Vehicle Market Segment:
Compact car, known for its sporty handling and affordable pricing, often appealing to younger buyers and performance enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse (entry-level trims).
Vehicle Selling Points:
Agile handling, distinctive styling, relatively potent engine options (especially DOHC), fuel efficiency, affordability.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and enthusiasts seeking to maintain or repair their Dodge Neon.
Authenticity:
Identical to the manuals used by factory-trained technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Coverage Breadth:
Complete Workshop Service & Repair Manual, All Models, All Repairs A-Z
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a complete workshop manual of this era)
Manual Classification:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF likely, though physical is possible)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (2.0L SOHC and DOHC), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine diagnostics, performance tuning.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (various ratios), automatic transmission (e.g., 3-speed, 4-speed automatic), clutch system, drive axles, differentials.
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), optional rear disc brakes, ABS system, parking brake.
Steering Suspension:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link beam axle), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument panel, body electrical, power accessories, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, service, and refrigerant handling.
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, corrosion protection, chassis components.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system interpretation, scan tool usage, specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their resolution.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and component clearances.
Specific Model Focus:
Explicitly stated as specific to the Dodge Neon models covered, not generic.
Digital Format Details:
Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing. Expect high-resolution diagrams and schematics.
Diagram Quality:
High-quality, detailed diagrams and exploded views for accurate component identification and assembly.
Physical Binding:
If physical: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use on a workbench.
Physical Paper Quality:
If physical: Durable, often glossy paper stock to withstand shop environment.
Scope:
Authoritative and comprehensive, designed for professional use, covering all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance.
Base Engine:
2.0L (1995cc) Inline-4 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Performance Base Engine:
Approx. 132 horsepower @ 6000 rpm, 129 lb-ft torque @ 4800 rpm (figures may vary slightly by year/trim).
Performance Engine:
2.0L (1995cc) Inline-4 DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) 'ACR' / 'SRT-4 Style' (High Output)
Performance Engine Specs:
Approx. 150 horsepower @ 6000 rpm, 130 lb-ft torque @ 5000 rpm (for standard DOHC); ACR variants offered higher output/tuning.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Identification:
488/489 family (e.g., 488 for SOHC, 489 for DOHC) - Specific codes found in manual.
Compression Ratio Sohc:
Approx. 9.3:1
Compression Ratio DOHc:
Approx. 10.0:1
Spark Plug Type Oem:
Champion or NGK (specific part numbers detailed in manual).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years (refer to manual for exact interval based on model/engine).
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., A404, 41TE, 42LE - specific to model year and engine)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuation for manual transmission.
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (specific type detailed in manual).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar spec - specific fluid type detailed in manual).
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm) for sedan
Width:
Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.2 inches (1351 mm) for coupe
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600-2900 lbs (1179-1315 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, detailed in manual.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (1995-1996 models, later years may vary slightly due to updates)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (1995-1996 models)
Brake System Type:
Standard front disc, rear drum. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on certain trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard for most models within the covered years.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front seats), rear lap and shoulder belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player or optional CD player. Aftermarket compatibility is high.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims, electronic speed control.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific synthetic oil recommendations and intervals).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
If equipped, check annually or every 15,000 miles.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) - HOAT type. Specific part numbers detailed in manual.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Electrical Problems:
Interior lighting issues, power window regulators, alternator failures, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) issues.
Common Engine Problems:
Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier 2.0L DOHC), oil leaks, occasional piston slap on cold starts, ignition coil pack failures.
Common Suspension Problems:
Worn control arm bushings, strut bearing noise, ball joint wear.
Common Transmission Problems:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, clutch wear on manual transmissions, synchro wear on manual transmissions.
Common Body Issues:
Rust on wheel wells and rocker panels (depending on climate), door lock actuator failures.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of the Neon's introduction)
Generation Introduction:
First Generation (PL) launched for the 1995 model year, designed as a modern, fuel-efficient, and dynamically competent compact car.
Facelift Updates:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements occurred throughout the generation, particularly around 1997-1998.
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Toluca, Mexico.
Production Period:
1994-1999 (for the first generation)
