🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Generation Code:

PL

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Compact car segment, targeting budget-conscious buyers seeking practical transportation with a sporty edge.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, and Chevrolet Cavalier. The Neon was known for its relatively good handling and horsepower for its class, particularly in performance variants.

Key Features:

Pennzoil Platinum recommended for the 2.0L engine, distinctive styling for its era, available in coupe and sedan body styles, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, often praised for its handling characteristics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete service and repair from front bumper to rear, including all major systems and components.

Page Count:

Not specified, but described as 'most complete ever compiled'.

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Clutch, Cooling, Battery, Starting, Charging System, Ignition System, Instrument Panel and Systems, Audio System, Horns, Vehicle Speed Control System, Turn Signal and Flashers, Windshield Wipers and Washers, Lamps, Restraint System, Electrically Heated Systems, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Chime Warning/Reminder System, Wiring Diagrams, Engines, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold, Frame and Bumpers, Fuel System, Steering, Transaxle, Tires and Wheels, Body, Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams are included, crucial for diagnosing electrical issues.

Procedures Included:

Detailed instructions on servicing and repairing all covered systems. Likely includes diagnostics, troubleshooting, component replacement, adjustment, and tune-up procedures.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for both SOHC and DOHC variants.

Transmission Repair:

Includes repair and maintenance procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians. Implies detailed diagrams and instructions.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Likely covers diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine management, ABS, and other electronic systems, along with step-by-step troubleshooting guides.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac.

Requirements:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip for access and extraction.

Print Quality:

High Quality Diagrams and Instructions

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Printable PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L (1996cc) SOHC I4 (Engine code: A525)

Horsepower Sohc:

Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Sohc:

Approx. 124 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Optional Engine:

2.0L (1996cc) DOHC I4 (High Output) (Engine code: DOHC)

Horsepower DOHc:

Approx. 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard on ACR and Sport trims)

Torque DOHc:

Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)

Cooling System:

Pressurized, glycol/water coolant mixture (50/50 recommended). Coolant capacity: Approx. 6.5 quarts.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A520)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (for automatic) or appropriate manual transmission fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.4 inches

Length:

Approx. 175.3 inches (Sedan), 171.9 inches (Coupe)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 53.7 inches (Coupe), 55.4 inches (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not readily available for specific year; generally considered average for its class.

Active Features:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Passive Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags, seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and upgraded speaker systems available on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to optional ABS and cruise control (Vehicle Speed Control System).

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB ports were available. Basic power accessories were optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used; refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs, depending on type.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for exact API service classification. Commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30. Pennzoil Platinum recommended in some literature.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4 quarts (with filter)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

Known Issues:

Common issues include potential head gasket failures (especially with early models), AC compressor failures, power window regulator issues, and occasional transmission problems, particularly with automatics. Early models were also prone to coolant leaks and dashboard cracking.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Typical equivalent part numbers include Fram PH3518, Wix 51500, K&N HP-3001.

Tire Size Base:

185/70R14

Tire Size Sport:

195/60R15 or 205/50R16 (on higher trims/optional wheels)

Front Brake Type:

Ventilated Disc

Rear Brake Type:

Drum

Bolt Pattern:

4x100mm

Center Bore:

57.1 mm

Lug Nut Torque:

Approx. 90-100 ft-lbs

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), aimed to offer sporty and performance-oriented vehicles alongside its more traditional offerings. The Neon was part of this strategy.

Model Evolution:

The first-generation Neon (PL) was introduced for the 1995 model year. The 1997 model year saw minor updates, with the core platform and powertrains remaining largely consistent with the initial launch. Styling was distinctive, with a cab-forward design.

Production Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1995. Often praised for its handling and value proposition in reviews.