🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Neon Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: PL 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning In Segment: The 1998 Dodge Neon was positioned as a value-oriented, fuel-efficient compact car, often competing with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort. It was known for its sporty handling and affordability. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra. Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Agile handling (especially in ACR trims), accessible pricing, good fuel economy, distinctive styling. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Main Coverage: Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain, Exhaust System Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Body Electrical Components, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories Body And Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Upholstery, Climate Control System (HVAC), Dashboard, Interior Trim Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-based Diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and procedures, Electrical System Diagnostics Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair/Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair Installation: Component Replacement Procedures, Accessory Installation Guidelines Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring schematics and diagnostic flowcharts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Details: Searchable PDF, allowing for quick navigation and keyword searching. Optimized for printing. Print Quality Print Quality Suitability: High-resolution scans suitable for clear printing of text, diagrams, and illustrations. Binding Type Ideal Binding For Print: Coil-bound or spiral-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment. Paper Type Recommended Paper For Print: Durable, thick paper stock (e.g., 24 lb bond or higher) to withstand workshop conditions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Type: SOHC 2.0L (1995cc) 16-valve I4 (Engine Code: EAR) Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1995 cc) Bore X Stroke: 87.5 mm x 83.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.6:1 Performance Horsepower Hp: 132 hp @ 6000 RPM (SOHC) Torque Lb-Ft: 129 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (SOHC) Engine Variant Performance: Some trims like ACR might have slight variations or performance tuning. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Pump Pressure: Approximately 38-45 PSI Cooling System Coolant Type: Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically Mopar orange) Coolant Capacity: Approximately 7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters) Ignition System Spark Plug Type: NGK BKR5EK (or equivalent) Spark Plug Gap: 0.044 inches (1.1 mm) Lubrication System Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 API Service Classification SG or SH Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: Getrag 285 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: Chrysler A604/41TE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (Mopar) Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 8.0 US Quarts (7.6 Liters) for fluid change and filter 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 160.7 inches (4082 mm) Width: 66.9 inches (1700 mm) Height: 53.0 inches (1346 mm) Wheelbase: 104.4 inches (2650 mm) Front Track: 57.5 inches (1460 mm) Rear Track: 57.5 inches (1460 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2,550 - 2,750 lbs (1157 - 1247 kg) depending on trim and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3,550 lbs (1610 kg) Towing Capacity: Not Recommended/Rated Cargo Trunk Volume: Approximately 13.1 cubic feet (371 Liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: Four Stars (1998) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: Four Stars (1998) IIHS Side Impact Rating: Poor (for early models without side airbags) Active Features ABS: Optional on most trims, standard on ACR and some higher trims. Traction Control: Not typically available on this model year. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Seatbelts: Front 3-point height-adjustable seat belts, Rear 3-point seat belts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. CD player optional on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition. Speaker Configuration: Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most models. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Limited to factory radio features. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions. Engine Coolant Flush: Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (standard originally might have been copper, requiring ~30k replacement). Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid:...
The 1998 Dodge Neon was positioned as a value-oriented, fuel-efficient compact car, often competing with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort. It was known for its sporty handling and affordability.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Key Features
Vehicle Selling Points:
Agile handling (especially in ACR trims), accessible pricing, good fuel economy, distinctive styling.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Main Coverage:
Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Body Electrical Components, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Upholstery, Climate Control System (HVAC), Dashboard, Interior Trim
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF, allowing for quick navigation and keyword searching. Optimized for printing.
Print Quality
Print Quality Suitability:
High-resolution scans suitable for clear printing of text, diagrams, and illustrations.
Binding Type
Ideal Binding For Print:
Coil-bound or spiral-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type
Recommended Paper For Print:
Durable, thick paper stock (e.g., 24 lb bond or higher) to withstand workshop conditions.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code And Type:
SOHC 2.0L (1995cc) 16-valve I4 (Engine Code: EAR)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1995 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
132 hp @ 6000 RPM (SOHC)
Torque Lb-Ft:
129 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (SOHC)
Engine Variant Performance:
Some trims like ACR might have slight variations or performance tuning.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Approximately 38-45 PSI
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically Mopar orange)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters)
Ignition System
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BKR5EK (or equivalent)
Spark Plug Gap:
0.044 inches (1.1 mm)
Lubrication System
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Service Classification SG or SH
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Getrag 285 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
Chrysler A604/41TE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 US Quarts (7.6 Liters) for fluid change and filter
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
160.7 inches (4082 mm)
Width:
66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Height:
53.0 inches (1346 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2650 mm)
Front Track:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Rear Track:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,550 - 2,750 lbs (1157 - 1247 kg) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3,550 lbs (1610 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Rated
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 13.1 cubic feet (371 Liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Four Stars (1998)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Four Stars (1998)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Poor (for early models without side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on ACR and some higher trims.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model year.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point height-adjustable seat belts, Rear 3-point seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. CD player optional on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited to factory radio features. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (standard originally might have been copper, requiring ~30k replacement).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), rear axle bushings, clutch components (manual), automatic transmission solenoids.
Engine Specific:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 16-valve engines if overheated), timing belt replacement (critical maintenance item).
Electrical Common:
Faulty window regulators, power lock actuators, instrument cluster failures.
Body Rust:
Rust can form on rocker panels, lower door edges, and wheel wells, particularly in areas with road salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production)
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation (1995-2000)
Design Philosophy:
The Neon was Chrysler's answer to the growing compact import market, designed in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and intended to be a globally competitive vehicle. Known for its platform flexibility and driver engagement.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production Period:
1994-2005 (across generations)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automobile Magazine All Stars:
The Dodge Neon was named an Automobile Magazine All-Star for 1997 and 1998, recognizing its sporty character and value.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Rankings:
Consumer Reports generally ranked the Neon in the average to below-average category for reliability during its production run, particularly concerning transmission and electrical issues.