Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians looking for in-depth repair information.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX, Ford Focus SVT.
Factory Information:
This is the same manual used by official Dodge service departments.
Diagnostic Capability:
Provides comprehensive diagnostic procedures for complex issues.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform DIY repairs and maintenance, saving significant money on labor costs.
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive coverage including diagnostics, repair, and rebuilding.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Brake System:
Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of braking components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for troubleshooting and repair.
Electrical System:
Complete coverage of electrical components, circuits, and troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Maintenance and repair procedures for suspension components.
Steering:
Diagnostic and repair information for the steering system.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of radiators, fans, hoses, and coolant.
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Service and troubleshooting for fuel delivery and injection systems.
Emission System:
Information on emissions control components and testing.
Heater Air Conditioning:
Service and repair for HVAC systems.
Engine Control System:
Diagnostics and repair of the Engine Control Module (ECM) and related sensors/actuators.
Chassis Body:
Bodywork, chassis components, and related repairs.
Restraint System:
Information on airbags and seatbelt systems.
Interior:
Service and repair for interior components and trim.
Differential Drive:
Maintenance and repair of the drive axle and differential.
Axle:
Axle component service and repair.
General Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and more.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving issues.
Periodic Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points and recommended intervals/products.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step guides for removing and reinstalling components.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Procedures for cleaning parts before reassembly.
Depth:
Professional/Technician Level. Covers detailed diagnostics, repair, and rebuilding procedures identical to dealership service.
Engine Code:
2.4L Turbocharged DOHC (Chrysler World Engine)
Displacement:
2378 cc (145 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 98.0 mm
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5800 rpm (2003-2004), 215 hp @ 5800 rpm (2005)
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (2003-2004), 245 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (2005)
Boost Pressure:
Approximately 15.5 psi (1.07 bar) with intercooler
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger and Intercooler
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 5-Speed Manual
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.33, 2nd: 1.95, 3rd: 1.36, 4th: 1.03, 5th: 0.79, Reverse: 3.00)
Transmission Type:
None offered for SRT-4 model
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated, Single Dry Plate
NHTSA Front Impact:
Driver: 4/5 Stars, Passenger: 5/5 Stars (2003 Model)
NHTSA Side Impact:
Front Driver: 5/5 Stars, Front Passenger: 5/5 Stars, Rear Driver: 4/5 Stars, Rear Passenger: 4/5 Stars (2003 Model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional (may vary by package/year)
Airbags:
Standard Front Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity speaker system.
Instrument Cluster:
Sport-oriented with tachometer, boost gauge, and performance-oriented readouts.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable, the 2.4L engine uses a timing chain.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (Refer to manual for specific Mopar or API certification)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant (Orange color)
Transmission Fluid:
Pentosin MTF-LT-1 or equivalent for manual transmission (Refer to manual for specific part number/specification).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (Refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Turbocharger Failure:
Can occur due to lack of lubrication or overheating; regular oil changes are crucial.
Clutch Wear:
Common in high-performance vehicles, especially with aggressive driving.
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Wastegate Rattle:
Some models exhibited a rattling sound from the wastegate actuator.
Oxygen Sensors:
Can fail, affecting fuel mixture and emissions.
Dodge Performance Division:
SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division focused on enhancing vehicle performance.
Second Generation Neon:
The SRT-4 was a high-performance variant of the second-generation Dodge Neon.
Performance Upgrade:
Significantly enhanced over the standard Neon with a turbocharged engine, upgraded suspension, brakes, and aerodynamic body kit.
Production Years:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA