🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler / Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

PL

Internal Product Code:

97CNPLSW

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact car, economy segment.

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, DIY enthusiasts seeking to maintain and repair their vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive "cab-forward" styling, sporty handling for its class, and competitive pricing.

Manual Value:

Highly practical, comprehensive coverage, high-quality diagrams, instant download, cost-saving for DIY repairs.

Vehicle Attributes:

Known for its agile handling, practical interior space, and distinctive styling that set it apart from contemporaries.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1997 Chrysler/Dodge Neon PL platform.

Secondary Coverage:

Detailed diagrams, diagnostic information, maintenance schedules, and electrical schematics.

Estimated Pages:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, automatic transmission.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires, driveline, differential.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, audio/video systems, chime/buzzer, clock, power systems, horn, vehicle theft security, speed control, wipers/washers, heated systems.

Body:

Frame, bumpers, interior trim, exterior body panels, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), navigation/telecommunication systems.

Safety Restraints:

Airbag systems (restraints), seat belt mechanisms.

Emissions:

Emission control systems, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) index.

Electronics:

Electronic Control Modules (ECMs), wiring diagrams, message systems.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Repair:

Engine repair (minor and major), transmission service and repair, brake overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical system diagnosis.

Technical Specifications:

Detailed specifications for all components, torque values, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical resistance values.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Covers a wide range of repairs from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High quality diagrams and instructions, printable pages.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

All pages are printable for convenient desk-side or shop use.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac.

Software:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) or DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) 4-cylinder engines were common across the Neon range.

Displacement:

Typically 2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Horsepower Sohc:

Approximately 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Sohc:

Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Horsepower DOHc:

Approximately 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (for models like the ACR or Sport)

Torque DOHc:

Approximately 130-135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for SOHC, higher octane may be specified for DOHC variants).

Drive:

Timing Belt

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag/Chrysler)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE/42LE)

Fluid Spec Auto:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specifications from the manual). Previously, ATF+3 was standard.

Fluid Spec Manual:

Manual transmission fluid (API GL-4 or GL-5, specific viscosity grade like 75W-90 or 80W-90, as per manual).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan, 5-Door Hatchback

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,500 - 2,700 lbs (1134 - 1225 kg) depending on body style and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Generally rated Good in frontal impact tests (for models with airbags).

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Generally rated Good in frontal impact tests (for models with airbags).

IIHS Offset Frontal:

Mixed results, some models performed well, others less so in offset frontal tests.

Braking:

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes depending on trim. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Optional speed-sensitive power steering on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

Navigation:

Not typically available from the factory in 1997. Aftermarket solutions would be required.

HVAC:

Manual climate control with A/C standard on many models. Recirculation mode, fan speed, temperature control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. Conventional oil may recommend shorter intervals (e.g., 3,000-5,000 miles).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial maintenance item. Recommended replacement interval is typically 70,000 - 100,000 miles (112,000 - 160,000 km) or 7-10 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Initially around 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 is typically recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification.

Coolant:

Chrysler specified HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, usually a pink or orange color. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine:

Head gasket leaks (particularly on early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks, piston slap on some engines, radiator fan failures.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission clutch wear, torque converter issues, occasional hard shifting.

Electrical:

Issues with power windows, door locks, instrument cluster failure (e.g., flickering gauges), failure of body control modules.

Suspension:

Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, strut and shock absorber wear, noisy sway bar links.

Body Corrosion:

Rust can form on wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chrysler Corporation.

Generation:

First Generation (1995-1999). The 1997 model falls within this initial generation.

Key Design Aspects:

Introduced the 'cab-forward' design philosophy, emphasizing interior space and a distinct, often polarizing, exterior look.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver magazine's '10Best' list for 1997, acknowledging its strong performance and value proposition for the era.

Consumer Reports:

Mixed reviews from Consumer Reports over its lifespan, often citing reliability concerns but praising its handling and space.