Market Segment:
Compact car, known for affordability, fuel efficiency, and sporty handling in certain trims.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Vehicle Attributes:
Stylish design (for its era), available in coupe and sedan body styles, spirited performance with the DOHC engine option.
Performance Variants:
Includes specific information for the sport-oriented Neon ACR (American Club Racer) model.
Value:
Provides dealership-level expertise, enabling DIY enthusiasts and independent mechanics to perform accurate diagnostics and repairs, saving time and money.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L SOHC & DOHC), transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, drivetrain components
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starting system, body electronics, instrument cluster, audio system
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, emissions control system
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.
Cooling And Heating:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, A/C system diagnosis and service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug service, tire rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), symptom-based diagnostics
Repairs:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component testing, adjustment specifications
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, cleaning, and reassembly, including piston ring installation, bearing clearances, and valve train adjustments.
Transmission Overhaul:
Step-by-step guides for automatic transmission disassembly, component replacement, and manual transmission rebuild.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, including torque specifications, alignment data, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics, and step-by-step repair instructions.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component identification.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Digital Format Details:
If digital (PDF), expect searchable text, high-resolution diagrams, and bookmark navigation.
Print Quality:
Professionally printed with clear text and diagrams suitable for workshop use.
Binding:
Likely spiral-bound or robust perfect-bound to lay flat for ease of use during repairs.
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock designed to withstand workshop environments.
Digital Searchability:
If PDF, expect text-searchable content for quick information retrieval.
Engine Code And Type:
2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve) and 2.0L DOHC I4 (16-valve, 'High Output' or 'ACR' variants).
Horsepower Sohc:
Approximately 132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
Approximately 145-150 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard DOHC), up to 150 hp for ACR models.
Torque DOHc:
Approximately 135-140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
3.46 x 3.50 inches (87.7 x 89.2 mm)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded (89 Octane recommended for DOHC engines for optimal performance)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Sohc:
Recommended at 90,000-100,000 miles (145,000-160,000 km) or 7 years.
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag/Chrysler)
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler/BorgWarner)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Wheelbase:
104.0 inches (2642 mm)
Length:
174.7 inches (4437 mm) (Sedan) / 174.4 inches (4430 mm) (Coupe)
Width:
67.2 inches (1707 mm)
Height:
54.7 inches (1390 mm) (Coupe) / 54.4 inches (1382 mm) (Sedan)
Curb Weight Est Min:
Approx. 2650 lbs (1200 kg) (Manual Coupe)
Curb Weight Est Max:
Approx. 2850 lbs (1290 kg) (Automatic Sedan)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:
Approx. 3600 lbs (1630 kg)
Passenger Volume Est:
Approx. 90 cubic feet (2.5 cubic meters)
Trunk Volume Sedan Est:
Approx. 13.1 cubic feet (0.37 cubic meters)
Trunk Volume Coupe Est:
Approx. 11.4 cubic feet (0.32 cubic meters)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (for 2000 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (for 2000 model year)
ABS:
Available on higher trim levels (standard on ACR)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tpms:
Not typically standard for this model year.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the 2.0L SOHC engine (platinum plugs); refer to manual for DOHC specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity Filter Change:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (for 2.0L engines).
Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or III
Common Wear Item 1:
Front suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends) due to typical compact car usage.
Common Wear Item 2:
Exhaust system components (muffler, catalytic converter) prone to corrosion.
Engine Specific Issue:
Timing belt replacement is critical on SOHC engines; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. DOHC engines use a timing chain.
Electrical Issue:
Window regulators and power lock actuators can be prone to failure.
Manufacturer Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance and value.
Generation:
This manual covers the second generation (1995-2005) of the Dodge Neon, introduced for the 1995 model year. The 2000 model year saw minor styling updates and powertrain refinements.
Production Period:
The second-generation Neon was primarily produced in Belvidere, Illinois, USA.