.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners looking for in-depth repair knowledge.

Competitors 2002:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege, Hyundai Elantra.

Vehicle Strengths:

Affordable price, sporty handling (especially in ACR trims), available SRT-4 variant (though this manual covers the standard 2002 models), good fuel economy.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repairs, saving money on labor costs and understanding their vehicle's intricacies.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, often distributed electronically)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, starting and charging system, ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, shift controls).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, wipers, horn, entertainment system, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams, chassis control module (CCM) wiring diagrams.

Body And Trim:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, seating, HVAC system, doors, windows, bumpers, paint and corrosion.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnostics and repair, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system operation and fault code retrieval, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring harness testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically), often searchable and with high-resolution diagrams.

Diagram Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for detailed viewing of wiring and component layouts.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; if a print version, would likely be comb-bound or perfect-bound for usability.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format; if a print version, typically printed on durable, high-quality paper for shop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

ECC (2.0L SOHC I4)

Engine Displacement 1:

1996 cc (121.8 cu. in.)

Bore X Stroke 1:

87.0 mm x 83.0 mm (3.43 in. x 3.27 in.)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.4:1

Horsepower 1:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Engine Code 2:

ECL (2.0L DOHC I4 - High Output, found in ACR/ES/R/SE trims)

Horsepower 2:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm (some sources cite 133 hp)

Torque 2:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher recommended).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug ignition for some variants.

ECM Type:

Proprietary Chrysler PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

5-speed manual transmission (A577).

Transmission Type 2:

4-speed automatic transmission (41TE).

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

162.1 inches (4117 mm)

Width:

67.2 inches (1707 mm)

Height:

54.8 inches (1392 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.0 inches (2565 mm)

Front Track:

58.2 inches (1478 mm)

Rear Track:

57.8 inches (1468 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

2650 - 2800 lbs (1202 - 1270 kg), depending on trim and transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

3700 lbs (1678 kg)

Trunk Volume:

12.5 cu. ft.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (out of 5)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (out of 5)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on standard 2002 models.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front: 3-point height-adjustable with pretensioners. Rear: 3-point belts for outboard positions, lap belt for center.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, optional 6-speaker Infinity sound system.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls (heater, ventilation, air conditioning).

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Auxiliary Inputs:

Not typically available on factory systems of this era.

OBD Ii Standard:

Compliant with OBD-II standards for emissions and diagnostic data.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using the correct oil viscosity.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, meeting Chrysler MS-6395.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Problems 1:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. Water pump failures and associated coolant leaks. Clutch wear and pedal issues. Radiator fan motor failures. Door lock actuator failures. AC system leaks/failures.

Common Problems 2:

Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system faults (e.g., P0442 code). Premature wear on front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) especially with aggressive driving. Catalytic converter issues.

Reliability Notes:

While not as renowned for reliability as some Japanese competitors, the Neon is generally considered repairable with readily available parts. The DOHC engines offer a bit more performance but can be more complex than the SOHC.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Context:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), aimed to offer sportier and more performance-oriented vehicles, even in its economy offerings.

Neon Generation:

Second generation Neon (1999-2005). This generation featured updated styling, improved interior, and a more refined chassis compared to the first generation.

2002 Updates:

For 2002, Dodge introduced the high-performance Neon SRT-4, which was a significant performance upgrade, but the standard models received minor feature packaging changes. This manual would cover the standard models, but the detailed engine and chassis information would still be relevant for basic SRT-4 understanding.

Production Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Dodge Neon was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in its debut year (1995) for its handling and value, though this award predates the 2002 model year.

Consumer Reports Typical Rating:

Generally rated average to below-average for reliability by publications like Consumer Reports during its production run, particularly in early years.

Epa Fuel Economy Est City:

Approx. 24-26 MPG (varies by engine and transmission).

Epa Fuel Economy Est Highway:

Approx. 30-33 MPG (varies by engine and transmission).