🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

Neon

Year:

1998

Platform Code:

PL

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Chrysler Neon was positioned as an affordable, compact, and sporty car, aiming to compete with established players in the segment by offering good value, distinctive styling, and a fun-to-drive experience.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, and Nissan Sentra.

Key Features:

Distinctive cab-forward design, spacious interior for its class, agile handling, multiple engine options, and a relatively aggressive price point.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

1998 Chrysler Neon (all trims)

Page Count:

Approximately 1500+

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, timing system, oil pump, cooling system, lubrication system.

Engine Performance:

Engine identification, control systems (PCM), fuel injection (MPI), ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (Getrag 5-speed) diagnosis, repair, disassembly, assembly, clutch system, gearshift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (3-speed TorqueFlite A500/A518 variants for some markets/engines) diagnosis, repair, disassembly, assembly, torque converter, cooling.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differentials.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, disc brakes, drum brakes (rear), brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, chassis components, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, mirrors, body panel repair, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, components, refrigerant, diagnosis, repair, climate control.

Interior:

Seats, seat belts, airbags (SRS system), dashboard, instrument cluster, interior lighting, door panels, carpeting.

Preventive Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems, fault code interpretation (OBD-II).

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and rebuild for engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, etc.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic strategies, use of diagnostic tools, electrical system testing, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, component location charts, connector views.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF with clickable links and bookmarks for easy navigation.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

SOHC 2.0L (1995cc) 4-cylinder (Chrysler Neon DOHC '98 Engine Family)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on trim.

Horsepower Sohc:

Approximately 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Sohc:

Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower DOHc:

Approximately 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (ACR/Sport models)

Torque DOHc:

Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for DOHC models)

ECU Type:

OBD-II compliant Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., TorqueFlite A500/A518 variant)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic actuation

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions detailed in the manual.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (specific part numbers provided in manual).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification for earlier models) - consult manual for exact spec.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

55.3 inches (1405 mm)

Front Track:

58.2 inches (1478 mm)

Rear Track:

58.1 inches (1476 mm)

Curb Weight:

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

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 3500 - 3650 lbs (1588 - 1656 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (for coupes and sedans, typical for the era).

IIHS Ratings:

Mixed ratings from IIHS for the period, primarily focused on frontal offset impacts.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, with rear drum brakes typically lacking ABS. Some models may have 4-wheel ABS.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard).

Seat Belts:

Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system may be present on some models/trims, though not as standard as later years.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, engine temperature. Warning lights for oil pressure, battery, check engine, etc.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

OBD Ii:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for emissions and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Every 3,000 miles or 3 months with conventional oil (check manual for exact recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs. Check manual for specific plug type and interval.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: The 2.0L SOHC/DOHC engines use a timing belt. Replacement interval is typically 90,000 - 100,000 miles or 7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter, 10W-30 viscosity recommended (check manual).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water). Consult manual for specific Mopar part number or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent power steering fluid.

Common Issues:

Radiator and cooling system leaks, heater core issues, AC compressor failures, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on early DOHC models), potential for sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods, struts), intermittent electrical gremlins, door lock actuator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chrysler, a long-standing American automaker, aimed to innovate and challenge established compact car segments with the Neon, a vehicle designed to be globally competitive and stylish.

First Generation Launch:

The Chrysler Neon was first introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model year vehicle, replacing the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance. The 1998 model represents a mid-cycle update or continuation of the first generation (PG).

Production Plant:

Primarily produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, USA.

Production Years:

First generation: 1995-1999.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Chrysler Neon (in its initial generations) was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its value and performance, particularly the ACR (American Club Racer) variants.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings varied significantly year-to-year for the Neon, often citing issues with reliability in certain areas, though its driving dynamics were generally praised.