🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Neon Model Years Covered: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Generation First Generation Codes: P-Body 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Compact car Target Audience: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and affordable vehicle, enthusiasts looking for DIY repair and maintenance solutions. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse. Key Features Vehicle Philosophy: Designed as an affordable, fuel-efficient, and sporty compact car with a focus on value and performance for its price point. Manual Value Proposition Cost Savings: Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, significantly reducing dealership or independent mechanic labor costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Options: 2.0L SOHC I4, 2.0L DOHC I4 (SRT-4 variant introduced later, not in this range but good to note for completeness) Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan Page Count Estimated Pages: Thousands (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals) Manual Type Type: Factory Authorized Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical (including timing belt replacement, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), fuel system (injectors, pump, pressure regulator), ignition system (coils, plugs, sensors), exhaust system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics. Transmission: Manual transmission repair (clutch, gearbox, shifting mechanism), automatic transmission repair (torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, electronic controls), transmission fluid changes and checks. Chassis: Suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, tie rods), braking system (discs, drums, ABS, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers). Electrical: Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, fuse and relay locations. Body: Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seating, upholstery, HVAC system components (blower motor, evaporator, condenser). Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, belt inspection and replacement, battery maintenance. Repair Rebuild: Engine overhaul, cylinder head gasket replacement, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, fuel pump replacement. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms (e.g., hard starting, poor performance, overheating), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor testing, electrical circuit testing using multimeters. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Detailed diagnostic procedures and component testing. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, optimized for clarity and readability. Includes diagrams and schematics. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) Searchability Text Search: Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: 1.8L SOHC I4 (some early models, less common) Engine Code 2: 2.0L SOHC I4 (Base models, e.g., 114 hp) Engine Code 3: 2.0L DOHC I4 (High Output, e.g., 132 hp for ACR/ES/SE/SLT models) Performance Horsepower Range: 114-132 hp (depending on engine variant) Torque Range: 120-130 lb-ft (depending on engine variant) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Chrysler/Dodge proprietary Engine Control Unit (ECU) Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Manual will provide precise interval and procedure. Cooling System Coolant Type: Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual Optional Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic Features Automatic Transmission Control: Electronic control for gear shifts and torque converter lock-up. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, manual will confirm exact type for the model year). Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 manual transmission fluid, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual will specify exact type and capacity. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 104.4 inches Length: Approximately 170-174 inches (depending on body style) Width: Approximately 67.4 inches Height: Approximately 53-54 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2,500-2,700 lbs (depending on configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4-star (for early models, may vary by year/test) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4-star (for early models, may vary by year/test) Active Features ABS: Available on some trims, typically optional. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-90s onwards. Manual will detail deployment system. Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front seats. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim. Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control systems. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Very limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic vehicle functions. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on...
Suspension (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump, tie rods), braking system (discs, drums, ABS, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, fuse and relay locations.
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms (e.g., hard starting, poor performance, overheating), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor testing, electrical circuit testing using multimeters.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Detailed diagnostic procedures and component testing.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, optimized for clarity and readability. Includes diagrams and schematics.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Text Search:
Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
1.8L SOHC I4 (some early models, less common)
Engine Code 2:
2.0L SOHC I4 (Base models, e.g., 114 hp)
Engine Code 3:
2.0L DOHC I4 (High Output, e.g., 132 hp for ACR/ES/SE/SLT models)
Performance
Horsepower Range:
114-132 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range:
120-130 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Chrysler/Dodge proprietary Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Manual will provide precise interval and procedure.
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic
Features
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for gear shifts and torque converter lock-up.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, manual will confirm exact type for the model year).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 manual transmission fluid, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 104.4 inches
Length:
Approximately 170-174 inches (depending on body style)
Width:
Approximately 67.4 inches
Height:
Approximately 53-54 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,500-2,700 lbs (depending on configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (for early models, may vary by year/test)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (for early models, may vary by year/test)
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some trims, typically optional.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-90s onwards. Manual will detail deployment system.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with pretensioners for front seats.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Very limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic vehicle functions.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Manual specifies recommendations.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API certified SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on temperature and engine type). Manual will list precise specifications and capacities.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6.5-7.5 quarts (manual will specify exact)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 (manual will confirm exact specification).
Known Issues
Common Issue 1:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failure leading to belt jumping or breaking (critical maintenance item).
Common Issue 2:
Cracked exhaust manifold (especially on DOHC engines).
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks.
Common Issue 4:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Common Issue 5:
Automatic transmission shift solenoids can fail, causing erratic shifting.
Common Issue 6:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, tie rods) wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis)
Model Evolution
Design Philosophy:
The Neon was developed under the Chrysler umbrella to compete in the burgeoning compact car segment with a focus on European styling and performance characteristics, often drawing comparisons to European rivals.
Production
Production Locations:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years Overall:
1994-2005
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1995 for its value, performance, and handling characteristics.
Overall Reception:
Generally well-received at launch for its European-inspired ride and handling, sporty styling, and competitive pricing, though reliability perceptions varied.