🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Neon Year: 1997 Codes Platform Code: P-body 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car Target Audience: DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Dodge Neon owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier Key Features Design Philosophy: Sporty styling, affordable performance, practical for its size. Manual Advantage: Digital format offers searchability, portability, and ease of use compared to traditional paper manuals. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Mechanical and Electrical Systems Body Coverage: Body, Chassis, and Frame Diagnostic Coverage: Troubleshooting and Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System Drivetrain: Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Drive Axles Suspension Steering: Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System Brakes: Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc or Drum depending on trim), Parking Brake System Electrical: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Wipers, Horn, Power Accessories HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Body Interior: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim Safety Restraints: Airbags, Seat Belts Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Component Replacement Diagnostics: Fault Code Diagnosis, Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams Specifications: Torque Specifications, Clearances, Component Dimensions Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical troubleshooting. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution scans, searchable text, printable pages. Print Quality Quality: N/A (Digital Format) Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ1 (SOHC) / EG2 (DOHC) Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1996 cc) Configuration: Inline-4 Cylinder Valvetrain: SOHC 16-valve (EJ1) / DOHC 16-valve (EG2) Performance Horsepower Sohc: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Sohc: 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Horsepower DOHc: 143 hp @ 6000 rpm (ACR: 150 hp) Torque DOHc: 133 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (ACR: 130 lb-ft) Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher for DOHC performance) Engine Cooling Coolant Capacity: 7.1 Quarts (6.7 Liters) Engine Oil Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 (API Certified) Oil Capacity W Filter: 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 3-Speed Automatic Transmission (41TE) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Detailed ratios for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Reverse are available in the manual. Automatic Fluid Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Mopar) Fluid Capacity: Approximately 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) for a complete flush and fill. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 161.5 inches (4102 mm) Width: 66.9 inches (1700 mm) Height: 53.4 inches (1356 mm) Wheelbase: 104.3 inches (2649 mm) Weights Curb Weight Min: 2,689 lbs (1220 kg) Curb Weight Max: 2,894 lbs (1313 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: Approximately 11.0 cubic feet (311 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: N/A (Not tested extensively in 1997) IIHS Side Impact: N/A (Not tested extensively in 1997) Active Features ABS: Optional on some trims, standard on ACR models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard) Seatbelts: Three-point front and rear seat belts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems. Driver Assistance Features: Limited; primarily focused on basic driver controls and safety systems. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available. Connectivity Features: N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommend replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Spark Plugs: Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Copper core plugs). Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. Transmission Fluid: Manual: Check condition, replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid: Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Known Issues Engine: Head gasket failures (especially on early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, timing belt replacement is critical (non-interference engine but damage can occur if belt breaks). Suspension: Front suspension compliance pivot bushings wear out, rear trailing arm bushings. Electrical: Faulty power window regulators, ignition switch failure, intermittent gauge operation. Body: Rust issues, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Parent Company: Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production) Model Evolution Generation: First Generation (1995-1999) Design Influence: Designed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage platform. Production Manufacturing Plant: Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA Production Years Model: 1995-2005 (Globally, with updates) 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Car And Driver 10Best: Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997, praised for its value and sporty...
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical troubleshooting.
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher for DOHC performance)
Engine Cooling
Coolant Capacity:
7.1 Quarts (6.7 Liters)
Engine Oil
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (41TE)
Features
Manual Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Reverse are available in the manual.
Automatic Fluid
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) for a complete flush and fill.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
161.5 inches (4102 mm)
Width:
66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Height:
53.4 inches (1356 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
2,689 lbs (1220 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
2,894 lbs (1313 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 11.0 cubic feet (311 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
N/A (Not tested extensively in 1997)
IIHS Side Impact:
N/A (Not tested extensively in 1997)
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on ACR models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Limited; primarily focused on basic driver controls and safety systems. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available.
Connectivity
Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommend replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Copper core plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Check condition, replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models), intake manifold gasket leaks, timing belt replacement is critical (non-interference engine but damage can occur if belt breaks).
Suspension:
Front suspension compliance pivot bushings wear out, rear trailing arm bushings.
Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, ignition switch failure, intermittent gauge operation.
Body:
Rust issues, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production)
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation (1995-1999)
Design Influence:
Designed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage platform.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Production Years Model:
1995-2005 (Globally, with updates)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997, praised for its value and sporty handling.