🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

PL

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Economy Car

Target Audience:

DIY Enthusiasts, Independent Repair Shops, Professional Technicians

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege

Key Features:

Affordable, Sporty Handling (especially ACR models), Fuel Efficient

Notes For Technicians:

Prepared primarily for professional technicians, providing detailed procedures and technical specifications for accurate repairs and diagnostics. Adequately covers basic maintenance for DIY users.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

2.0L SOHC (16V), 2.0L DOHC (16V) ACR

Transmission Coverage:

3-speed Automatic (A574/A586), 5-speed Manual (A520/NVT550)

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Body Coverage:

Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Bumpers, HVAC

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel, Engine Cooling, Engine Lubrication, Engine Ignition, Engine Exhaust, Engine Control Systems (PCM), Turbocharger (if applicable)

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Driveshafts, Axles, Differentials

Suspension And Steering:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Struts, Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Power Steering System

Braking Systems:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Parking Brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

HVAC Systems:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System Components and Operation

Electrical Systems:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Windows, Power Locks, Cruise Control, Airbag System

Body And Trim:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Seats, Headliner

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Wiring Diagram Interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Engine Component Removal/Installation, Transmission Overhaul/Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair

Overhaul Procedures:

Engine Rebuild, Transmission Rebuild

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Gaps, Dimensions

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Print Quality:

High Resolution (suitable for printing)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

2.0L SOHC (AST)

Engine Displacement 1:

1996 cc

Engine Configuration 1:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain 1:

SOHC, 16 Valves

Horsepower 1:

116 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque 1:

120 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Bore X Stroke 1:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.8:1

Engine Code 2:

2.0L DOHC (AGS) ACR

Engine Displacement 2:

1996 cc

Engine Configuration 2:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain 2:

DOHC, 16 Valves

Horsepower 2:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

130 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.7 Quarts (6.3 Liters)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Service SG, SH, SJ, or ILSAC GF-2 or higher

Oil Capacity With Filter:

4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters)

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mopar MO-090 / Fram PH3515 / Wix 51515

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (A520 / NVT550)

Optional Transmission Type:

3-speed Automatic (A574 / A586)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Mopar ATF+3 (Type 9720) or equivalent

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.4 Quarts (7.0 Liters)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (SAE 75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.0 Quarts (1.9 Liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

53.9 inches (1370 mm)

Curb Weight Est Min:

2700 lbs (1225 kg)

Curb Weight Est Max:

2900 lbs (1315 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact Rating:

4 Stars (1998 Model)

NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact Rating:

4 Stars (1998 Model)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable (1998 Model)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional

Passive Safety Features:

Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Crumple Zones, Side-Impact Door Beams

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Type:

Basic AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player or CD Player (optional)

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 speakers (door and rear deck)

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to optional ABS. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) present.

Connectivity Options:

No Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Power windows and locks were optional on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend)

Engine Oil Change Interval Conventional:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (using conventional oil)

Engine Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) for conventional spark plugs; 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum spark plugs (if equipped)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Manual Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 48 months

Serpentine Belt Inspection Interval:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km); replace as needed

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Type 9720) or equivalent

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water/Washer Fluid Mixture

Common Issues:

Head Gasket Failure (especially on earlier models and DOHC engines), Oil Leaks (crankshaft seals, valve cover gasket), A/C System Leaks, Power Steering Pump Issues, Transmission Issues (manual clutch wear, automatic transmission solenoid failures), Rust (wheel wells, rocker panels)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing robust and performance-oriented vehicles, often targeting value-conscious buyers.

First Generation Start:

1995

Second Generation Start:

2000

Second Generation Changes:

The 1998 model represents the first generation of the Neon, which debuted in 1995. Minor updates and refinements were typically made throughout the first generation's lifecycle.

Production Period:

1994-2005 (across two generations)

Manufacturing Plants:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Car and Driver's 10Best List (1996-1997)

Automotive Journalism Reviews:

Generally praised for its agile handling and sporty feel, especially for its price point and class.