Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, seals), cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints), power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, HVAC system repair.
Installation Adjustment:
Timing belt replacement and tensioning, fuel injector replacement, starter motor installation, alternator installation, suspension alignment procedures, brake bleeding, battery terminal cleaning and connection.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and specifications for adjustments and repairs.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Code:
AGZ
Engine 1 Type:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4
Engine 1 Displacement:
1996 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm
Engine 1 Horsepower:
116 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
124 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Code:
AEM
Engine 2 Type:
2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (16-valve)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1996 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (145 hp for ACR)
Engine 2 Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (135 lb-ft for ACR)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Management
ECM Type:
Proprietary Chrysler NGC/JTEC (depending on model year revisions)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual (NVT-150)
Optional
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (A413)
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Mopar)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual transmission)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length:
174.4 inches (4430 mm)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
2700 lbs (1225 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
2950 lbs (1338 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
3570 lbs (1620 kg) - approximate
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
12.5 cu ft (354 L)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
โ โ โ โ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
โ โ โ โ (4 Stars)
Active Features
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (optional rear discs on some trims).
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model year.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags not typically available.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with optional premium sound system. Auxiliary input not standard.
Navigation:
Not available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Not available.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Usb Port:
Not available.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (preferred) or 10W-30 Conventional.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator PL14610, Fram PH3614)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years for SOHC and DOHC engines. **Crucial maintenance item due to interference engine design.**
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT-compatible, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Color: often orange or pink.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler power steering fluid or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific recommendation).
Known Issues
Engine Common Issues:
Timing belt failure (critical), coolant leaks (heater core, head gasket), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), carbon buildup on intake valves (DOHC).
Transmission Common Issues:
Automatic transmission shifting issues, manual transmission clutch wear, synchro ring wear in manual transmissions.
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn front struts, ball joints, and control arm bushings; rear suspension bushings can also wear out.
Electrical Common Issues:
Faulty window regulators, HVAC blower motor failures, intermittent electrical gremlins due to wiring harness issues, weak battery charging (alternator).
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Origins:
Dodge, an American brand founded in 1914, historically known for performance and muscle cars.
Model Evolution
Neon Generation:
Second Generation (1999-2005).
Platform Change:
Based on Chrysler's PL2 platform, shared with SRT-4 variants in later years.
Production
Production Period:
1994-2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1995 and 1996 for the first-generation Neon.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Nominee for MotorTrend Car of the Year upon initial release.
Ratings
Reliability:
Mixed, with significant variability depending on maintenance and specific model year. Timing belt maintenance is critical for reliability.