Target Audience:
Dodge Neon owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Advantage Over Alternatives:
Provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions and technical data often missing in generic online guides or basic owner's manuals
Completeness:
Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems, offering a holistic approach to vehicle care
Detail Level:
Elaborate details on disassembly, reassembly, and troubleshooting for a wide range of repairs
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable)
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair of manual transmission components, clutch system
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair of automatic transmission components, torque converter, fluid system
Drivetrain:
Axles, CV joints, drive shafts, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, structural components, rust repair, glass replacement
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC controls, door panels
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
AC system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, diagnostics
Emissions Control:
Evaporative emissions system, catalytic converter, EGR system
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system service
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing virtually any part of the vehicle
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, steering wheel centering, parking brake adjustment
Troubleshooting Charts:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth Level:
Factory-level technical information and procedures
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and diagnostic procedures
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tool Requirements:
Identifies and describes any specialized tools needed for specific procedures
Engine Code Common:
420 (2.0L SOHC I4), 420A (2.0L DOHC I4 - Neon R/T, ACR)
2.0L Sohc (420):
Approx. 132-137 hp @ 5600-5800 rpm, 130-135 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm
2.0L DOHc (420A):
Approx. 150 hp @ 6400 rpm, 130 lb-ft torque @ 4800 rpm (Standard Neon)
2.0L DOHc Turbo (Optional, Srt-4):
Approx. 215 hp @ 5200 rpm, 245 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (Note: This manual is for the standard Neon, SRT-4 variants may have separate specific manuals or addendums)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Minimum)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A578 or similar)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., ATF+4 or equivalent for automatic, specific gear oil for manual)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (for 2005 models tested)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (for 2005 models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for 2005 models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (depending on type installed)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (or check manual, 'lifetime' fluids often benefit from periodic changes)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (Check owner's manual for exact specification and API service classification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) compatible with Chrysler specifications. Check manual for exact type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check owner's manual for precise requirement)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF +4
Common Problem Headgasket:
Head gasket failures can occur, particularly on the 2.0L SOHC engine, often due to overheating or age.
Common Problem Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings are common wear items.
Common Problem Ac System:
Leaking AC lines, compressor failures, and clogged evaporators can affect AC performance.
Common Problem Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, leading to windows not operating correctly.
Common Problem Cv Axles:
Ripped CV boots can lead to premature failure of the CV joints.
Dodge Brand Focus:
Dodge, part of Chrysler (later FCA, now Stellantis), historically focused on performance-oriented, value-driven vehicles
Neon Development:
The Neon was developed as Chrysler's entry into the compact car segment, aiming for competitive pricing and sporty handling. The second generation saw significant styling updates and platform refinements.
Production Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years For Second Gen:
2000-2005