Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge of the 1998 Dodge Neon
Key Competitors 1998:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Mirage
Vehicle Strengths:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, available sporty variants (e.g., ACR), relatively simple mechanicals
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level accuracy and detail for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting, enabling cost savings and better vehicle care.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Body and Chassis, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Repair Procedures
Engine Coverage:
2.0L SOHC and DOHC (420A, 601 variants)
Transmission Coverage:
Manual (5-speed), Automatic (3-speed)
Estimated Pages:
~1500-2000 (typical for a comprehensive factory FSM)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine fuel and ignition, engine cooling, engine lubrication, emission controls, exhaust systems, automatic transmission, manual transmission, clutch, drive axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments and gauges, wipers and washers, horn, power windows, power door locks, audio systems, safety systems (airbags, ABS if equipped)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), body seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and use of specialized Chrysler tools, specific torque specifications, alignment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type 1:
2.0L (1996cc) Inline-4, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Bore X Stroke 1:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.8:1
Horsepower 1:
118 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 1:
120 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Type 2:
2.0L (1996cc) Inline-4, DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) - High Output
Horsepower 2:
125 hp @ 5500 rpm (standard DOHC), ~130 hp for ACR models
Torque 2:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (standard DOHC)
0 60 Mph Est:
8.5 - 9.5 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane)
ECU Type:
Chrysler JTEC (often referred to by its Mitsubishi origin code)
Type 1:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag A568)
Type 2:
3-Speed Automatic (Chrysler A604/41TE - though less common on '98 Neon compared to later models, typically found on Stratus/Cirrus, but earlier Neons used A604)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, cable operated (manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3/GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or specified alternative)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Ld:
Acceptable (on some configurations, though often rated poorer than competitors)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims or Sport models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Up to 6 speakers available.
Display:
Basic analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature. Warning lights for oil pressure, battery, check engine, etc.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Phone Integration:
None (factory).
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or high-quality conventional oil).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Copper plugs: 30,000 miles. Platinum/Iridium plugs (if applicable): 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher; SAE 5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Prediluted 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket failure (especially early models/high-heat conditions), oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), intake manifold gasket leaks (design flaw on some Mopar engines).
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings; power steering pump leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Instrument cluster failure (gauges), power window motor failure, door lock actuator issues, ambient temp sensor failure.
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failure, blower motor resistor failure, refrigerant leaks.
Timing Belt:
NOT APPLICABLE (420A engine uses a timing chain; 601 DOHC engine uses a timing belt, replacement interval typically 70,000-100,000 miles).
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation
Generation:
First Generation (1995-1999)
Design Origin:
Developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors (platform sharing, some powertrain components).
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1995-2005 (Two Generations)