๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Neon Year: 1999 Codes Platform: PL (Chrysler PL platform) ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, enthusiast DIY mechanics Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier Key Features Design Philosophy: Sporty styling, affordable performance, practical compact size Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Options Covered: 2.0L SOHC (16-valve) I4, 2.0L DOHC (16-valve) I4 (SRT-4 variants, though not explicitly named, the DOHC engine is the performance variant relevant to this generation's performance aspirations) Transmission Options Covered: All automatic and manual transmissions Trim Levels Covered: All trim levels (e.g., ES, SE, R/T - for the purpose of this manual's comprehensive nature, it covers all variants utilizing the specified engines and transmissions) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (Axles, CV Joints) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS if equipped) Electrical: Body Control Modules, Engine Control Modules (ECM/PCM), Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories Body And Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System Components, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts) Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnostic trees, engine performance diagnostics Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor service, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring diagrams analysis Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive - covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable (if sourced from a quality OCR scan) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Sohc: 420A Engine Code DOHc: 420A (DOHC variant) Displacement Sohc: 2.0 Liters (1996 cc) Displacement DOHc: 2.0 Liters (1996 cc) Performance Horsepower Sohc: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Sohc: 130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Horsepower DOHc: 150 hp @ 6000 rpm (non-SRT-4) Torque DOHc: 133 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (non-SRT-4) Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 octane for DOHC performance variants) ๐ง Transmission Standard Manual Transmission Type: 5-speed manual (Getrag or similar) Optional Automatic Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic (Chrysler A577 or similar) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic actuation Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic: ATF+4 (or equivalent) Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant ๐ Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan Wheelbase: 104.4 inches (2652 mm) Length: 174.0 inches (4420 mm) (Sedan) / 167.7 inches (4260 mm) (Coupe) Width: 67.4 inches (1712 mm) Height: 54.1 inches (1374 mm) (Sedan) / 53.2 inches (1351 mm) (Coupe) Weights Curb Weight Approx: 2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating: 4/5 Stars (for models equipped with airbags) NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating: 4/5 Stars (for models equipped with airbags) IIHS Side Impact Rating: Acceptable (variable by year/equipment) Active Features ABS: Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims Traction Control: Not commonly available for this model year Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models by 1999 Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver-side pretensioner ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speakers: Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels Keyless Entry: Optional on some trims ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type) Coolant Change Interval: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years Spark Plug Replacement Sohc: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs Spark Plug Replacement DOHc: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with standard plugs Timing Belt Replacement: Non-interference engine for SOHC, interference engine for DOHC. Check manual for specific intervals, typically around 90,000 - 105,000 miles (145,000 - 170,000 km). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API Service SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended. Coolant Specification: Chrysler Type A or Type B (Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water) Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 3 Known Issues Engine Common Issues: Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), ignition coil failures, coolant...
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine Options Covered:
2.0L SOHC (16-valve) I4, 2.0L DOHC (16-valve) I4 (SRT-4 variants, though not explicitly named, the DOHC engine is the performance variant relevant to this generation's performance aspirations)
Transmission Options Covered:
All automatic and manual transmissions
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels (e.g., ES, SE, R/T - for the purpose of this manual's comprehensive nature, it covers all variants utilizing the specified engines and transmissions)
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS if equipped)
Electrical:
Body Control Modules, Engine Control Modules (ECM/PCM), Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System Components, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Comprehensive - covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable (if sourced from a quality OCR scan)
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims
Traction Control:
Not commonly available for this model year
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models by 1999
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver-side pretensioner
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Keyless Entry:
Optional on some trims
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Sohc:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Spark Plug Replacement DOHc:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with standard plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Non-interference engine for SOHC, interference engine for DOHC. Check manual for specific intervals, typically around 90,000 - 105,000 miles (145,000 - 170,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Type A or Type B (Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, strut mounts.
Electrical Common Issues:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, dashboard warning lights (ABS, Check Engine), radio static/failure.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation (1995-2000)
Facelift Year:
Minor styling updates for 1999, including revised front and rear fascias.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1995-2000
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Nominated or considered for inclusion in some years of Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its class, highlighting its value and performance for the price.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable, generally rated as average to below average for its class, making a comprehensive repair manual essential.