🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Platform:

PL

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking in-depth knowledge.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier

Vehicle Appeal:

Affordability, sporty handling (especially with DOHC engine), distinctive styling.

Manual Value:

Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing a vehicle that may be out of its primary dealer support window.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Maintenance and Repair Procedures

Estimated Pages:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.0L SOHC and DOHC (AST), Cooling System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions (e.g., A555, 301)

Drivetrain:

Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Axles, CV Joints

Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Struts, Springs

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column, Rack and Pinion

Brakes:

Front and Rear Brakes (Disc and Drum), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) if equipped, Parking Brake

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Modules (BCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System, Refrigerant Charging, Component Diagnosis

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim

Restraints:

Airbag System (SRS), Seat Belts

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt and Hose Inspection/Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-II), Component Testing

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Detailed diagrams, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Adobe PDF Reader recommended for optimal display of graphics and images.

Quality:

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

Binding:

Digital (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

1.6L SOHC (420A) - some markets, 2.0L SOHC (AGS) and 2.0L DOHC (AST) were primary for North America.

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1996 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.6 mm x 83.0 mm (2.0L)

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1 (SOHC), 9.8:1 (DOHC)

Horsepower Sohc:

118 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Sohc:

124 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Horsepower DOHc:

145 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque DOHc:

135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum) for SOHC, 89 Octane Recommended for DOHC

ECU:

Chrysler/Dodge Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Base:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (e.g., A555 for DOHC, 301 for SOHC)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 301)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Clutch Actuation

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (Check manual for specific fill)

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+3 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

163.1 inches (4143 mm)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

53.6 inches (1361 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

2550 - 2750 lbs (depending on engine and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

3600 lbs

Standard Tire Size:

185/65R14 (SOHC), 195/55R15 (DOHC Sport)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm

Wheel Size:

14 x 5.5 inches or 15 x 6 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (1997 Model Year)

NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (1997 Model Year)

IIHS Crash Test Rating:

Acceptable (Various tests depending on year and test methodology)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners; Rear 3-point seat belts.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.

Speaker System:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims.

OBD Ii Port:

Equipped with an OBD-II diagnostic port, facilitating modern emissions and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3 to 6 months (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-30 (API SG/SH or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change (2.0L engines)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Yellow/Pink) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (or equivalent)

Engine Oil Sludge:

Early models (especially 1995-1996) could be prone to internal engine sludge if oil changes were neglected. DOHC (AST) engines are generally considered more robust.

Cooling System Leaks:

Plastic radiator tanks and water pump housings can become brittle and leak over time.

Suspension Wear:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common due to age and mileage.

Ignition System:

Coil packs and spark plug wires can degrade, leading to misfires.

A C System:

Leaking O-rings and compressor clutch failures can occur.

Cv Axle Boots:

Torn CV axle boots can lead to premature failure of the joint due to grease loss and dirt ingress.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

Generation:

First Generation (1995-1999)

Introduction Year:

1995

Key Design Influence:

Inspired by European compact car designs, particularly from the early 1990s.

Manufacturing Plant:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico

Production Years:

1995-2005 (across two generations)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Dodge Neon was notably named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 1996, praised for its handling and value.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings for reliability varied for the first generation Neon, with some model years showing average or below-average reliability in specific areas. This manual is crucial for proactive maintenance.