🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2000, 2001

Chassis Code:

PL (Second Generation)

Engine Code Primary:

EJ7 (2.0L SOHC 16V)

Engine Code Optional:

A555 (2.0L DOHC 16V Turbo - ACR/R/T trims)

Transmission Code Primary:

40TE (4-speed Automatic)

Transmission Code Optional:

NV1500 (5-speed Manual)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, entry-level car owners, DIY enthusiasts.

Key Competitors:

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

Design:

Unique styling, often with a somewhat sporty or youthful appeal for its class.

Performance Variants:

Availability of higher-performance variants like ACR (American Club Racer) and R/T with turbocharged engines.

Value Proposition:

Offered a good balance of features and price, making it an accessible option.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete maintenance, diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for the 2000-2001 Dodge Neon.

Specific Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Body, Electrical System, HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Climate Control.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Factory Authorized)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, oil pump, oil filter.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, fuel injection system, ignition system, spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), engine control module (ECM), emissions controls, EGR system, EVAP system.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, flywheel, manual gearbox operation, gear shift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, valve body, torque converter, transmission fluid cooler, shift control.

Brakes:

Disc brakes, drum brakes (rear), brake fluid, master cylinder, brake booster, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components and diagnostics.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (torsion beam, trailing arms, shock absorbers).

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating and air conditioning system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, cabin air filter, climate control module.

Body And Trim:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, latches, interior trim panels, exterior trim, bumpers.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Detailed procedure for SOHC and DOHC engines, including timing marks and tensioner adjustment.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake bleeding, ABS bleeding.

Suspension And Steering Alignment:

Alignment specifications and procedures.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Use of wiring diagrams, voltage drop testing, continuity testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.

Special Tools:

Lists required special tools for specific procedures, such as timing belt alignment tools, brake bleeders, etc.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996cc)

Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (I4)

Valvetrain:

16 Valves (DOHC - 4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower Sohc:

132 hp @ 6000 RPM

Torque Sohc:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM

Displacement Turbo:

2.0 Liters (1996cc)

Configuration Turbo:

Inline 4-Cylinder (I4) with Turbocharger

Valvetrain Turbo:

16 Valves (DOHC - 4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower Turbo:

184 hp @ 5600 RPM (ACR/R/T)

Torque Turbo:

190 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (ACR/R/T)

Compression Ratio Sohc:

9.6:1

Compression Ratio Turbo:

8.5:1

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for SOHC, 91 octane recommended for Turbocharged)

🔧 Transmission

Type Sohc:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500)

Type Sohc Auto:

4-Speed Automatic (40TE)

Type Turbo Auto:

4-Speed Automatic (42LE) for R/T

Automatic Control:

Electronic control with adaptive shift logic.

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available in the manual, typically around 3.73:1 for final drive.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2,700 - 2,900 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Likely achieved 4-star ratings in frontal crash tests for driver and passenger (refer to specific test data for exact year).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional depending on trim level.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) may be available on higher trims or as an option.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags may be optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Premium Infinity sound system often available on higher trims.

Display:

Basic digital or analog instrument cluster. No large touchscreen displays in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Keyless Entry:

Available as an option on many trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically found in factory systems of this era; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plugs:

Replace SOHC every 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium); DOHC Turbo may have different intervals.

Timing Belt:

Critical component, typically recommended for replacement at 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (Synthetic recommended for better protection and longevity).

Coolant:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with OAT inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler specification for automatic transmissions).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4.

Engine Mounts:

Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration and noise, especially at idle or during acceleration.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

The tensioner can fail, leading to incorrect timing belt tension and potential belt jump or breakage.

Oil Leaks:

Common oil leaks can occur from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals.

Suspension Components:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can wear out, leading to noise and poor handling.

Evaporative Emission Control System:

Faulty EVAP canister purge valves or vent solenoids can trigger check engine lights.

Automatic Transmission Shifting:

Some early automatic transmissions might exhibit harsh shifting or delay, often related to solenoid issues or fluid degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)

Generation Info:

This manual covers the second generation of the Dodge Neon (PL platform), introduced for the 2000 model year. It featured revised styling, interior improvements, and updated powertrains compared to the first generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

Production Years Covered:

2000-2005 (for the second generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Year 2000 Ranking:

Often featured in 'best value' or 'most affordable' lists in automotive publications of its time.

Performance Awards:

The R/T and ACR models were recognized for their spirited performance and handling for their price point.