🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Neon SRT-4

Year:

2005

Platform:

P-body (Chrysler PT Cruiser/Dodge Neon platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact performance sedan (sport compact).

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, powerful, and customizable performance vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Evolution, Ford Focus SVT.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on turbocharged power, sporty handling, and aggressive styling.

Value Proposition:

Delivered high performance for its price point, making it accessible to a wider audience.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY activities, towing, safety considerations for the 2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.4L Turbocharged I4), transmission (manual), fuel system, exhaust system.

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering (power rack and pinion), brakes (four-wheel disc, ABS).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC controls, audio system, power accessories.

Body:

Exterior features, interior controls, seats, restraints, climate control, door locks, windows.

Maintenance:

Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), tire pressure checks, filter replacement guidance (air, cabin, fuel - often referred to for professional service), bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Diy Activities:

Basic checks, tire changes, jump-starting, cleaning, minor interior adjustments.

Safety:

Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint systems (LATCH), emergency procedures, safe driving practices.

Towing:

Towing capacity, trailer wiring information, proper hitching and towing techniques.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or internal component repair instructions which are found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content due to PDF format, allowing for keyword searches.

Printability:

High quality, suitable for printing on standard office printers on a page-by-page or full document basis.

Original Binding:

Not applicable (electronic version), but the original physical manual was likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched.

Original Paper Type:

Not applicable (electronic version), but the original physical manual would have been printed on standard automotive manual paper stock, typically a durable, matte finish paper.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Chrysler 2.4L DOHC Turbocharged I4 (GEMA engine family variant)

Displacement:

2429 cc (2.4 Liters)

Aspiration:

Turbocharged with intercooler

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 101.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.1:1

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Redline:

6500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Engine Control Unit:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) based ECU, often tunable.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (A577)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

Type:

None offered for the SRT-4 trim.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed in service manuals but generally offer close ratios for spirited driving.

Transmission Fluid:

Typically a GL-3 or GL-4 specification manual transmission fluid, though specific part numbers are best sourced from the manual or dealership.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

171.0 inches (4343 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

55.8 inches (1417 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.0 inches (2667 mm)

Front Track:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Rear Track:

57.8 inches (1468 mm)

Front Headroom:

39.0 inches (991 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.1 inches (1069 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.4 inches (950 mm)

Rear Legroom:

33.5 inches (851 mm)

Trunk Volume:

13.0 cubic feet (368 liters)

Curb Weight:

2975 lbs (1350 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

3759 lbs (1705 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

17 x 7 inches

Standard Tire Size:

225/45R17

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (for its class and era).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (for its class and era).

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Acceptable (Good for 2005 models).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags (driver and passenger), optional side-impact airbags.

Restraints:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchor system.

Body Structure:

Designed with crumple zones and a reinforced safety cage for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, typically featuring 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems with subwoofer were available.

Display:

Digital or analog instrument cluster with basic display for odometer, trip computer, and warning lights. No central touchscreen infotainment system in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard. Often added via aftermarket stereo upgrades or specific dealer-installed kits.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were standard on the SRT-4.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals (e.g., 3,750 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Often recommended at oil change intervals or sooner if dirty.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on the spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Timing Belt Chain:

Uses a timing chain, which is generally designed for the life of the engine and does not require routine replacement like a belt.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, API Certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for performance engines.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent) HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) meeting Chrysler MS-9769 specification. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler MS-5901 power steering fluid or equivalent ATF DEXRON III.

Common Problems:

Turbocharger issues (sealing, wastegate actuator), clutch wear, suspension components (bushings, control arms), fuel injector clogging, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, exhaust manifold cracking, torque converter issues in automatic transmissions (not applicable to SRT-4).

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect turbocharger hoses and connections for leaks. Consider using high-quality synthetic oil and premium fuel. Keep air filters clean. Address any unusual noises or warning lights promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Performance:

Dodge has a long history of performance variants, dating back to muscle car eras. The SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division was established to create high-performance versions of standard Chrysler products.

Neon Generations:

The Dodge Neon was first introduced in 1994. The second generation (2000-2005) saw the introduction of the high-performance SRT-4 variant in 2003.

Srt4 Production Years:

2003-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sport Compact Awards:

Frequently recognized by automotive publications as a top-performing sport compact of its time, praised for its bang-for-the-buck performance.

Automotive Press Quotes:

Often cited for its potent engine, responsive handling, and affordable price point, making it a popular choice for tuning and performance enthusiasts.