🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Generation:

First Generation (PL)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1997 Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car, often marketed towards younger buyers or those seeking a practical daily driver. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort.

Competitive Analysis:

The Neon offered competitive interior space for its class and a sporty driving feel, particularly in higher trims like the ACR (American Club Racer). Its 'cab-forward' design was a distinguishing feature, maximizing interior volume. However, it faced challenges with perceived build quality and reliability compared to Japanese rivals during its initial years.

Key Features:

Cab-forward design, available sporty trims (ACR), fuel-efficient engines, competitive pricing. The workshop manual provides comprehensive coverage to address maintenance and repair needs effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full workshop service and repair procedures, diagnostics, maintenance, troubleshooting, electrical systems, engine, transmission, chassis, body, and HVAC.

Page Count:

Not specified in product information. Typically, workshop manuals for this era range from 1000-2500 pages depending on variants.

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Completeness Claim:

100% Complete, no missing/corrupt pages/sections.

Quality Description:

High Quality, includes High Quality Photos, Illustrations And Diagrams. This Digital Workshop Repair Manual contains everything needed to repair, maintain, rebuild, refurbish or restore the vehicle.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Cooling System, Engine Control System (ECU/PCM), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Road Wheels & Tires, Brake System, Parking Brake System, Brake Control System, Power Steering System, Steering System, Seat Belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Body, Lock & Security System, Glasses, Window System & Mirrors, Roof, Exterior & Interior Trim, Instrumental Panel, Seats, Air Conditioner System, Wiring Diagrams, Starting & Charging System, Lighting System, Driver Information System, Wiper, Washer & Horn, Body Control System, LAN System, Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System, Auto Cruise Control System, Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements.

Electrical Systems:

Extensive coverage including wiring diagrams, starting and charging systems, lighting, driver information, wipers/washers/horns, body control modules, LAN systems, audio-visual, navigation, telephone, cruise control, and power supply/ground circuits.

Body And Interior:

Comprehensive coverage including body structure, locks, security systems, glass, windows, mirrors, roof, exterior trim, interior trim, and instrument panel.

Air Conditioner System:

Covers refrigerant types (R-134a), system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve/orifice tube, receiver-drier), hoses, seals, and diagnosis of leaks and performance issues. Includes charging procedures and capacity.

Procedures Included:

Comprehensive repair procedures from A-Z, including diagnostics, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, restoration, component replacement, system checks, adjustments, and troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including systematic troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnosis, and specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations and resolutions.

Technical Depth:

High. Covers information used by professional technicians and mechanics, with detailed diagnostic and repair procedures, high-quality photos, illustrations, and diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac & Linux

Requirements:

PDF Reader

Searchability:

Implied searchable text within the PDF format for efficient information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High Quality. Explicitly states 'High Quality Photos, Illustrations And Diagrams' and implies printable for clarity.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

The 1997 Dodge Neon primarily featured the 2.0L SOHC I4 engine (Chrysler's EJ series). Higher performance trims might have also offered the 2.0L DOHC I4 engine (ACR variant). Specific engine codes should be confirmed in the manual for precise identification.

Horsepower:

Typically around 116-132 hp for the SOHC engine and up to 150 hp for the DOHC ACR variant, depending on specific tuning and emissions controls for the market.

Torque:

Approximately 120-130 lb-ft for the SOHC and 130-140 lb-ft for the DOHC variants.

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel System Details:

Covers fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. Includes pressure testing and component testing procedures.

Engine Mechanical Details:

Covers cylinder head, valve train, engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing components (belt/chain), seals, and gaskets. Detailed procedures for removal, installation, and overhaul.

Engine Control System Details:

Details the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sensors (e.g., O2, MAP, TPS, CKP, CMP), actuators (e.g., injectors, ignition coils), fuel delivery system, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with troubleshooting flowcharts.

Engine Lubrication System Details:

Covers oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil galleries, and lubrication passages. Includes procedures for oil changes, filter replacement, and diagnosing low oil pressure issues.

Engine Cooling System Details:

Details the radiator, fan (electric or belt-driven), water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core, and expansion tank. Includes procedures for coolant flushing, bleeding, and leak detection.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., 31TH or A500/A518 derivative, specific code needed from manual)

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) transaxle. Manual includes clutch operation, automatic includes torque converter and planetary gear sets.

Clutch System Details:

Covers clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch fork, hydraulic master and slave cylinders, and bleeding procedures. Also covers clutch pedal adjustment and troubleshooting.

Manual Transaxle Details:

Details internal components of the manual gearbox, shift linkage, clutch actuation, and lubricant specifications. Procedures for removal, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.

Automatic Transaxle Details:

Covers torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, clutch packs, brake bands, solenoids, transmission control module (TCM), and hydraulic circuits. Includes diagnostic procedures and fluid specifications.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

Approximately 171.8 inches (4364 mm)

Width:

Approximately 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

Approximately 54.9 inches (1394 mm)

Curb Weight:

Ranging from approximately 2,600 to 2,800 lbs (1179 to 1270 kg) depending on transmission and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

GVWR typically around 3,500 lbs (1588 kg), specific rating depends on configuration.

Towing Capacity:

The Dodge Neon was not designed or intended for towing. Towing capacity is 0 lbs.

Interior Dimensions:

The cab-forward design prioritized interior space, offering competitive passenger volume for its class. Specific volume figures would be in the manual if available, but generally considered spacious for its footprint.

Cargo Volume:

Trunk space is typical for a compact sedan of this era. Specific cubic feet capacity would be listed in the owner's manual or sales literature, not typically in a workshop manual unless related to trunk component repair.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

NHTSA side impact ratings varied, but rollover resistance was generally average for its class. Specific ratings for 1997 are best confirmed via NHTSA archives.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often optional or standard on higher trims. Power-assisted steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger airbags, three-point seat belts with pretensioners, reinforced body structure (part of cab-forward design). Child seat anchor points (LATCH system not standard in this era).

Restraints System Details:

Covers seat belt operation, adjustment, replacement, and SRS airbag system components including the control module, impact sensors, and airbag modules. Troubleshooting for SRS warning lights is included.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited speaker count (typically 4). Manual covers the electrical system for these components.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control was an option on some trims. ABS was an optional safety feature. No advanced electronic driver-assistance systems typical of modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth, USB, or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Basic antenna and wiring for audio systems. Manual details the relevant wiring.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, with the correct oil type. Refer to the manual for specific interval based on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium). Manual will specify exact intervals and recommended types.

Coolant Flush:

Initially at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter, or as per manual recommendation for specific coolant type.

Engine Oil Specification:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Refer to the manual for exact specification and viscosity for ambient temperature.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Mopar/Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or compatible. Color is often orange or yellow. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify exact type and Mopar part number.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (later revisions of ATF+3 are compatible with ATF+4), Mopar spec MS-7176D or MS-9222. Manual will provide specific quantity and type.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Typically SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil meeting API GL-4 specifications. Manual will provide specific capacity and Mopar part number.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify exact type and procedure for flushing and bleeding the brake system.

Power Steering Fluid:

Power steering fluid (likely Mopar specific or equivalent). Manual will detail type, capacity, and service procedures.

Common Issues:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (heater core, hoses), automatic transmission solenoid issues, interior trim wear, occasional electrical gremlins. Suspension components and engine mounts can also wear over time. The manual is crucial for diagnosing and addressing these.

Maintenance Schedule:

Provides a comprehensive maintenance schedule for all major service items, including intervals for fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and component checks based on mileage and time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a history of producing a wide range of vehicles from muscle cars to minivans. The Neon represented Chrysler's attempt to re-enter and compete strongly in the compact car segment with an innovative design.

Model Evolution:

The first generation (PL) Neon was introduced for the 1995 model year, replacing the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance. It was lauded for its European-influenced design and handling. The 1997 model year saw minor updates, including potential refinements to the engine or options.

Production Years:

1995-1999 (First Generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

📄 Suspension

Front Suspension Type:

Independent MacPherson strut with lower control arm.

Rear Suspension Type:

Independent multi-link or trailing arm setup with coil springs and shock absorbers (specific configuration can vary).

📄 Brakes

Brake System Type:

Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Drums or discs, depending on trim level. Power-assisted hydraulic system with dual-circuit design.

📄 Steering

Power Steering System Type:

Hydraulic power steering system with a rack-and-pinion configuration.