🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Model Years Covered:

2003, 2004, 2005

Generation Name:

Second Generation (PL)

Chassis Code:

PL

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, and DIY enthusiasts seeking cost-effective transportation.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra.

Vehicle Philosophy:

Affordable, practical, and relatively sporty compact car with a focus on value for money.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical information for maintaining and repairing the Dodge Neon, empowering owners to reduce dealership service costs and extend vehicle lifespan.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for Dodge Neon 2003-2005 models. Includes diagnostics, maintenance, repair procedures, wiring diagrams, and specifications.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF), Searchable, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical (2.0L SOHC & DOHC), Fuel & Emissions, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Engine Electrical, Ignition System.

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (Getrag NV1500), Automatic Transmission (41TE) - Diagnosis, Repair, Overhaul, Fluid Specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front Wheel Drive System, Axles, CV Joints, Differential.

Suspension:

Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-Link Beam Axle), Steering System (Power Steering), Wheel Alignment.

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (Standard), Optional Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System (if equipped) - Diagnosis, Repair, Bleeding Procedures.

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Body Control Modules, HVAC Controls.

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seats, Trim, Headliner, HVAC System (Service and Repair).

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Component Testing Procedures.

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Air Filter Replacement, Tire Rotation.

Repair:

Engine Mechanical Repairs (e.g., head gasket, timing belt), Transmission Repair/Overhaul, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, electrical circuit tracing, mechanical component diagnostics.

Specifications And Data:

Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Gapping Specifications (spark plugs), Component Dimensions, Alignment Specifications.

Depth:

Full factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Includes detailed assembly/disassembly procedures, diagnostic strategies, and precise specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Digital PDF, optimized for viewing and printing. Likely includes bookmarking and a search function for efficient navigation.

Illustrations:

High-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and photographs to clearly depict procedures and component locations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

ED1 (2.0L SOHC), EDZ (2.0L DOHC)

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1995 cc)

Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder

Horsepower Sohc:

114-130 hp (depending on year and specific engine calibration)

Horsepower DOHc:

145-150 hp (SRT-4 variant)

Torque Sohc:

120-130 lb-ft

Torque DOHc:

150-160 lb-ft (SRT-4 variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (Premium recommended for DOHC engines, especially SRT-4)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag NV1500)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE)

Clutch:

Hydraulically Actuated

Automatic Features:

Electronically Controlled, Lock-up Torque Converter

Manual Fluid:

MS-9224 or equivalent (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant)

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+4 (MS-9602 or equivalent, e.g., Mopar ATF+4)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 173.7 inches (4412 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.2 inches (1707 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.9 inches (1394 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.0 inches (2642 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg), depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

4/5 Stars (2003 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Crash:

4/5 Stars (2003 Model Year)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags. Optional Side-Impact Airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD Player with optional Infinity premium sound system.

Display:

Basic analog gauges with an LCD odometer and message center.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped with standard AUX or USB inputs. Aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Consider replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with recommended platinum or iridium plugs (check manual for specific part numbers).

Coolant Flush:

Replace coolant every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil:

API Certified SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 if temperature consistently above 0°F). Refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate. Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.

Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Pink Color. Mopar part number 05103532AA (or equivalent 50/50 mix).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Engine:

Head gasket failures (especially on early models and DOHC), oil leaks, piston slap (especially on DOHC), timing belt tensioner issues (DOHC).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission internal failures, clutch wear on manual transmissions.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump noise or leaks.

Electrical:

Faulty ambient temperature sensors, power window motor failures, instrument cluster issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, historically offered performance-oriented and value-driven vehicles.

Generation Overview:

The second generation Neon (PL) introduced updated styling, improved chassis dynamics, and enhanced safety features over its predecessor. It was available in sedan and coupe body styles.

Production Period:

2000-2005 (for the PL platform).

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

Variable reliability ratings depending on model year and specific components. Often cited for affordability and practicality but less so for long-term reliability compared to Japanese competitors.

Safety Ratings:

Generally good crash test scores for its era, as reflected in NHTSA ratings.