Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan / Hot Hatch
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, performance tuning community.
Competitors Early 2000S:
Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si.
Performance Focus:
Turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, aggressive styling.
Value Proposition:
Affordable entry into the performance car market.
Goal:
Empower owners and technicians to perform all necessary servicing and repairs.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling system, timing.
Engine Performance:
Turbocharger system, intercooler, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag), clutch system, drivetrain, axles.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, front and rear brake assemblies, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body electrical, comfort systems.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation.
Body And Frame:
Exterior panels, interior trim, glass, chassis structure.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for all major components.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Instructions for rebuilding engine, transmission, and other major assemblies.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque values, clearances, wear limits for all serviceable parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY tasks to advanced mechanical and electrical repairs, suitable for professional technicians and experienced enthusiasts.
Description:
2.4L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 (World Engine variant)
Displacement:
2378 cc (145 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (2003-2004), 215 hp @ 5400 rpm (2005)
Torque:
240 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (2003-2004), 245 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (2005)
Boost Pressure Stock:
Approximately 15-18 psi
Induction:
Turbocharged with air-to-water intercooler
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
Proprietary Chrysler Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 282/283)
Type:
None (only manual transmission offered for SRT-4)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Gear Ratios Estimated:
Final Drive: 4.05:1; 1st: 3.45, 2nd: 1.94, 3rd: 1.37, 4th: 1.03, 5th: 0.79
Transmission Fluid Type:
MS-53576-AA (or equivalent manual transmission fluid, e.g., Red Line MT-90)
Capacity:
Approx. 2.1 liters (2.2 quarts)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated or likely 4/5 stars depending on specific year/testing.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated or likely 4/5 stars depending on specific year/testing.
IIHS Front Overlap:
Marginal (for earlier models of the Neon platform, SRT-4 specifics may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Limited Slip Differential:
Not standard, but a common aftermarket upgrade.
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on some models.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speaker system.
Instrument Cluster:
Sport-themed cluster with tachometer, boost gauge (on some trims), oil pressure, and voltmeter.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically equipped with standard auxiliary input; aftermarket solutions common.
Factory Tuning:
ECU tuning from factory to optimize turbo performance.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or 3-6 months) with synthetic oil recommended.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type, hotter plugs for performance).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable; uses a timing chain.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (preferred for turbocharging)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.2 liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant HOAT (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade and cause excessive vibration.
Turbocharger Wear:
Turbo seals can fail, leading to oil consumption or smoke.
Clutch Wear:
Stock clutch can wear prematurely with aggressive driving.
Suspension Components:
Struts, ball joints, and bushings can wear over time.
Fuel Injectors:
Can become clogged, affecting performance.
Wiper Motor:
Can fail, leading to non-functional wipers.
Dodge Performance Division:
SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division's focus on developing performance variants.
Neon Platform Genesis:
Based on the second-generation Dodge Neon platform (introduced for 2000 model year).
Srt4 Development:
Developed by SRT engineers to create a competitive affordable compact sports car.
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
2003-2005
Total Units Produced Estimate:
Approximately 25,000 units globally.