🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Model Generation:

Second Generation (PL)

Years Covered:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Platform Code:

PL

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Subcompact Car

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers, entry-level buyers

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier

Model Appeal:

Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, distinctive styling (for its era)

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information equivalent to dealer-supplied documentation, empowering owners and independent shops.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

North America, Europe, Australia

Engine Coverage:

2.0L SOHC and DOHC variants

Transmission Coverage:

Automatic (4-speed) and Manual (5-speed)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for on-the-go workshop use

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECM/PCM)

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included)

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, power distribution, starting and charging system, instrument cluster, comfort and convenience features

Body:

Exterior and interior trim, body panels, glass, doors, seating, HVAC system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common issue diagnosis

Repair:

Component removal and installation, system overhauls, component rebuilding

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics

Diagnostic Level:

Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool data interpretation, and circuit testing procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and clear, crisp text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

2.0L SOHC I4 (16-valve)

Engine Code 2:

2.0L DOHC I4 (16-valve) - ACR/SRT-4 variants

Horsepower Sohc:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Sohc:

130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower DOHc Acr:

145 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)

Torque DOHc Acr:

150 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower Srt4:

205 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Srt4:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for non-turbo, 91+ for SRT-4)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up

Manual Features:

Hydraulically actuated clutch

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door coupe, 4-door sedan

Wheelbase:

105.0 inches (2667 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (sedan) / 172.9 inches (coupe) (approx.)

Width:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (sedan) / 54.3 inches (coupe) (approx.)

Curb Weight Range:

2,700 - 3,100 lbs (1225 - 1406 kg) (depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (2001 model data)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models with side airbags)

ABS:

Available on most trims, standard on higher trims and SRT-4

Traction Control:

Available on some trims

Airbags:

Frontal airbags standard, optional side-impact airbags available

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound system available

Display:

Basic digital or analog display for radio and clock

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trims

Auxiliary Input:

Typically not standard; aftermarket solutions common

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium)

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (Engines utilize timing chains)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (refer to owner's manual for exact specification)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), HVAC blower motor issues, catalytic converter failure, clutch wear (manual transmission), occasional electrical gremlins.

Srt4 Specific Issues:

Clutch failure under high-torque use, fuel injector issues, turbocharger concerns if not maintained properly.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

Generation Introduction:

Second generation (PL) launched for the 2000 model year, replacing the original Neon (1st Gen PL).

Key Updates 2Nd Gen:

Revised exterior styling, improved interior quality, increased chassis rigidity, introduction of the high-performance SRT-4 variant in 2003.

Manufacturing Locations:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Toluca, Mexico

Production End Year:

2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 2001:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2001 (SRT-4 variant)

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by year and model; generally considered average to below average in its class for some reliability aspects, particularly in early years of the generation.