🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Model Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Chassis Codes:

Prizm (P1) platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, stylish compact car, targeting a younger demographic and budget-conscious buyers. It competed in a segment dominated by the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort.

Competitive Analysis:

The Neon offered competitive performance and a distinctive American design for its class, often lauded for its handling and available performance variants (e.g., ACR, SRT variants in later generations). Its value proposition made it a significant contender against established Japanese and domestic rivals.

Key Features:

Cab-forward design, independent suspension on all four corners, sporty styling, and competitive pricing. Later models offered higher performance engines and sportier suspension tuning.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Interior, Exterior, Emissions Control

Page Count:

Comprehensive (Exact page count not specified, but described as complete)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual & Wiring Diagrams

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable, copyable to hard drive)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanicals, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, automatic and manual transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, axles, suspension (front and rear), steering system, power steering, hydraulic and mechanical brake systems, ABS, parking brake, electrical system (battery, charging, starting, lighting, accessories), instrument cluster, body control modules, power windows/locks/mirrors, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), airbags, safety restraint systems, interior trim, exterior body panels, bumpers, glass, chassis components, emission controls.

Wiring Diagrams Coverage:

Complete wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, including engine control, lighting, ignition, charging, starting, power accessories, instrument cluster, and safety systems.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting diagnostics, component testing, removal and installation procedures, repair and overhaul instructions, electrical system diagnostics and repair, wiring harness repair, body panel alignment and repair, emissions system servicing, HVAC system servicing, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and correction.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and component-level repair. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for viewing and printing.

File Accessibility:

Pages can be read, printed, and entire manual copied to a hard drive.

Print Quality:

High-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and photos for clarity.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (Digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve) - Chrysler's SIGMA engine family (Part Number: 53004966 for engine assembly, varying by specific VIN and emissions).

Engine Displacement Liters:

2.0

Valvetrain:

SOHC 16-valve (2 per cylinder) or DOHC 16-valve (4 per cylinder) on performance variants.

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 115 hp to 132 hp (depending on variant and year).

Torque Range:

Approximately 125 lb-ft to 135 lb-ft (depending on variant and year).

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine Codes:

Various, commonly 'EGA' for SOHC, 'AGN' for DOHC (High Output) in later models.

Block Material:

Aluminum

Head Material:

Aluminum

Bore X Stroke:

3.42 in x 3.38 in (86.9 mm x 85.8 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (SOHC), 10.0:1 (DOHC High Output)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag/Chrysler A577 or similar).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 30/40 series, e.g., 41TE).

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (for automatic, check specific year/manual for exact fluid type, earlier models may use ATF+3 or equivalent)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (for manual transmission).

Manual Transmission Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by model year and transmission type, detailed in the manual.

Automatic Transmission Speeds:

4-speed

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

Approximately 174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

Approximately 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approximately 54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4 x 100 mm

Tire Size Standard:

185/70R14 (common base models)

Tire Size Optional:

195/60R15, 205/50R16 (sportier trims)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm), varies slightly by model.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2500 - 2700 lbs (1134 - 1225 kg), varies by trim and features.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-star (Driver and Passenger)

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Ratings vary by year and test; frontal offset ratings generally ranged from 'Acceptable' to 'Good' for the period.

Active Features:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on most models, standard on some higher trims. Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes (or all-disc on some performance models).

Passive Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags, three-point seat belts with pretensioners, side-impact door beams, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Base models typically featured an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgrades included a CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on safety features like ABS (optional) and airbags. Cruise control was an option on many trims.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Cellular phone integration was not standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (check manual for specific recommendations).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (using Mopar OAT coolant or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified, recommended for a wide temperature range).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity).

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant, typically orange in color. Mopar OAT (50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid (check manual for specific recommendation).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check manual for exact specification).

Known Issues:

Head gasket failures (especially on early models), rear main seal leaks, minor electrical gremlins, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), AC system issues, door lock actuator failures.

Common Repairs:

Head gasket replacement, timing belt replacement (critical interval), front suspension rebuild, brake component replacement.

ECM Failures:

Some reports of Electronic Control Module (ECM) failures, particularly related to power steering or transmission control.

Timing Belt Part Number Example:

Gates TCK107 or equivalent (includes tensioner and idler pulley).

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

WIX 51085, Fram PH7317, Mopar 5018491AA.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to performance cars. The Neon represented Chrysler's attempt to compete in the highly competitive compact car segment with an innovative and stylish product.

Model Evolution:

The first generation Dodge Neon (1995-1999) was designed by Chrysler and launched with a focus on performance, handling, and affordability. It was available as a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Subsequent generations saw updates in styling, technology, and powertrains.

Platform Sharing:

The Prizm platform was shared with the Chevrolet Prizm, which was a rebadged Toyota Corolla.

Production Locations:

Primary production occurred at Chrysler's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan, USA, and also at Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, USA.

Production Period:

1995 - 1999 (First Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best List:

The Dodge Neon was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1995, highlighting its value, performance, and handling for the price.

Jdpower Initial Quality Study Ranking:

Rankings varied, with some years performing better than others in initial quality studies. Early models sometimes faced criticism for build quality.