🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Plymouth Model: Neon Generation: First Generation (P1) Body Styles: 2-Door Coupe, 4-Door Sedan Chassis Code: P1 👋 Introduction Market Market Position: Compact/Subcompact car segment, known for affordability and sporty handling, often marketed as a value-oriented alternative to established players. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra. Key Features Key Selling Points: Innovative cab-forward design, agile handling, good interior packaging for its size, competitive pricing. First widely adopted DOHC engine in its class by Chrysler. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Applicable Years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Coverage Areas: Complete Workshop Service Manual Format Manual Type: Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual Language: English File Format: PDF Delivery Method: Electronic (Email Delivery) Printability: Yes 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Systems Covered: Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, Braking System, Steering System, Suspension System, Body, HVAC, Chassis Procedures Procedures Included: Routine Maintenance, Servicing, Diagnostic Procedures, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Component Removal and Installation, Assembly and Disassembly Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission disassembly and repair. Emphasizes product-specific aspects and proprietary components. 📊 Manual Specifications File Characteristics File Format: PDF Print Quality: High Resolution (assumed for professional service manual) Searchability: Likely Text-Searchable (standard for professional PDF manuals) Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth "SOHC" and "DOHC" series (often referred to as the ACR engine for performance variants) Displacement 1: 2.0 L (1996 cc) Engine Code 1: A588 (SOHC), A589 (DOHC) Performance 1 Horsepower 1: 116 hp @ 5200 rpm (SOHC) Torque 1: 124 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (SOHC) Performance 2 Horsepower 2: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm (DOHC) Torque 2: 130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (DOHC) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Features Valve Train: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 valves 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Optional Optional Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Features Transmission Fluid Spec: ATF+3 (for automatic transmission, consult manual for exact specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 104.4 inches (2652 mm) Length: Approx. 170.5 inches (4331 mm) (Sedan), 167.9 inches (4265 mm) (Coupe) Width: Approx. 67.4 inches (1712 mm) Height: Approx. 54.0 inches (1372 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg) (Varies by trim and body style) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 Stars (1995 model, some configurations) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 Stars (1995 model, some configurations) Active Features ABS: Optional on most trims, standard on some later models/performance variants Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard on most models from introduction, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models. Seat Belts: 3-point front and rear seat belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio Options: AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, various speaker configurations. Dashboard Layout: Centered gauge cluster and controls for a driver-focused experience, characteristic of its cab-forward design. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most trims Connectivity Power Accessories: Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics). Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 (most common, verify with manual based on climate and engine variant) Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter (verify with manual) Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT or OAT type depending on original fill - consult manual) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 (verify with manual) Known Issues Common Problems: Head gasket failures (especially on early DOHC engines), EGR valve issues, intake manifold leaks, power steering pump failures, AC system leaks, rear main seal leaks, rust on subframes and rocker panels. Common Issues Diagnostics Focus: The manual is crucial for diagnosing these common issues accurately, providing troubleshooting flowcharts and repair procedures. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Brand Context: Plymouth was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1928 by Walter Chrysler. It was positioned as Chrysler's entry-level brand, offering more affordable vehicles. Model Evolution Introduction Year: 1994 Design Philosophy: Designed by Chrysler's advanced Product Development and Design group, emphasizing a modern, aerodynamic cab-forward design with a focus on interior space and driver engagement. Facelifts Redesigns: Minor styling updates and feature changes throughout its production run. The first generation P1 was produced from 1995-1999 model years. The second generation P2 began in 2000. Production Manufacturing Plant: Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA Production Period: 1994-1999 (for the P1 generation covered by this manual) Brand Discontinuation Brand Fate: The Plymouth brand was retired by DaimlerChrysler in 2001....
Compact/Subcompact car segment, known for affordability and sporty handling, often marketed as a value-oriented alternative to established players.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Key Features
Key Selling Points:
Innovative cab-forward design, agile handling, good interior packaging for its size, competitive pricing. First widely adopted DOHC engine in its class by Chrysler.
Routine Maintenance, Servicing, Diagnostic Procedures, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Component Removal and Installation, Assembly and Disassembly
Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission disassembly and repair. Emphasizes product-specific aspects and proprietary components.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Characteristics
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality:
High Resolution (assumed for professional service manual)
Searchability:
Likely Text-Searchable (standard for professional PDF manuals)
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Family:
Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth "SOHC" and "DOHC" series (often referred to as the ACR engine for performance variants)
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1179-1270 kg) (Varies by trim and body style)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (1995 model, some configurations)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (1995 model, some configurations)
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some later models/performance variants
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most models from introduction, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, various speaker configurations.
Dashboard Layout:
Centered gauge cluster and controls for a driver-focused experience, characteristic of its cab-forward design.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (most common, verify with manual based on climate and engine variant)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter (verify with manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT or OAT type depending on original fill - consult manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (verify with manual)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Head gasket failures (especially on early DOHC engines), EGR valve issues, intake manifold leaks, power steering pump failures, AC system leaks, rear main seal leaks, rust on subframes and rocker panels.
Common Issues
Diagnostics Focus:
The manual is crucial for diagnosing these common issues accurately, providing troubleshooting flowcharts and repair procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Context:
Plymouth was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1928 by Walter Chrysler. It was positioned as Chrysler's entry-level brand, offering more affordable vehicles.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1994
Design Philosophy:
Designed by Chrysler's advanced Product Development and Design group, emphasizing a modern, aerodynamic cab-forward design with a focus on interior space and driver engagement.
Facelifts Redesigns:
Minor styling updates and feature changes throughout its production run. The first generation P1 was produced from 1995-1999 model years. The second generation P2 began in 2000.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Period:
1994-1999 (for the P1 generation covered by this manual)
Brand Discontinuation
Brand Fate:
The Plymouth brand was retired by DaimlerChrysler in 2001.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1994 and 1995, recognizing its value, performance, and engineering for the price.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Mixed to average reliability ratings throughout its life, with certain model years and components having known issues, which this manual would help address.