Segment:
Compact car, known for affordability, sporty handling, and distinctive styling.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, and Mazda Protege.
Design:
Unique cab-forward design, aerodynamic styling, praised for its handling and affordable performance, especially with the DOHC engine.
Engines:
Offered with both a 2.0L SOHC and a higher-performance 2.0L DOHC (16-valve) engine.
Demographic:
Budget-conscious buyers, younger drivers, those seeking a sporty and economical daily driver.
Model Variants Covered:
All Dodge Neon models (e.g., base, Highline, Sport, ACR, ES, LX) for 1997, including Coupe and Sedan body styles.
Repair Scope:
Comprehensive A-Z repairs, maintenance, diagnostics, and technical information for all vehicle systems.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Format:
Printed Manual (Hardcover/Softcover) - Assumed based on description of dealer use.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (2.0L SOHC and DOHC), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual transmissions (e.g., A520, A525, NV1500) and Automatic transmissions (e.g., A604/41TE).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, CV axles, differential systems.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (struts, control arms, bushings), steering components.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, instruments, power accessories, starter, alternator.
Body:
Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I and early OBD-II for 1997), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks), belt replacement, brake servicing.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Diagnostics Testing:
Component testing procedures, circuit testing, sensor testing, actuator testing.
Depth:
Extremely high; covers detailed disassembly, assembly, specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures used by dealership technicians.
Format Details:
Printed hard copy. High-quality paper, durable binding designed for workshop use.
Quality:
Professional print quality with clear diagrams, schematics, and illustrations.
Binding:
Likely a stitched or glued binding for durability in a professional setting.
Paper:
Heavy-duty paper stock suitable for workshop environments, resistant to grease and tears.
Engine Code Sohc:
2.0L (1996cc) SOHC I4 (16-valve)
Engine Code DOHc:
2.0L (1996cc) DOHC I4 (16-valve) - For Sport, ACR, ES models.
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
145 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum) for SOHC; 89 octane (recommended) for DOHC.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent).
Oil Type Sohc:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (preferred).
Oil Type DOHc:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (preferred).
Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for both engines with filter change.
Transmission Type Base:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., A520, A525).
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., A604/41TE).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent).
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4-star (1997 model year testing varies)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4-star (1997 model year testing varies)
ABS:
Optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on all models for 1997.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat pretensioners.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on some trims.
Air Conditioning:
Standard or optional air conditioning system.
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial; typically every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years due to interference engine design (critical for DOHC).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4, if specified for replacement).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III ATF.
Engine Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early DOHC), timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets.
Transmission Common Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures (A604), manual transmission clutch wear, output shaft seal leaks.
Suspension Common Issues:
Front strut bearing failures, worn control arm bushings, rear axle bushings.
Electrical Common Issues:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, faulty door lock switches, instrument cluster problems.
Other Common Issues:
Rust on rocker panels and wheel wells, AC evaporator leaks.
Brand:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler).
Generation:
First Generation Neon (PL platform).
Introduction Year:
The first generation Dodge Neon was introduced for the 1995 model year.
Production Period:
1995-1999 (First Generation).
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.
Early Reception:
Generally positive for its handling, styling, and value, though early reliability concerns were noted by some.