Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, DIY enthusiasts, and professional automotive technicians.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Design:
Distinctive cab-forward design, sporty styling for its class.
Powertrain Options:
Availability of both SOHC and DOHC versions of the Chrysler World Engine, offering a balance of economy and performance.
Description:
Comprehensive service and repair information for the 1997 Dodge Neon, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, body, and HVAC.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the 2.0L SOHC and DOHC engines (VIN codes B and X).
Transmission:
Service and repair for manual (Getrag ASD 5-speed) and automatic (Chrysler A577 3-speed) transmissions, including torque converter and shift linkage.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum brake systems, including hydraulic circuits, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, and component replacement.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear twist-beam axle, steering system, power steering, and wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, diagnostic procedures for starter, alternator, battery, ignition, lighting, and power accessories.
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and body repair information.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics, component repair, and refrigerant handling.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and pinpoint tests for common and uncommon drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension component replacement.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and scan tool usage.
Depth:
Professional level, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and clearances.
Engine Code:
VIN B (SOHC)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1996 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio Sohc:
9.3:1
Valve Train Sohc:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower Sohc:
116 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Sohc:
124 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code DOHc:
VIN X (DOHC)
Valve Train DOHc:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower DOHc:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque DOHc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)
Injection Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.0 Quarts (3.8 Liters)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag ASD)
Type:
3-Speed Automatic (Chrysler A577)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Dry Single Plate Clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Lubricant
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
6.5 Quarts (6.2 Liters) (Total fill)
NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for its era)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front: Three-point retractable with pretensioners. Rear: Lap and shoulder belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard, manual refers to child seat restraints.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard; optional CD player; 4-speaker system standard, optional 6-speaker premium system.
Dashboard:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some trims), fuel, and temperature; warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Power Windows Locks:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:
Every 60,000 miles (Platinum Plugs recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Common Problems:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on early models), interior trim creaks and rattles, AC system leaks, occasional transmission issues (automatic), and head gasket failures (less common than perceived but documented).
Technical Advisory Exhaust:
Service manual will likely detail procedures for exhaust manifold repair or replacement, including torque sequences.
