🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

1997

Platform Code:

PG

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and automotive technicians.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.

Design Philosophy:

Affordable, fuel-efficient, sporty styling, and surprisingly spacious interior for its class.

Performance Variants:

Available in standard models and the performance-oriented Neon ACR (American Club Racer) and later the R/T.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, repair, and diagnosis of all engine components, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing system, and lubrication system.

Engine Management:

Detailed diagnosis and repair procedures for fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, and engine sensors (e.g., Crankshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor, MAP sensor, O2 sensors).

Transmission Manual:

Repair and overhaul of manual transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, and related components.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, and internal components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, repair, and alignment specifications, including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bars.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system repair, including disc brakes (pads, rotors), drum brakes (shoes, drums), hydraulic system (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, lines), parking brake, and ABS system diagnosis.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, including steering rack, pump, hoses, and steering column.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for starting and charging systems, lighting, instruments, power accessories, and body control modules.

HVAC:

Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis, repair, recharge procedures, and component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor).

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, collision damage assessment, structural component repair, door, window, and interior trim removal/installation.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed instructions for routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all vehicle systems.

Component Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and brake assemblies.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guides for replacing individual parts and sub-assemblies, from minor sensors to major drivetrain components.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements for accurate assembly and repair.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits, aiding in diagnosis of electrical issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Searchable PDF for easy navigation and keyword lookup. High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Quality:

Printable pages for on-the-go use. Clear, legible text and high-quality diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

2.0L SOHC (16-valve)

Engine Displacement:

1996 cc

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.8:1

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated)

Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (estimated)

Engine Code:

2.0L DOHC (16-valve) High Output

Horsepower:

150 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated for R/T, ACR)

Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (estimated for R/T, ACR)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze (e.g., Mopar 05010855AA or equivalent)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (Check manual for specific viscosity depending on temperature)

Oil Capacity:

4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (estimated)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios are detailed within the manual for each gear and final drive.

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive.

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 gear oil (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification) or equivalent Dexron/Mercon compatible fluid (verify exact spec in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

162.9 inches (4138 mm)

Width:

66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height:

52.7 inches (1339 mm) (Coupe), 54.0 inches (1372 mm) (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Curb Weight:

2650-2850 lbs (1202-1293 kg) (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg)

Trunk Volume:

13.1 cubic feet (sedan), 15.0 cubic feet (coupe) (estimated)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Driver: 4/5 Stars, Passenger: 3/5 Stars (for 1997 model year, specific results may vary slightly by test)

ABS:

Optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Usb Bluetooth:

Not available on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum).

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), especially if towing or in severe service.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for HOAT coolant.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Oil Sludge:

Early models, especially with 2.0L SOHC, can be prone to oil sludge if maintenance is neglected. Regular oil changes are crucial.

Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks:

Can develop leaks, leading to vacuum issues and rough idling.

Radiator And Cooling System:

Plastic end tanks on radiators can become brittle and crack. Water pump and thermostat failures can also occur.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can be noisy or fail prematurely, especially on earlier models.

Exhaust Manifold:

Cracks can develop in the exhaust manifold, causing exhaust leaks and a ticking sound.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), focused on performance, value, and distinctive styling.

First Generation:

The Dodge Neon was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance.

1997 Updates:

The 1997 model received minor updates, including revised interior trim and available features. The DOHC engine became more widely available, including in the R/T model.

Production Period:

1995-2005 (first generation 1995-1999)

Manufacturing Locations:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver magazine's '10Best' list for 1995, praised for its value, handling, and sporty demeanor.

Fuel Economy Est:

EPA estimated MPG: 25 City / 33 Highway (manual transmission, 2.0L SOHC) - actual mileage may vary.