🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

PL

Platform:

Chrysler PL platform (updated Neon platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Demographic:

Budget-conscious consumers, young drivers, enthusiasts (SRT-4).

Key Competitors:

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

Performance Variant:

SRT-4 model offered significant performance upgrades for its class.

Design:

Distinctive 'round' styling, particularly in the early generations; later models adopted a more conventional look.

Value Proposition:

Offered a competitive price point with available sporty variants.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

2.0L SOHC (ECC), 2.0L DOHC (ESX)

Transmission Variants Covered:

4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE variants), 5-speed Manual

Body Styles Covered:

2-door Coupe (SRT-4), 4-door Sedan

Estimated Pages:

~1500-2000

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (ZIP archive containing PDF files)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch system, drivetrain components (CV joints, axles).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear disc, ABS), wheel bearings, alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), horn, wipers, engine control module (ECM) wiring, body control module (BCM) wiring, fuse box layouts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, latches, locks, glass, body sealing, paint codes (identification), underbody protection, noise insulation.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater system, ventilation, climate control operation, refrigerant handling, component replacement.

Safety Restraints:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pretensioners, diagnostic procedures for restraint systems.

General Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Engine Repair:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, camshaft timing, valve adjustment, timing belt/chain replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement (manual), transmission internal component repair and overhaul (automatic and manual), torque converter service.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake line and hose replacement, bleeding the brake system, ABS component testing and replacement.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Shock absorber and strut replacement, spring replacement, control arm bushings, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, testing sensors, actuators, relays, and control modules, use of diagnostic scan tools.

Bodywork And Collision:

Panel replacement, door hinge and latch adjustment, glass replacement, bumper repair/replacement, minor collision repair procedures.

HVAC System Repair:

AC compressor replacement, condenser and evaporator service, heater core replacement, blower motor replacement, leak testing and evacuation/recharging.

Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, complete overhaul instructions for major components, detailed specifications for all repair operations, wiring diagrams for all systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF documents

Print Quality:

Printable pages, suitable for professional workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

ECC (2.0L SOHC I4)

Displacement 1:

1996 cc (121.8 cu in)

Bore X Stroke 1:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm (3.44 in x 3.27 in)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.3:1

Horsepower 1:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

ESX (2.0L DOHC I4)

Displacement 2:

1996 cc (121.8 cu in)

Horsepower 2:

145 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Srt4 Engine Code:

3S-GE (Turbocharged 2.0L DOHC I4)

Srt4 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5800 rpm

Srt4 Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum for SOHC/DOHC), 91 octane recommended for SRT-4.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

13.0 gallons (49.2 L)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (NVT-T50)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (41TE/42LE variants)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter.

Manual Transmission Features:

Lightweight design, hydraulic clutch actuation.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar P/N 05013457AA or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Length Coupe:

169.8 inches (4313 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height Sedan:

54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Height Coupe:

52.9 inches (1344 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Track Width Front:

58.0 inches (1473 mm)

Track Width Rear:

58.3 inches (1481 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 5.2 inches (132 mm)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

14.9 cu ft (422 L)

Trunk Volume Coupe:

11.8 cu ft (334 L)

Curb Weight Sedan Manual:

~2750 lbs (1247 kg)

Curb Weight Coupe Manual:

~2700 lbs (1225 kg)

Curb Weight Srt4:

~2975 lbs (1349 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

~3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg) depending on configuration

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating Sedan:

4 stars

NHTSA Rollover Rating Coupe:

4 stars

IIHS Small Overlap Front Rating:

Marginal (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Available (standard on SRT-4, optional on others)

Traction Control:

Available (often tied to ABS system)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags available on some models.

Seat Belts:

Front 3-point with pretensioners, rear 3-point and center lap belt.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Optional Infinity speaker system.

Display:

Digital clock, basic driver information display in instrument cluster.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, often an aftermarket addition.

Power Outlets:

12V accessory power outlet.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial for SOHC engine to prevent catastrophic damage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years. Use Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (P/N 05103256AA) or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent

Common Issues Engine:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket leaks, PCV valve clogging, potential piston ring issues in high-mileage engines.

Common Issues Transmission:

Automatic transmission solenoid failure, torque converter shudder, manual clutch wear.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn front control arm bushings, worn strut mounts, premature rear axle bearing wear.

Common Issues Electrical:

Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, gauge cluster problems, alternator bearing failure.

Common Issues HVAC:

Blend door actuator failure, AC evaporator leaks, heater core leaks.

Common Issues Srt4:

Clutch failure under heavy use, turbocharger issues (wastegate rattle, oil starvation), fuel injector issues, CV axle failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and value-driven economical cars.

Neon Generation:

Second generation (2000-2005), facelifted for 2003 model year.

Key Enhancements 2003:

Updated exterior styling, improved interior materials, refined suspension, introduction of SRT-4 variant.

Production Period:

2000-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1997 and 1998 (first generation models).

Srt Recognition:

SRT-4 variant was highly praised for its performance value and was a popular choice among tuners and performance enthusiasts.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to below average in reliability by consumer reports during its production run.