Positioning:
The 2001 Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable and practical compact car, offering a good balance of fuel efficiency and space for its class.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
Selling Points:
Sporty styling (especially ACR/ESX variants), comfortable ride for the segment, and a relatively engaging driving experience.
Intended User:
Professional technicians in dealership service centers and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all engine variants.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gear train, hydraulics, and electronic controls.
Brakes:
ABS system, hydraulic circuits, brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers/struts, control arms, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, and associated components.
Electrical:
Complete electrical diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, and body control modules.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body:
Exterior and interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, seating, body panel repair, and corrosion prevention.
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system diagnostics and replacement procedures, seat belts.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacement, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting charts based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and electrical testing procedures.
Engine Repair:
Engine component overhaul (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), timing belt/chain replacement, head gasket repair.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, transmission fluid and filter changes, internal transmission component repair.
Brake System Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake fluid flush and bleeding.
Electrical System Repair:
Starter motor replacement, alternator testing and replacement, wiring harness repair, sensor testing.
Suspension Steering Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing replacement.
Body Work Procedures:
Door handle replacement, window regulator repair, bumper cover installation, minor body panel repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic strategies and wiring diagrams.
Diagnostic Charts:
Inclusion of detailed symptom-based diagnostic flowcharts.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Engine Code:
ECC (SOHC) and EDZ (DOHC)
Horsepower Sohc:
116 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Sohc:
124 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm (standard) / 145 hp @ 5800 rpm (ACR)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (standard) / 138 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (ACR)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Pink (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Certified
Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
Spark Plugs:
Champion RE10PMC4 or equivalent (typically).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil. Check manual for specific conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles for long-life plugs (check specific plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years for SOHC/DOHC engines (critical maintenance item).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket failure (especially earlier models), oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan, occasional timing belt tensioner issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, manual clutch wear.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, occasional instrument cluster problems.
Common Problems Suspension:
Front suspension clunking (struts, sway bar links), premature wear of tie rod ends.
Manufacturer Origin:
Dodge is an American automotive brand founded in 1914, currently a division of Stellantis.
Generation:
The 2001 model represents the second generation (PL) of the Dodge Neon, introduced for the 1995 model year and significantly updated for 1999.
Platform:
PL platform, shared with Chrysler Cirrus/Stratus and Plymouth Breeze in earlier iterations.
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production Years For Gen2:
1999-2005