🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon

Year:

2002

Trim Level Designation:

PL

Chassis Code:

PL (Second Generation Neon)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2002 Dodge Neon was positioned as an affordable, compact economy car, often targeting younger buyers and those seeking fuel efficiency and practicality. The PL designation often refers to specific market variants or configurations within the Neon lineup.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, and Mazda Protege.

Key Features:

Front-wheel drive, compact sedan and coupe body styles, accessible pricing, and a relatively peppy engine for its class. The second generation (PL) offered improved styling and refinement over the first generation.

Target Audience:

This parts catalog is invaluable for Dodge Neon owners, independent repair shops, and parts distributors who need to accurately identify and source original equipment replacement parts for the 2002 PL model.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive parts catalog for the 2002 Dodge Neon PL model.

Page Count:

Estimated 500-1000 pages (typical for a detailed parts catalog).

Manual Type:

Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (including Engine Control, Body Control, Lighting, Audio), Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Chassis Components, Climate Control, Safety Restraints.

Electrical System Details:

Coverage includes starter motor, alternator, battery, ignition system components (coils, plugs, wires), fuses, relays, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks), instrument cluster, and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and related sensors. Specific wiring diagrams are usually found in a separate service manual, but this catalog identifies the individual electrical parts.

Chassis And Body:

Includes frame components, body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers), glass, seals, weatherstripping, body mounts, and collision repair related parts. Also covers suspension arms, control arms, subframes, and steering linkage.

Procedures:

Identification of all original equipment (OE) parts, part numbers, exploded diagrams for assembly/disassembly visualization, component interchangeability where applicable, cross-referencing of superseded parts.

Component Identification:

Provides exact part numbers for all fasteners, clips, brackets, and seals, crucial for correct assembly and replacement of any component within the vehicle's structure and systems.

Depth:

Detailed listing and illustration of every replaceable component, designed for parts sourcing and identification by technicians and enthusiasts.

Diagram Detail:

Detailed exploded views of every major assembly, allowing users to visually understand the order and orientation of parts during replacement. Each part is clearly labeled with its corresponding part number and quantity.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for text searching of part numbers and descriptions, significantly aiding in quick part identification.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing detailed diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.0L SOHC I4 (AST)

Engine Displacement:

1996 cc (121.8 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

132 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Codes:

The 2.0L engine code for this generation is typically 'AST' for the standard SOHC version. Performance variants might have had different codes (e.g., 'ACR' for ACR models, though less common for standard PL). This catalog would detail specific engine variants and their associated components.

Engine Variant 2 0L Sohc:

The 2.0L SOHC (AST) engine is the most common for the standard 2002 Neon. Parts catalog will detail specific variants like different intake manifold designs or exhaust manifold configurations if present.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive. Parts catalog will cover clutch components, transmission case, gears, synchronizers, bearings, automatic transmission valve body, torque converter, and related seals/gaskets.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches (2652 mm)

Length:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

67.0 inches (1702 mm)

Height:

54.2 inches (1377 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-2850 lbs (1225-1293 kg), depending on body style and equipment.

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 90 cubic feet. Catalog would list interior trim parts, seats, dashboard components, HVAC controls.

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 13.1 cubic feet for sedan models. Catalog would cover trunk lid, hinges, latches, carpeting, spare tire components.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

Not consistently available or rated highly across all trims for this model year. Parts catalog would cover safety restraint components like airbags, seatbelts.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often optional or standard on higher trims. Parts catalog would include ABS sensors, modulator, master cylinder, brake lines.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Parts catalog would list airbag modules, clock springs, airbag control modules, seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with CD or cassette player. Optional Infinity sound system. Parts catalog would detail radio units, speakers, antennas, and wiring harnesses.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS (optional). No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available for this model year.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports. Aftermarket head unit installations would require specific kits covered in the catalog.

🔧 Maintenance

Recommended Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Refer to the specific owner's manual for detailed intervals based on driving conditions.

Recommended Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect at 30,000 miles, change as needed.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 API SN or equivalent.

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) long-life coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to Mopar specifications.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 rated gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (check owner's manual for specific type, often ATF+4 or a dedicated power steering fluid).

Common Issues:

Radiator leaks, alternator failure, AC system issues (compressor, leaks), tie rod end wear, wheel bearing failure, exhaust system rust, occasional head gasket issues on higher mileage vehicles.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Fram PH3600, Wix 51522, Mopar MO-899 (typical examples, actual OE might vary).

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Fram CA8756, Wix 42642 (typical examples).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to minivans. The Neon was introduced in the mid-1990s as a new compact offering.

Model Evolution:

The 2002 Dodge Neon is part of the second generation (1999-2005), which featured revised styling, an updated interior, and improved chassis dynamics compared to the first generation (1995-1999). The 'PL' chassis code denotes this second generation.

Production Plants:

Primarily manufactured at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

The Dodge Neon, particularly the second generation, received mixed reviews but was generally considered a decent value proposition. Some specific performance variants (like the ACR) were praised for handling.