Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege
Distinction:
Known for its affordable price point, sporty handling (especially in ACR trims), and available performance engines. The second generation offered improved styling and refinement over the first.
Engine Coverage:
2.0L SOHC (16-valve) I4 (ECC/ECA), 2.0L DOHC (16-valve) I4 Turbo (DPT)
Transmission Coverage:
3-speed automatic (A500), 5-speed manual (NVT550)
Body Styles Covered:
2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan
Estimated Pages:
1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain components (axles, CV joints)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (disc and drum), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, instrument cluster, comfort controls, power accessories (windows, locks), audio system, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, bumpers, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspections/replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering linkage repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, exhaust system repair, HVAC system repair, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring diagram interpretation
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine data, dimensional data
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic adjustments and inspections to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and schematics.
File Quality:
N/A (Printed)
Print Quality:
Professional factory printing, often with diagrams and illustrations on high-quality paper.
Binding:
Stapled or bound (typical for factory manuals)
Paper Type:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss for diagrams and schematics.
Engine Code:
ECC/ECA (16-valve SOHC)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Horsepower Sohc:
118 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Sohc:
122 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Horsepower DOHc Turbo:
150 hp @ 5500 rpm (ACR/ES models)
Torque DOHc Turbo:
170 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (ACR/ES models)
Performance Engine Code:
DPT (16-valve DOHC Turbocharged)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU:
Specific PCM (Powertrain Control Module) dependent on engine and transmission
Type:
5-speed Manual (NVT550)
Type:
3-speed Automatic (A500)
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent spec)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver Passengers:
4 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver Passengers:
3 Stars
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on ACR models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard), optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Optional on SE/ES trims, standard on some higher trims.
No Advanced Connectivity:
No factory Bluetooth, USB, or advanced telematics available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) (critical for preventing engine damage)
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) for 2.0L engines
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred), 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature (refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue or Green)
Common Complaints:
Timing belt failure leading to catastrophic engine damage, interior trim degradation, door lock actuator failures, minor electrical gremlins, occasional transmission hard shifts (automatic).
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints are common, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (until 2009), later Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis
Generation:
Second Generation (1995-2000)
Design Focus:
Revised exterior styling, improved interior ergonomics, and enhanced chassis dynamics from the original PL Neon.
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production Years Overall:
1994-2005
