Target Audience:
Dodge Neon owners performing DIY repairs, independent repair shops, auto parts retailers, and restoration specialists.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for accurate part identification, cost estimation, and labor planning, directly supporting cost-effective vehicle maintenance and repair.
Core Benefit:
Ensures correct part ordering, preventing costly mistakes and delays in repairs.
Practical Application:
Empowers owners to understand repair complexity and cost, fostering informed decision-making for vehicle upkeep.
Engine Components:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing components, oil pump, oil pan, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, fuel injectors, ignition system components.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission components, automatic transmission components, clutch assembly, driveshafts, axles, differentials, CV joints.
Brakes:
Brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake assembly, ABS components.
Suspension Steering:
Shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack, power steering pump, steering column.
Electrical Lighting:
Alternator, starter motor, battery, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, headlights, taillights, interior lighting, switches, sensors.
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid, quarter panels, mirrors, glass, door handles, body trim, emblems, seals.
Interior Trim:
Dashboard components, seats, seat belts, door panels, headliner, carpet, center console, HVAC vents, interior lighting.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel rail, evaporative emissions system components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan, heater core.
Part Identification:
Detailed diagrams with associated part numbers for all major and minor components.
Labor Estimation:
Standard labor operation times for various repair and maintenance tasks, useful for quoting or DIY planning.
Part Pricing:
List prices for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, enabling accurate budgeting.
Depth:
Provides part numbers and descriptions for OEM components. While not a full service manual, it is crucial for accurate part sourcing for repairs and maintenance.
Digital Format Specifications:
If PDF, typically searchable text for efficient part lookups, often optimized for clarity and printability.
Printed Format Quality:
High-quality paper with clear, detailed illustrations and legible text for ease of use in a workshop environment.
Printed Binding:
Likely spiral-bound or lay-flat binding for easy page turning and placement on a workbench.
Printed Paper Type:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and prevent ink bleed-through.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Varies by year and specific testing, but generally fair to good for its class during its production run. The catalog would list parts related to safety restraint systems.
Brake System Type:
Front disc, rear drum standard; available front and rear discs on higher trims or performance models. ABS was optional.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags were standard. Side airbags were optional on some trims.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. Rear three-point belts.
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional Infinity sound system. Catalog would include speaker, head unit, and amplifier part numbers.
ABS Availability:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on many models. Catalog lists ABS sensors, control modules, and hydraulic units.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims. Catalog would list cruise control module, actuator, and switch part numbers.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (specific recommendation would be in owner's manual, catalog lists filter part numbers).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical component, often recommended around 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Catalog lists belt and tensioner part numbers.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to owner's manual, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic or conventional oil.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent. Catalog would list the specific ATF part number.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, specific viscosity grade to be confirmed in manual or via part number lookup.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (struts, ball joints, tie rods), clutch wear (manual transmission), catalytic converter, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), occasional transmission issues.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Timing belt maintenance is critical; failure can cause significant engine damage. Some reports of oil consumption on higher mileage engines.
Manufacturer Context:
Part of Chrysler Corporation's Dodge division, targeting the compact car segment.
Generation Details:
This covers the second generation (2000-2006) Dodge Neon, which featured revised styling, improved chassis dynamics, and updated powertrains compared to the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Key Variants:
ES, SE, SXT, R/T, SRT-4 (high-performance variant).
