Vehicle Class:
Compact car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and affordable vehicle, enthusiasts looking for DIY repair and maintenance solutions.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Designed as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and sporty compact car with a focus on value and performance for its price point.
Cost Savings:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, significantly reducing dealership or independent mechanic labor costs.
Engine Options:
2.0L SOHC I4, 2.0L DOHC I4 (SRT-4 variant introduced later, not in this range but good to note for completeness)
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Body Styles:
2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Authorized Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including timing belt replacement, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), fuel system (injectors, pump, pressure regulator), ignition system (coils, plugs, sensors), exhaust system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.
Transmission:
Manual transmission repair (clutch, gearbox, shifting mechanism), automatic transmission repair (torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, electronic controls), transmission fluid changes and checks.
Chassis:
Suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, tie rods), braking system (discs, drums, ABS, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, fuse and relay locations.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seating, upholstery, HVAC system components (blower motor, evaporator, condenser).
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, belt inspection and replacement, battery maintenance.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head gasket replacement, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, fuel pump replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms (e.g., hard starting, poor performance, overheating), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor testing, electrical circuit testing using multimeters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Detailed diagnostic procedures and component testing.
Engine Code 1:
1.8L SOHC I4 (some early models, less common)
Engine Code 2:
2.0L SOHC I4 (Base models, e.g., 114 hp)
Engine Code 3:
2.0L DOHC I4 (High Output, e.g., 132 hp for ACR/ES/SE/SLT models)
Horsepower Range:
114-132 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
120-130 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Chrysler/Dodge proprietary Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Manual will provide precise interval and procedure.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for gear shifts and torque converter lock-up.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, manual will confirm exact type for the model year).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 manual transmission fluid, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (for early models, may vary by year/test)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (for early models, may vary by year/test)
ABS:
Available on some trims, typically optional.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-90s onwards. Manual will detail deployment system.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Manual specifies recommendations.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
API certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on temperature and engine type). Manual will list precise specifications and capacities.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6.5-7.5 quarts (manual will specify exact)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 (manual will confirm exact specification).
Common Issue 1:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failure leading to belt jumping or breaking (critical maintenance item).
Common Issue 2:
Cracked exhaust manifold (especially on DOHC engines).
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks.
Common Issue 4:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Common Issue 5:
Automatic transmission shift solenoids can fail, causing erratic shifting.
Common Issue 6:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, tie rods) wear.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis)
Design Philosophy:
The Neon was developed under the Chrysler umbrella to compete in the burgeoning compact car segment with a focus on European styling and performance characteristics, often drawing comparisons to European rivals.
Production Locations:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years Overall:
1994-2005
