🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1995

Generation Code:

P-Body (First Generation)

Platform:

Chrysler PL platform

👋 Introduction

Original Market Placement:

The Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car, often targeting younger buyers and those seeking value.

Key Competitors:

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

Aerodynamic Styling:

The P-Body Neon was known for its distinctive, rounded, and aerodynamic styling, setting it apart from many competitors at the time.

Comprehensive Part Coverage:

The manual covers every part of the vehicle, ensuring accurate identification for maintenance, repair, and restoration.

Exploded Diagrams:

Exploded views are crucial for understanding component relationships and assembly sequences.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Powertrain, Chassis, Electrical, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Interior Components, Exterior Components, Accessories

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 500+ pages for a full parts catalog)

Type:

Parts Manual Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Paperback)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Cylinder block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing system, oil pump, oil pan, seals, gaskets.

Fuel And Emission Components:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, throttle body, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control system.

Cooling System Components:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan, shroud, coolant reservoir.

Ignition System Components:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), spark plug wires.

Transmission Components:

Transmission case, gears, clutches, torque converter (automatic), clutch assembly (manual), shift forks, seals, gaskets.

Drivetrain Components:

Axles, CV joints, differential, drive shafts.

Suspension Components:

Struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, coil springs.

Steering Components:

Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel, power steering pump (if equipped).

Brake System Components:

Brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake drums, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake lines, brake hoses, ABS components (if equipped).

Wheel And Tire Components:

Wheels, lug nuts, wheel studs, tires.

Electrical System Components:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, switches, lighting components, instrument cluster, sensors.

Body Exterior Components:

Bumpers, fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid, roof panel, body panels, glass, mirrors, moldings, trim, emblems.

Body Interior Components:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, steering wheel, pedals, shifters, climate controls, audio system components.

HVAC Components:

Heater core, evaporator, blower motor, air conditioning compressor, condenser, refrigerant lines, controls, ducting.

Identification Of Parts:

Provides manufacturer part numbers and detailed illustrations for identifying every component.

Assembly Disassembly Guidance:

Exploded diagrams facilitate understanding of how parts fit together for installation and removal.

Part Interchangeability:

Implicitly allows for identification of correct replacement parts.

Depth:

Detailed component-level information with manufacturer part numbers and visual aids. Focuses on part identification and sourcing, not repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Options:

N/A (Product description implies physical print, but digital formats are common for parts catalogs.)

Quality:

Professional Quality: High-resolution diagrams, clear text, durable paper.

Binding:

Likely Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound for durability and ease of use.

Paper Quality:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper suitable for frequent reference in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

420A (Chrysler/Mitsubishi collaboration), later SOHC and DOHC variants existed in later model years but 1995 typically featured the 420A.

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Horsepower Est:

Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm (for the 420A engine)

Torque Est:

Approx. 127 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (for the 420A engine)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS on later models, but 1995 may have a distributor or DIS).

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) controlling fuel and ignition timing.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (e.g., Chrysler's 41TE 'Ultradrive')

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios would be detailed within the manual's transmission section.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or equivalent (check manual for precise spec)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (check manual for precise viscosity, e.g., 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

Approx. 174.7 inches (4437 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.2 inches (1351 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg), depending on trim and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-Star (for 1995 model year, in some configurations).

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-Star (for 1995 model year, in some configurations).

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seatbelts, rear seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in 1995; relies on seatbelt routing for child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. CD player optional on higher trims or as an aftermarket upgrade.

Speakers:

Typically 4 speakers (front door, rear deck).

Cruise Control:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

Limited by 1995 standards; primarily focused on basic audio and climate controls. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change reminder system/owner's manual. Check manual for specifics.

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years, depending on coolant type. Check manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs, or sooner for standard plugs. Check manual.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for this engine. Typically around 90,000-100,000 miles. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Check manual for exact interval and part number.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (check manual for specific API service category and potential viscosity variations based on temperature).

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT or equivalent green coolant might be acceptable, verify with manual.

Common Problems:

Timing belt failure, occasional electrical gremlins (especially with wiring harnesses), rear main seal leaks, radiator leaks, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints).

Timing Belt Kit Part Number Example:

Part numbers for timing belt kits will vary by manufacturer (e.g., Gates, Dayco) and should be cross-referenced with the manual's listings.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Brand Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (at the time), was known for its performance-oriented vehicles and practical offerings.

First Generation Introduction:

The Dodge Neon (P-Body) was introduced for the 1995 model year as a completely new compact car, replacing the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance.

Platform Significance:

Developed under the Chrysler PL platform, it was designed to be a global platform, also sold as the Plymouth Neon and Chrysler Neon in some markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.

Production Years First Gen:

1994-1999

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The Neon was generally well-received by automotive journalists upon its release for its engaging driving dynamics, sporty styling, and affordability, often earning praise as a strong contender in the compact segment.

Consumer Reports Reliability History:

Reliability ratings for the first-generation Neon were mixed to below average in its early years, improving somewhat as production continued. Specific ratings would be in archived reports.