🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

P-Body

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car, often targeting younger buyers or those seeking a budget-friendly transportation solution. It competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, and Chevrolet Cavalier.

Competitive Analysis:

While offering competitive pricing and a sporty driving feel for its class, the Neon sometimes faced criticism for build quality and reliability compared to its Japanese rivals. This manual is essential for owners and independent shops to properly maintain and repair these vehicles, addressing potential issues and maximizing longevity.

Key Features:

The 1998 Neon was part of the first generation, known for its distinctive 'cab-forward' styling and multi-link rear suspension, which contributed to its agile handling. This manual captures the technical details of these innovative (for the time) design elements.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely ZIP archive containing PDF or similar)

Estimated Page Count:

Substantial, typical of factory service manuals (often 1500-2000+ pages when printed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission.

Chassis:

Suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum standard), wheel alignment.

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, starter system, charging system, engine performance diagnostics.

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), glass, doors, locks.

Fuel System Details:

Fuel pump testing, injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pressure regulation, evaporative emissions control system (EVAP).

Ignition System Details:

Spark plug type and gap specifications, coil pack testing, ignition module diagnosis.

Cooling System Details:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat replacement, coolant flushing procedures, fan clutch or electric fan testing.

Brake System Details:

Disc brake pad and rotor replacement, drum brake shoe adjustment and replacement, brake line inspection and repair, bleeding procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, bearings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), steering rack replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, scan tool usage, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Engine Rebuild:

Yes, covers cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing replacement, timing belt replacement (if applicable to the specific engine variant - 420A often had a timing chain).

Body Repair:

Covers panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumper repairs, and basic structural information.

HVAC Repair:

Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling (with appropriate safety warnings).

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic tune-ups and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair instructions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

Provides detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and preventing component damage.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes step-by-step diagnostic trees for common problems and symptom-based troubleshooting to guide technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

ZIP (likely containing PDF files for optimal readability and searchability)

Print Quality:

High quality, designed for professional use. Contains detailed schematics and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Engine Code:

420A (Chrysler's design, but often manufactured with Mitsubishi involvement for components or assembly)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC 16-valve

Horsepower Output:

Approximately 132 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Output:

Approximately 131 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or coil pack configuration.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag-designed or Chrysler variant)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate clutch (for manual transmission)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 160.1 inches

Width:

Approximately 67.4 inches

Height:

Approximately 53.7 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 104.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2600-2800 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult specific vehicle sticker or manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

4 Stars (for 1997-1999 models, based on available data)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

4 Stars (for 1997-1999 models, based on available data)

Active Features:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional on some trims, standard on others.

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, three-point seat belts with pretensioners, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard. Optional CD player available. Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on ABS (optional) and the fundamental safety design of the vehicle structure.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or advanced connectivity options).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Consult manual for specifics.

Coolant Change Interval:

Initial change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Manual: Check level periodically, replace as needed (typically not a scheduled interval unless issues arise). Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as specified for severe duty.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid, though some sources may indicate older Chrysler ATF types are compatible or were used initially. Consult the manual for precise specification.)

Engine Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier models), oil filter housing leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, piston ring wear leading to oil consumption.

Transmission Issues:

Manual clutch wear, automatic transmission solenoid failures, torque converter issues.

Suspension Issues:

Premature wear of front struts and control arm bushings, rear axle bearing wear.

Electrical Issues:

Faulty instrument cluster (especially speedometer), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window regulator issues, intermittent dash warning lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler Corporation, had a history of producing a range of vehicles from trucks to performance cars. The Neon was an attempt to establish a strong presence in the competitive compact car segment.

Model Evolution:

The first generation Dodge Neon (PL platform) debuted in 1994 for the 1995 model year. The 1998 model year saw minor updates and refinements. The second generation (PL2 platform) arrived for the 2000 model year.

Production Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Production Years First Gen:

1995-1999