Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Dodge Neon owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, affordable performance, practical for its size.
Manual Advantage:
Digital format offers searchability, portability, and ease of use compared to traditional paper manuals.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Drive Axles
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc or Drum depending on trim), Parking Brake System
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Wipers, Horn, Power Accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Body Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim
Safety Restraints:
Airbags, Seat Belts
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Component Replacement
Diagnostics:
Fault Code Diagnosis, Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Component Dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code:
EJ1 (SOHC) / EG2 (DOHC)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Configuration:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC 16-valve (EJ1) / DOHC 16-valve (EG2)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
143 hp @ 6000 rpm (ACR: 150 hp)
Torque DOHc:
133 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (ACR: 130 lb-ft)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher for DOHC performance)
Coolant Capacity:
7.1 Quarts (6.7 Liters)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (41TE)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Reverse are available in the manual.
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) for a complete flush and fill.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
N/A (Not tested extensively in 1997)
IIHS Side Impact:
N/A (Not tested extensively in 1997)
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on ACR models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommend replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Copper core plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Check condition, replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, timing belt replacement is critical (non-interference engine but damage can occur if belt breaks).
Suspension:
Front suspension compliance pivot bushings wear out, rear trailing arm bushings.
Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, ignition switch failure, intermittent gauge operation.
Body:
Rust issues, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production)
Generation:
First Generation (1995-1999)
Design Influence:
Designed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage platform.
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years Model:
1995-2005 (Globally, with updates)
