Market Position:
The Dodge Neon (PL chassis) was positioned as an affordable and stylish compact car, competing in a segment dominated by Japanese and other American manufacturers. It offered a blend of performance, fuel economy, and modern styling for its time.
Competitive Analysis:
Key competitors during the 2000-2001 model years included the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, and Nissan Sentra. The Neon often stood out for its sportier handling, especially in performance variants, and distinctive styling.
Key Features:
The second-generation Neon (PL) featured a revised exterior design, improved interior materials, and updated powertrain options. It was available in sedan and coupe body styles, with various trim levels offering different features and performance enhancements.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Specifications, Wiring Diagrams
Page Count:
Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but typical for full service manuals is 1000+ pages)
Manual Type:
Factory Authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical and electrical, fuel and emissions, cooling system, lubrication, ignition system, starting and charging, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drive axles, suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear), ABS, body controls, HVAC system, interior components, exterior components, lighting, instrumentation, and wiring diagrams for all systems.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), diagnostics and troubleshooting for all major systems, component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.), powertrain repair and overhaul, electrical system diagnosis and repair, HVAC system servicing, body panel repair and alignment, suspension and steering adjustments, brake system bleeding and component replacement.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid level checks and tire pressure adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics using scan tools, and detailed body repair procedures. Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Primary Engine:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (ECC)
Horsepower 2.0L Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Optional Engine:
2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (ECB - High Output, typically in ACR or R/T models)
Optional Engine Performance
Horsepower 2.0L DOHc Ho:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L DOHc Ho:
135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), O2 sensors
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission
Transmission Features:
Includes detailed procedures for clutch replacement, transmission fluid changes, and automatic transmission diagnostics.
Fluid Type Automatic Transmission:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar specification) or equivalent.
Fluid Type Manual Transmission:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil recommended.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact Rating:
Four Stars (for 2001 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact Rating:
Four Stars (for 2001 model year)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on some trims, standard on R/T and ACR. Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes (or four-wheel disc on some performance models).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, side-impact door beams, child safety seat anchors (LATCH system).
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or optional CD player. Manual climate controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to power steering and optional ABS. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control were standard.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Analog gauges and controls.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SN or newer recommended).
Coolant Specification:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues:
Common issues can include: head gasket failures (especially on earlier models, though improved by this generation), automatic transmission solenoid failures, wheel bearing wear, exhaust system corrosion, and front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, tie rod ends).
Tire Size Typical:
P185/70R14, P195/60R15, P205/50R16 (depending on trim and wheel option).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm (4.43 inch)
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 2.0L engines.
Brand Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), had a history of producing compact and affordable vehicles, though the Neon represented a significant effort to capture a modern, international market segment.
Model Evolution:
The 2000-2001 models represent the second generation (PL) of the Dodge Neon, succeeding the first generation (P) which was introduced in 1994. The second generation featured a more refined chassis, updated styling, and improved interiors.
Production Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1999-2005 (for PL generation)
