Market Niche:
High-performance compact sedan targeting enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers seeking sporty dynamics and turbo power.
Key Competitors:
Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Ford Focus SVT.
Performance Focus:
Emphasizes its turbocharged engine, sporty suspension tuning, and aggressive styling as key selling points.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Manual).
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS).
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM).
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug service.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring diagrams.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Engine Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine tear-down, component inspection, rebuilding, and reassembly, including torque specifications.
Transmission Overhaul:
Procedures for transmission removal, disassembly, inspection of gears, synchros, and bearings, and reassembly.
Turbocharger Service:
Diagnosis, repair, and replacement of the turbocharger and associated plumbing, including wastegate and blow-off valve.
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete powertrain and chassis rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Diagnostic Charts:
Flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostic procedures to identify the root cause of malfunctions.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise specifications and acceptable wear tolerances for all major components, essential for quality repairs.
File Format Details:
Typically high-resolution PDFs with searchable text for efficient information retrieval. May include scanned pages from original factory manuals.
Print Quality:
For printed versions: Clear, legible text and diagrams. For digital: High-resolution images and schematics.
Binding Type:
For printed versions: Professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound, perfect-bound) for durability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
For printed versions: Durable paper stock suitable for repeated use and potential exposure to workshop fluids.
Engine Code:
GEMA (Chrysler's DOHC 4-cylinder engine family, specifically the turbo variant)
Engine Type:
2.4L (2429cc) DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
245 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger and Intercooler
ECU Type:
Chrysler's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with specific SRT-4 calibration.
Turbo Model:
Garrett T3/T04E (common specification, though variations existed)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
None (Manual transmission was standard and exclusive for the SRT-4 model).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch.
Gear Ratios Details:
Specific gear ratios for the 5-speed manual are detailed in the service manual, crucial for performance tuning and repair.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for the standard Neon, SRT-4 may have variations).
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for the standard Neon, SRT-4 specific ratings may vary).
Traction Control:
Standard on SRT-4 models.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System standard.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim/package).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000-90,000 miles for interference engines. The 2.4L turbo is an interference engine.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for recommended viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service classification. Synthetic oil is highly recommended for turbocharged engines.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant or equivalent. Refer to manual for specific type and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - Refer to manual for specific GL rating and capacity (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, as specified in the manual.
Common Problems:
Clutch wear, turbocharger issues (oil leaks, bearing wear), fuel injector clogging, rear spring breakage, ignition coil failure, boost leaks, axle shaft failure under high torque applications.
Spark Plug Recommendation:
Refer to manual for specific plug type and gap (e.g., NGK Iridium or Platinum recommended for performance).
Dodge Performance Legacy:
Dodge's history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, often with a focus on aggressive styling and accessible power.
Neon Generation:
Second generation Dodge Neon (2000-2005), with the SRT-4 being the high-performance variant introduced for the 2003 model year.
Production Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production Years Srt4:
2003-2005