🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2000

Platform Code:

PL (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Economy Car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking to maintain their vehicles

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra

Design Philosophy:

Stylish, youthful design with a focus on affordability and practicality

Platform:

Shared platform with the Chrysler PT Cruiser (though mechanicals differ significantly)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2000 Dodge Neon (all trims and engine variants)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF assumed based on product description, but printed versions also existed historically)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) and 2.0L DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) engines, including all associated systems (fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions)

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmissions, including clutch, torque converter, gear assemblies, and shifting mechanisms

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive axles, CV joints, differential

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, parking brake

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear torsion beam axle, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering knuckles

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion steering system, steering column, tie rods

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system, body control modules

Climate Control:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, heater core, evaporator, blower motor, control modules, refrigerant system

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), seat belts, pretensioners

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing

Repair:

Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, alignments, electrical resistance values, pressure readings

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly, including piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head overhauls, and valve adjustments.

Body Repair:

Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, rust remediation, and glass replacement.

Climate Control Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for HVAC system diagnostics, component replacement (blower motor, heater core, evaporator), and refrigerant handling (with safety warnings).

Electrical Diagnostics:

Comprehensive troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, including power distribution, grounds, circuits, and component testing using multimeters.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Searchable text, high-resolution diagrams)

Diagram Resolution:

High-resolution for clarity of diagrams and illustrations

Physical Binding:

N/A (for digital format); If printed, likely perfect bound or spiral bound for durability

Physical Paper:

N/A (for digital format); If printed, typically high-quality matte or semi-gloss paper suitable for technical manuals

Completeness:

Likely a complete factory service manual, covering all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Various (e.g., A588 for 2.0L SOHC, ECC/EDZ for 2.0L DOHC)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Configuration:

Inline-4 (I4)

Horsepower Sohc:

Approx. 116 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Sohc:

Approx. 124 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower DOHc:

Approx. 132 hp @ 5600 rpm (standard), 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (High Output/ES R/T)

Torque DOHc:

Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (standard), 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (High Output/ES R/T - note: torque curve flatter)

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler JTEC or NGC (Next Generation Controller) based system

Timing Belt:

Equipped with a timing belt; replacement interval typically around 90,000-100,000 miles, critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage if it breaks.

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

5-speed manual (Getrag-derived for some models)

Automatic:

4-speed automatic (Chrysler 41TE/AE/TE)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (for automatic) or appropriate manual transmission fluid (MTF)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.1 inches

Length:

Approx. 174.4 inches (sedan/coupe), 173.5 inches (hatchback)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 54.1 inches (coupe), 55.2 inches (sedan/hatchback)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 2600 - 2800 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated but implied by curb weight and payload capacity.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2000 model year, as per NHTSA records)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2000 model year, as per NHTSA records)

ABS:

Optional on most trims, standard on higher performance models (e.g., R/T)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player, optional premium sound system

Display:

Basic digital display for radio and clock

Cruise Control:

Optional

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically standard, aftermarket solutions may exist

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs)

Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles or 5 years

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or Chrysler power steering fluid

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil type (e.g., SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5)

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), intake manifold gasket leaks, radiator issues, suspension wear (struts, ball joints), occasional transmission issues (automatic), fuel pump failures, cooling fan failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to minivans.

Neon Generation:

2000 model year represents the second generation (1999-2005) of the Dodge Neon, featuring a significant redesign over the first generation.

Design Changes Gen2:

Smoother, more rounded styling, improved interior quality, and updated powertrains compared to the first generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

Dodge Neon (first generation) was a Car and Driver 10Best winner in 1995, indicating a respected chassis and performance for its class, though the 2000 model year is second generation.