🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1998

Body Styles:

2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan

Platform Code:

PL (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact economy car, positioned as an affordable and sporty option in its class.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on sporty styling, agile handling, and driver engagement, often praised for its value proposition.

Manual Advantage:

Provides technicians and DIY enthusiasts with dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, crucial for maintaining the vehicle's unique characteristics and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All models and all repairs A-Z for the 1998 Dodge Neon.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a printed manual; if digital, it would be a searchable PDF.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and tuning), Transmission (manual and automatic), Clutch, Drivelines, Axles, Differential.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS), Wheels and Tires.

Body And Electrical:

Body (construction, panels, doors, glass), Interior (trim, seats, dashboard), HVAC System, Electrical System (wiring diagrams, components, fuses, relays), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Security System.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, and electrical systems, component testing procedures.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack service, minor body repair, electrical component replacement (alternator, starter, etc.).

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft inspection, camshaft timing, valve adjustments.

Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel injector testing and replacement, fuel pump diagnosis, EVAP system service, catalytic converter testing.

Cooling And Heating:

Radiator service, water pump replacement, heater core diagnosis and replacement, A/C system component testing and service (refrigerant handling details will be highly technical).

Electrical Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic flowcharts for ABS, power windows, central locking, and engine control modules (ECM).

Body And Trim:

Door panel removal, seat removal and repair, dashboard disassembly for access to components, exterior panel alignment and repair procedures.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for front and rear wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe).

Wheel Bearing Service:

Procedures for front and rear wheel bearing inspection, repacking (if applicable), and replacement.

Evaporative Emissions:

Service and diagnostic procedures for the EVAP system, including charcoal canister and purge valve testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes).

Special Tools:

Lists and diagrams of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures, often designated with Chrysler part numbers.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Detailed symptom-to-cause troubleshooting matrices for all major vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (if digital) - High resolution scans, searchable text, bookmarked chapters.

Print Quality:

High-quality reproductions of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Perfect bound or spiral bound for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper suitable for workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

SOHC: 2.0L (1996cc) I4 (AGR)

Engine Description:

2.0L Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with multi-point fuel injection.

Engine Liter Displacement:

2.0 Liters

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm (for SOHC variants)

Torque:

127 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (for SOHC variants)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Timing Drive:

Timing Belt

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42LE)

Manual Fluid Spec:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Consult manual for exact specification and capacity)

Automatic Fluid Spec:

Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (Consult manual for exact specification and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

161.7 inches (4107 mm) (Coupe/Sedan)

Width:

66.9 inches (1700 mm)

Height:

53.0 inches (1346 mm) (Coupe) / 54.5 inches (1384 mm) (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2500-2700 lbs (1134-1225 kg), depending on body style and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Not explicitly rated for this specific year; generally considered adequate for its class at the time.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player available on higher trims. Basic speaker configuration.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models.

No Modern Connectivity:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB ports, or smartphone integration; typical for vehicles of this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil); 3,750 miles or 3 months (with conventional oil). Check manual for specific recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Critical interval due to interference engine design.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), typically Mopar HOAT or OAT type depending on original fill.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or equivalent (Consult manual for exact specification).

Engine Cooling System:

Potential for head gasket failure, coolant leaks from hoses and water pump, and thermostat issues.

Suspension And Steering:

Common wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings; occasional power steering leaks.

Electrical System:

Issues with power window regulators, door lock actuators, and alternator failures can occur.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and leaks in the exhaust manifold and muffler assembly are common due to age.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change (Consult manual for exact capacity).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters) (Consult manual for exact capacity).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) for pan drop and refill (Consult manual for full refill capacity).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, including performance-oriented and value-focused models.

Second Generation:

The 1998 Dodge Neon represents the second generation (1995-1999), which introduced a redesigned exterior and interior, improved safety features, and revised powertrains. This generation moved away from the original cab-forward design language slightly.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The first-generation Neon was recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best list, and while the second generation refined the platform, it continued to be lauded for its value and driving dynamics relative to its price point.