🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Dodge
Model:
Neon
Generation:
First Generation (PL)
Year Range Covered:
1995-1999
Codes
Platform Code:
PL
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Target Audience:
Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealer-level information for informed repairs and better communication with mechanics.
Competitive Analysis
Competitor Manuals:
Comparable to official factory service manuals in scope and detail.
Key Features
Diagnostic Help:
Helps diagnose engine fault symptoms across various models and issues.
Mechanic Empowerment:
Empowers owners to understand repairs and effectively communicate with service providers.
Practical Solutions:
Offers practical quick solutions with drawings for common issues like no-starts and hesitations.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair for all major systems.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
High (exact count not specified, but implies extensive detail).
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Service:
Service and Overhauling, Induction, Fuel System, Emission Control, Control System, Mechanical.
Transmission Service:
Transmission and Differentials (both manual and automatic likely covered).
Chassis Service:
Chassis, Steering and Suspension, Brakes, ABS.
Body Service:
Body, including potential information on interior and exterior components.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring, including specific terminal pin connections and expected readings.
Procedures Included
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics, diagnosing engine fault symptoms, identifying and fixing common issues.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhauling, transmission repair, chassis repair, brake service, ABS system repair, wiring repairs.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, component checks, preventative tips.
Technical Advice:
Techniques used by top mechanics, evaluating repair approaches, communicating with technicians.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Detailed, dealer-level specifications and procedures, suitable for basic to advanced mechanical skills.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Portability:
Viewable on PC, Mac, phones, and ebook readers (e.g., Kindle).
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Printable pages for convenient use and to avoid damage to original documents.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Digital (no physical binding).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format).
Accessibility
Download Method:
Instant Download upon payment.
Shipping Cost:
None (digital delivery).
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
2.0 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) and 2.0 DOHC (Double Overhead Cam)
Engine Displacement Liters:
2.0 L
Performance
Horsepower Sohc Est:
Approx. 132 hp
Horsepower DOHc Est:
Approx. 150 hp
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Management
Engine Control System:
Electronic Engine Control (EEC) with focus on diagnostics and understanding management systems.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
Likely a 5-speed manual transmission.
Optional
Optional Transmission:
Likely a 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Features
Transmission Coverage:
Detailed service, repair, and overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions, including differentials.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Coupe (2-door) and Sedan (4-door).
Weights
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (depending on body style and options).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Side Impact Rating 1997:
5-star rating (for driver and front passenger) in side-impact crash tests (model year dependent).
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) coverage included.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags likely covered in safety and body sections.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System Era:
Basic for the era, likely AM/FM radio with cassette or CD player.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features Era:
Limited to ABS and potentially cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features Era:
None typical for the era (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific recommendations (typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Refer to manual for specific recommendations (typically every 30,000-50,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Sohc:
Refer to manual (likely SAE 5W-30, API SG or higher).
Engine Oil Type DOHc:
Refer to manual (likely SAE 5W-30, API SG or higher).
Coolant Type:
Refer to manual (likely a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual (likely ATF+4 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
Refer to manual (likely DOT 3 or DOT 4).
Known Issues
Common Neon Issues:
Head gasket failures (particularly early models), AC compressor issues, interior trim quality, some electrical gremlins.
Technical Specifications
Torque Settings Coverage:
Full Specifications and Torque Settings for critical components.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Brand Focus:
Known for performance-oriented vehicles and value pricing.
Model Evolution
Neon Design Philosophy:
Compact car designed with a focus on European styling cues and agile handling, a departure for Dodge at the time.
Production
Production Period:
1994-2005 (First generation: 1995-1999)
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Tenth Best:
Car and Driver Ten Best list in 1995, highlighting its value and performance for the price.
Ratings
Safety Ratings Coverage:
Manual facilitates understanding of safety systems and potential issues.