🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

PL (Second Generation)

Trim Level Example:

ES, SE, SXT, R/T (though specific parts catalog might detail more sub-trims)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car, economy segment.

Target Audience Manual:

Service technicians, parts departments, DIY enthusiasts requiring specific part identification for repair and maintenance.

Competitors Vehicle:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege.

Design Philosophy:

Sporty styling, affordable performance, European-influenced chassis tuning (compared to previous Neon generations).

Value Proposition:

Essential tool for accurate parts sourcing, crucial for maintaining originality and ensuring correct fitment.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts catalog for the 2003 Dodge Neon PL (Second Generation)

Scope:

Comprehensive listing of all factory-supplied parts, exploded diagrams, and part numbers.

Estimated Pages:

500-800 (typical for a comprehensive parts catalog of this era)

Type:

Parts Catalog (also referred to as Parts Manual or Parts List)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine components, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission components.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Wiring harnesses, lighting, ignition system, battery, starter, alternator, fuses, relays, sensors.

Body And Interior:

Exterior panels (hood, fenders, doors, bumpers), interior trim, seats, dashboard, glass, weatherstripping, HVAC components.

Accessories:

Factory-installed options and accessories, depending on scope.

Identification:

Identification of specific parts using exploded diagrams and part numbers.

Replacement:

Facilitates parts ordering and replacement by providing correct part numbers.

Assembly Disassembly:

Exploded views illustrate part relationships for assembly and disassembly.

Depth:

Detailed part identification, including sub-components and fasteners. Does not typically include repair procedures or diagnostic information. Focus is on part numbers and component breakdown.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if the PDF was created from a digital source or properly OCR'd.

Printability:

Printable pages for easy reference in a workshop environment.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Compatibility:

Windows and Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

ECC (2.0L SOHC I4) and EAS (2.0L DOHC I4 - High Output found in R/T and ACR)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated.

Displacement:

122 cu. in. (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower Sohc:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Sohc:

130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower DOHc:

145 hp @ 6500 rpm (standard DOHC) / 150 hp @ 6500 rpm (SRT-4 HO variant, though this manual is for standard Neon)

Torque DOHc:

135 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (standard DOHC)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar ECU.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag A578 or similar)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (Chrysler's 41TE or similar)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate.

Manual Fluid Spec:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 synthetic gear lubricant (Check specific manual for precise Chrysler MS specification).

Automatic Fluid Spec:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2669 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg), varies by trim and equipment.

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 13.0 cu. ft. (sedan), 15.0 cu. ft. (coupe). Exact values may vary.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (5-star rating for 2003 model)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (5-star rating for 2003 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

Good (4-star rating for 2003 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

Good (4-star rating for 2003 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

Good (4-star rating for 2003 model)

IIHS Front Offset Score:

Acceptable (for 2003 model year)

Brakes Front:

Ventilated discs

Brakes Rear:

Drums (standard) or Discs (optional, on higher trims or performance models).

ABS:

Optional on most trims, standard on R/T and potentially others.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Airbags Side:

Optional side-impact airbags for front occupants on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player standard on most trims. Optional Infinity premium audio system.

Speakers:

4 or 6 speakers depending on trim and option package.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Not available on this model year.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard. Aftermarket solutions possible.

Power Windows:

Standard on ES, SXT, R/T. Optional on SE.

Power Door Locks:

Standard on ES, SXT, R/T. Optional on SE.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Check specific manual for exact mileage and oil type recommendations.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (if original platinum or iridium plugs).

Engine Oil Type:

0W-20 or 5W-30 API certified synthetic or conventional motor oil (refer to manual for exact viscosity and Chrysler MS specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange. Mopar 5/150 or equivalent.

Common Issues Powertrain:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, potential for intake manifold gasket leaks (on some early models), piston slap (especially on early SOHC engines), transmission solenoid failures in automatics.

Common Issues Chassis:

Worn front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings), rear torsion bar issues, premature brake wear, wheel bearing failures.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty power window regulators, issues with the instrument cluster (especially gauge sweep), unreliable door lock actuators, blower motor resistor failure.

Common Issues Body:

Interior trim rattles, rear hatch struts weakening, paint issues (clear coat peeling on certain colors).

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)

Generation:

Second Generation (2000-2006)

Design Changes From Gen1:

All-new chassis, significantly revised styling (more rounded and European-influenced), improved interior quality, more robust powertrain options, and enhanced safety features.

Assembly Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Production Period:

September 1999 - August 2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Status:

Considered 'Good' in frontal offset crash tests by IIHS for its class and year, though often rated 'Acceptable' overall for the frontal crashworthiness category.

Car And Driver Comparison:

Often featured in Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in earlier generations for its value and driving dynamics, though less prominent in later years. The 2003 model offered a competitive package for its price point.