1999 DODGE NEON check engine

reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst works best
when the air fuel (A/F) ratio is at or near the opti-
mum of 14.7 to 1.
The PCM is programmed to maintain the optimum
air/fuel ratio of 14.7 to 1. This is done by making
short term corrections in the fuel injector pulse width
based on the O2S output. The programmed memory
acts as a self calibration tool that the engine control-
ler uses to compensate for variations in engine spec-
ifications, sensor tolerances and engine fatigue over
the life span of the engine. By monitoring the actual
air-fuel ratio with the O2S (short term) and multiply-
ing that with the program long-term (adaptive) mem-
ory and comparing that to the limit, it can be
determined whether it will pass an emissions test. If
a malfunction occurs such that the PCM cannot
maintain the optimum A/F ratio, then the MIL will
be illuminated.
HEX 70, and B4ÐCATALYST MONITOR
To comply with clean air regulations, vehicles are
equipped with catalytic converters. These converters
reduce the emission of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitro-
gen and carbon monoxide.
Normal vehicle miles or engine misfire can cause a
catalyst to decay. A meltdown of the ceramic core can
cause a reduction of the exhaust passage. This can
increase vehicle emissions and deteriorate engine
performance, driveability and fuel economy.
The catalyst monitor uses dual oxygen sensors
(O2S's) to monitor the efficiency of the converter. The
dual O2Ss strategy is based on the fact that as a cat-
alyst deteriorates, its oxygen storage capacity and its
efficiency are both reduced. By monitoring the oxy-
gen storage capacity of a catalyst, its efficiency can
be indirectly calculated. The upstream O2S is used to
detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas
before the gas enters the catalytic converter. The
PCM calculates the A/F mixture from the output of
the O2S. A low voltage indicates high oxygen content
(lean mixture). A high voltage indicates a low content
of oxygen (rich mixture).
When the upstream O2S detects a lean condition,
there is an abundance of oxygen in the exhaust gas.
A functioning converter would store this oxygen so it
can use it for the oxidation of HC and CO. As the
converter absorbs the oxygen, there will be a lack of
oxygen downstream of the converter. The output of
the downstraem O2S will indicate limited activity in
this condition.
As the converter loses the ability to store oxygen,
the condition can be detected from the behavior of
the downstream O2S. When the efficiency drops, no
chemical reaction takes place. This means the con-
centration of oxygen will be the same downstream as
upstream. The output voltage of the downstreamO2S copies the voltage of the upstream sensor. The
only difference is a time lag (seen by the PCM)
between the switching of the O2S's.
To monitor the system, the number of lean-to-rich
switches of upstream and downstream O2S's is
counted. The ratio of downstream switches to
upstream switches is used to determine whether the
catalyst is operating properly. An effective catalyst
will have fewer downstream switches than it has
upstream switches i.e., a ratio closer to zero. For a
totally ineffective catalyst, this ratio will be one-to-
one, indicating that no oxidation occurs in the device.
The system must be monitored so that when cata-
lyst efficiency deteriorates and exhaust emissions
increase to over the legal limit, the MIL (check
engine lamp) will be illuminated.
HEX A0, A1, B7, and B8ÐLEAK DETECTION
PUMP MONITOR
The leak detection assembly incorporates two pri-
mary functions: it must detect a leak in the evapora-
tive system and seal the evaporative system so the
leak detection test can be run.
The primary components within the assembly are:
A three port solenoid that activates both of the func-
tions listed above; a pump which contains a switch,
two check valves and a spring/diaphragm, a canister
vent valve (CVV) seal which contains a spring loaded
vent seal valve.
Immediately after a cold start, between predeter-
mined temperature thresholds limits, the three port
solenoid is briefly energized. This initializes the
pump by drawing air into the pump cavity and also
closes the vent seal. During non test conditions the
vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm
assembly which pushes it open at the full travel posi-
tion. The vent seal will remain closed while the
pump is cycling due to the reed switch triggering of
the three port solenoid that prevents the diaphragm
assembly from reaching full travel. After the brief
initialization period, the solenoid is de-energized
allowing atmospheric pressure to enter the pump
cavity, thus permitting the spring to drive the dia-
phragm which forces air out of the pump cavity and
into the vent system. When the solenoid is energized
and de energized, the cycle is repeated creating flow
in typical diaphragm pump fashion. The pump is con-
trolled in 2 modes:
Pump Mode:The pump is cycled at a fixed rate to
achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten the
overall test length.
Test Mode:The solenoid is energized with a fixed
duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur when
the diaphragm reaches the Switch closure point.
The spring in the pump is set so that the system
will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5º H20.
The cycle rate of pump strokes is quite rapid as the
25 - 8 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

system begins to pump up to this pressure. As the
pressure increases, the cycle rate starts to drop off. If
there is no leak in the system, the pump would even-
tually stop pumping at the equalized pressure. If
there is a leak, it will continue to pump at a rate rep-
resentative of the flow characteristic of the size of the
leak. From this information we can determine if the
leak is larger than the required detection limit (cur-
rently set at .020º orifice by CARB). If a leak is
revealed during the leak test portion of the test, the
test is terminated at the end of the test mode and no
further system checks will be performed.
After passing the leak detection phase of the test,
system pressure is maintained by turning on the
LDP's solenoid until the purge system is activated.
Purge activation in effect creates a leak. The cycle
rate is again interrogated and when it increases due
to the flow through the purge system, the leak check
portion of the diagnostic is complete.
The canister vent valve will unseal the system
after completion of the test sequence as the pump
diaphragm assembly moves to the full travel position.
Evaporative system functionality will be verified by
using the stricter evap purge flow monitor. At an
appropriate warm idle the LDP will be energized to
seal the canister vent. The purge flow will be clocked
up from some small value in an attempt to see a
shift in the 02 control system. If fuel vapor, indicated
by a shift in the 02 control, is present the test is
passed. If not, it is assumed that the purge system is
not functioning in some respect. The LDP is again
turned off and the test is ended.
TRIP DEFINITION
A ªTripº means vehicle operation (following an
engine-off period) of duration and driving mode such
that all components and systems are monitored at
least once by the diagnostic system. The monitors
must successfully pass before the PCM can verify
that a previously malfunctioning component is meet-
ing the normal operating conditions of that compo-
nent. For misfire or fuel system malfunction, the
MIL may be extinguished if the fault does not recur
when monitored during three subsequent sequential
driving cycles in which conditions are similar to
those under which the malfunction was first deter-
mined.
Anytime the MIL is illuminated, a DTC is stored.
The DTC can self erase only when the MIL has been
extinguished. Once the MIL is extinguished, the
PCM must pass the diagnostic test for the most
recent DTC for 40 warm-up cycles (80 warm-up
cycles for the Fuel System Monitor and the Misfire
Monitor). A warm-up cycle can best be described by
the following:
²The engine must be running²A rise of 40ÉF in engine temperature must occur
from the time when the engine was started
²Engine coolant temperature must reach at least
160ÉF
²A ªdriving cycleº that consists of engine start up
and engine shut off.
Once the above conditions occur, the PCM is con-
sidered to have passed a warm-up cycle. Due to the
conditions required to extinguish the MIL and erase
the DTC, it is most important that after a repair has
been made, all DTC's be erased and the repair veri-
fied.
COMPONENT MONITORS
There are several components that will affect vehi-
cle emissions if they malfunction. If one of these com-
ponents malfunctions the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine) will illuminate.
Some of the component monitors are checking for
proper operation of the part. Electrically operated
components now have input (rationality) and output
(functionality) checks. Previously, a component like
the Throttle Position sensor (TPS) was checked by
the PCM for an open or shorted circuit. If one of
these conditions occurred, a DTC was set. Now there
is a check to ensure that the component is working.
This is done by watching for a TPS indication of a
greater or lesser throttle opening than MAP and
engine rpm indicate. In the case of the TPS, if engine
vacuum is high and engine rpm is 1600 or greater
and the TPS indicates a large throttle opening, a
DTC will be set. The same applies to low vacuum
and 1600 rpm.
Any component that has an associated limp in will
set a fault after 1 trip with the malfunction present.
Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Codes Description
Charts in this section and the appropriate Power-
train Diagnostic Procedure Manual for diagnostic
procedures.
NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
The PCM does not monitor all circuits, systems
and conditions that could have malfunctions causing
driveability problems. However, problems with these
systems may cause the PCM to store diagnostic trou-
ble codes for other systems or components. For exam-
ple, a fuel pressure problem will not register a fault
directly, but could cause a rich/lean condition or mis-
fire. This could cause the PCM to store an oxygen
sensor or misfire diagnostic trouble code.
The major non-monitored circuits are listed below
along with examples of failures modes that do not
directly cause the PCM to set a DTC, but for a sys-
tem that is monitored.
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 9
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

PRESSURE-VACUUM FILLER CAP
CAUTION: Remove the fuel filler cap to relieve fuel
tank pressure. The cap must be removed prior to
disconnecting any fuel system component or ser-
vicing the fuel tank.
A pressure-vacuum relief cap seals the fuel tank
(Fig. 3). Tightening the cap on the fuel filler tube
forms a seal between them. The relief valves in the
cap are a safety feature. They prevent possible exces-
sive pressure or vacuum in the tank. Excessive fuel
tank pressure could be caused by a malfunction in
the system or damage to the vent lines.
The seal between the cap and filler tube breaks
when the cap is removed and relieves fuel tank pres-
sure.
If the filler cap needs replacement, only use the
correct part.
LEAK DETECTION PUMP
The leak detection pump is a device used to detect
a leak in the evaporative system.
The pump contains a 3 port solenoid, a pump that
contains a switch, a spring loaded canister vent valve
seal, 2 check valves and a spring/diaphragm.
Immediately after a cold start, when the engine
temperature is between 40ÉF and 86ÉF, the 3 port
solenoid is briefly energized. This initializes the
pump by drawing air into the pump cavity and also
closes the vent seal. During non-test test conditions,
the vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm
assembly which pushes it open at the full travel posi-tion. The vent seal will remain closed while the
pump is cycling. This is due to the operation of the 3
port solenoid which prevents the diaphragm assem-
bly from reaching full travel. After the brief initial-
ization period, the solenoid is de-energized, allowing
atmospheric pressure to enter the pump cavity. This
permits the spring to drive the diaphragm which
forces air out of the pump cavity and into the vent
system. When the solenoid is energized and de-ener-
gized, the cycle is repeated creating flow in typical
diaphragm pump fashion. The pump is controlled in
2 modes:
PUMP MODE:The pump is cycled at a fixed rate
to achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten
the overall test time.
TEST MODE:The solenoid is energized with a
fixed duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur
when the diaphragm reaches the switch closure
point.
The spring in the pump is set so that the system
will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5 inches
of water.
When the pump starts, the cycle rate is quite high.
As the system becomes pressurized, pump rate drops.
If there is no leak, the pump will quit. If there is a
leak, the test is terminated at the end of the test
mode.
If there is no leak, the purge monitor is run. If the
cycle rate increases due to the flow through the
purge system, the test is passed and the diagnostic is
complete.
The canister vent valve will unseal the system
after completion of the test sequence as the pump
diaphragm assembly moves to the full travel position.
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV)
SYSTEMS
Intake manifold vacuum removes crankcase vapors
and piston blow-by from the engine. The emissions
Fig. 2 Duty Cycle EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve
Fig. 3 Pressure Vacuum Filler Cap
25 - 12 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
LEAK DETECTION PUMP REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle on a hoist.
(2) Remove right front wheel.
(3) Remove splash shield.
(4) Disconnect vacuum lines from EVAP canister.
(5) Push locking tab on electrical connector to
unlock and remove connector.
(6) Remove 3 nuts from EVAP canister and remove
canister.
(7) Remove pump and bracket as an assembly.
(8) Remove pump from bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install pump to bracket and tighten bolts to 1.2
N´m (10.6 in. lbs.).(2) Install pump and bracket assembly to body and
tighten bolts to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(3) Install EVAP canister to bracket and tighten
nutts to 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(4) Install electrical connetor to pump and push
locking tab to lock.
(5)Before installing hoses to LDP, make sure
they are not cracked or split. If a hose leaks, it
will cause the Check Engine Lamp to illumu-
nate.Connect lines to EVAP canister and LDP.
(6) Use the DRB scan tool, verify proper operation
of LDP.
(7) Install splash shield.
(8) Install wheel.
(9) Lower vehicle
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 17

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
EGR SYSTEM ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
The PCM performs an on-board diagnostic check of
the EGR system. The diagnostic system uses the
electronic EGR transducer for the system tests.
The diagnostic check activates only during selected
engine/driving conditions. When the conditions are
met, the PCM energizes the transducer solenoid to
disable the EGR. The PCM checks for a change in
the heated oxygen sensor signal. If the air-fuel mix-
ture goes lean, the PCM will attempt to enrichen the
mixture. The PCM registers a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) if the EGR system is not operating cor-
rectly. After registering a DTC, the PCM turns on the
malfunction indicator (Check Engine) lamp after 2
consecutive trips. There are 2 types of failures sensed
by the PCM. The first is a short or open in the elec-
trical solenoid circuit. the second is a mechhanical
failure or loss of vacuum. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL) indicates the need for service.
If a problem is indicated by the MIL and a DTC for
the EGR system is set, check for proper operation of
the EGR system. Use the System Test, EGR Gas
Flow Test. If the EGR system tests properly, check
the system using the DRB scan tool. Refer to
On-Board Diagnosis sections in this Group. Also,
refer to the DRB scan tool and the appropriate Pow-
ertrain Diagnostics Procedure manual.
EGR SYSTEM TEST
WARNING: APPLY PARKING BRAKE AND/OR
BLOCK WHEELS BEFORE TESTING THE EGR SYS-
TEM.
(1) Check the condition of all EGR system hoses
and tubes for leaks, blockages, cracks, kinks and
hardening of rubber hoses. Repair and correct these
conditions before performing any tests.
(2) Be sure the hoses at both the EGR valve and
EGR valve control are connected to the proper fit-
tings (Fig. 3).
(3) Be sure the electrical connector is firmly con-
nected at the valve control.
(4) To check EGR system operation, connect the
DRB scan tool to the 16±way data link connector.
The data link connector is located on the lower edge
of the instrument panel near the steering column.
Refer to the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Pro-
cedures service manual for operation of the DRB
scan tool when diagnosing the EGR system.
(5) After checking the system with the DRB scan
tool, proceed to the following EGR Valve Leakage and
EGR Valve Control Tests and repair as necessary.
EGR GAS FLOW TEST
Use the following test procedure to determine if
exhaust gas is flowing through the EGR valve. It can
also be used to determine if the EGR tube is plugged,
or the system passages in the intake or exhaust man-
ifolds are plugged.
This is not to be used as a complete test of the
EGR system.
The engine must be started, running and warmed
to operating temperature for this test.
(1) All engines are equipped with two fittings
located on the EGR valve (Fig. 4). The upper fitting
(located on the vacuum motor) supplies engine vac-
uum to a diaphragm within the EGR valve for valve
operation. The lower fitting (located on the base of
the EGR valve) is used to supply exhaust back-pres-
sure to the EGR valve control.
(2) Disconnect the rubber hose at the vacuum
motor fitting (Fig. 4) on the top of the EGR valve
vacuum motor.
(3) Connect a hand-held vacuum pump to this fit-
ting.
(4) Start the engine.
(5) Slowly apply 5 inches of vacuum to the fitting
on the EGR valve motor.
(6) While applying vacuum, a minimum of 3 inches
of vacuum, and with the engine running at idle
Fig. 3 EGR Value and EGR Value ÐTypical
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 19

speed, the idle speed should drop or the engine may
even stall, if the vacuum is applied quickly. This is
indicating that exhaust gas is flowing through the
EGR tube between the intake and exhaust manifolds.
(7) If the engine speed did not change, the EGR
valve may be defective, or EGR tube may be plugged
with carbon, or the passages in the intake and
exhaust manifolds may be plugged with carbon.
(a) Remove EGR valve from engine. Refer to
EGR Valve Removal in this group.
(b) Apply vacuum to the vacuum motor fitting
and observe the stem on the EGR valve. If the
stem is moving, it can be assumed that the EGR
valve is functioning correctly. The problem is in
either a plugged EGR tube or plugged passages at
the intake or exhaust manifolds, refer to step (c). If
the stem will not move, replace the EGR valve.
Note: The EGR valve, valve control and attaching
hoses are serviced as one unit. Refer to EGR Valve
Removal/Installation in this group.
(c) Remove the EGR tube between the intake
and exhaust manifolds. Check and clean the EGR
tube and its related openings on the manifolds.
Refer to EGR Tube in this group for procedures.
(8) Do not attempt to clean the EGR valve. If the
valve shows evidence of heavy carbon build-up near
the base, replace it.
EGR VALVE LEAKAGE TEST
This is not to be used as a complete test of the
EGR system.
If the engine will not idle, dies out on idle, or idle
is rough or slow, the poppet valve (Fig. 3) at the baseof the EGR valve may be leaking in the closed posi-
tion.
(1) The engine should be off for the following test.
(2) Disconnect the rubber hose from the fitting
(Fig. 3) at the top (vacuum motor) side of the EGR
valve.
(a) Connect a hand-held vacuum pump to this
fitting.
(b) Apply 15 inches of vacuum to the pump.
(c) Observe the gauge reading on the pump.
(d) If vacuum falls off, the diaphragm in the
EGR valve has ruptured.
(e) Replace the EGR valve. Note: The EGR
valve, valve control and attaching hoses are ser-
viced as one assembly. Refer to EGR Valve Remov-
al/Installation in this group.
(f) Proceed to the next step.
(3) A small metal fitting (back-pressure fitting) is
located at the base of the EGR valve (Fig. 3). A rub-
ber back-pressure hose connects it to the back-pres-
sure fitting on the EGR valve control. Disconnect this
rubber hose at the EGR valve fitting.
(4) Remove the air cleaner housing from the throt-
tle body.
(5) Using compressed air, and using an air nozzle
with a rubber tip, apply approximately 50 psi of reg-
ulated shop air to the metal back- pressure fitting on
the EGR valve.
(6) By hand, open the throttle to the wide open
position. AirSHOULD NOT BE HEARDemitting
from the intake manifold while applying air pressure
at the back-pressure fitting.
(7) If airCAN BE HEARDemitting from the
intake manifold, the poppet valve (Fig. 3) is leaking
at the bottom of the EGR valve. Replace the EGR
valve. Note: The EGR valve, valve control and
attaching hoses are serviced as one assembly. Refer
to EGR Valve Removal/Installation in this group. Do
not attempt clean the old EGR valve.
EGR VALVE CONTROL (TRANSDUCER) TEST
TESTING ELECTRICAL SOLENOID PORTION
OF VALVE
This is not to be used as a complete test of the
EGR system.
Electrical operation of the valve should be checked
with the DRB scan tool. Refer to the appropriate
Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures service manual for
operation of the DRB scan tool. Replace solenoid if
necessary, unit serviced only as an assembly.
TESTING VACUUM TRANSDUCER PORTION
OF VALVE
The first part of this test will determine if the
transducer diaphragm at the back-pressure side of
the valve has ruptured or is leaking. The second part
Fig. 4 Typical EGR Valve
25 - 20 EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

of the test will determine if engine vacuum (full-man-
ifold) is flowing from the inlet to the outlet side of
the valve. This is not to be used as a complete test of
the EGR system.
(1) Disconnect the rubber back-pressure hose from
the fitting at the bottom of EGR valve (Fig. 3).
(2) Connect a hand-held vacuum pump to this fit-
ting.
(3) Apply 10 inches of vacuum to this fitting.
(4) If vacuum falls off, the valve diaphragm is
leaking.
(5) Replace the Complete EGR valve assembly.
Proceed to next step for further testing.
(6) Reconnect hose to EGR valve.
(7) Remove the vacuum supply hose at the vacuum
inletfitting (Fig. 3) on the EGR solenoid.
(8) Connect a vacuum gauge to this disconnected
vacuum line.
(9) Start the engine and bring to operating tem-
perature. Hold engine speed at approximately 1500
rpm.
(10) Check for steady engine vacuum (full-mani-
fold) at this hose.
(11) If engine vacuum (full-manifold) is not
present, check vacuum line to engine and repair as
necessary before proceeding to next step.
(12) Reconnect the rubber hose to the vacuum
inletfitting (Fig. 3) on the EGR valve.
(13) Disconnect the rubber hose at the vacuum
outletfitting (Fig. 3) on the EGR valve.
(14) Connect a vacuum gauge to this fitting.
(15) Disconnect the electrical connector (Fig. 3) at
the valve control. This will simulate an open circuit
(no ground from the PCM) at the valve, activating
the valve. A DTC will be set in the PCM that must
be erased after testing is complete.
(16) Start the engine and bring to operating tem-
perature.
(17) Hold the engine speed to approximately 2000
rpm while checking for engine vacuum (full-manifold)
at this fitting.To allow full manifold vacuum to
flow through the valve, exhaust back-pressure
must be present at valve. It must be high
enough to hold the bleed valve in the trans-
ducer portion of the valve closed.Have a helper
momentarily (a second or two) hold a rag over the
tailpipe opening to build some exhaust back-pressure
while observing the vacuum gauge. Heavy gloves
should be worn.Do not cover the tailpipe open-
ing for an extended period of time as damage to
components or overheating may result.(18) As temporary back-pressure is built, full man-
ifold vacuum should be observed at the vacuum out-
let fitting. Without back-pressure, and engine at
approximately 2000 rpm, the gauge reading will be
low. This low reading is normal. At idle speed, the
gauge reading may be erratic. This is also normal.
(19) If full manifold vacuum is not present at the
outlet fitting, but was present at the inlet fitting,
replace the valve. Note: The EGR valve, valve control
and attaching hoses are serviced as one assembly.
Refer to EGR Valve Removal/Installation in this
group.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EGR VALVE
If the EGR system operates incorrectly, replace the
entire EGR valve and transducer together. The EGR
valve and electrical transducer are calibrated
together.
REMOVAL
The EGR valve attaches to the rear of the cylinder
head (Fig. 5). EGR transducer is attached to the air
inlet duct.
(1) Remove EGR transducer from air inlet duct.
(2) Disconnect vacuum supply tube from EGR
transducer solenoid.
(3) Disconnect electrical connector from solenoid.
(4) Remove air inlet duct.
(5) Remove EGR tube to EGR valve screws.
(6) Remove EGR valve mounting screws. Remove
EGR valve and transducer.
(7) Clean gasket surfaces. Discard old gaskets. If
necessary, clean EGR passages.
INSTALLATION
(1) Loosely install EGR valve with new gaskets.
(2) Finger tighten EGR tube fasteners.
(3) Tighten EGR tube fasteners to 11 N´m (95 in.
lbs.) torque.
(4) Tightening EGR valve mounting screws to 22
N´m (200 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install air inlet duct.
(6) Connect vacuum supply tube to solenoid.
(7) Attach electrical connector to solenoid.
(8) Install EGR transducer onto air inlet duct.
PLEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS 25 - 21
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

VEHICLE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABEL
A vehicle safety certification label (Fig. 2) is
attached to the rear facing of the driver's door. This
label indicates date of manufacture (month and
year), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front, Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) rear and the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). The Month, Day and Hour of manu-
facture is also included.
All communications or inquiries regarding the
vehicle should include the Month-Day-Hour and
Vehicle Identification Number.
BODY CODE EMBOSS/PLATE
Depending on which plant the vehicle is manufac-
tured, it may be equipped with a Body Code Emboss
or a Body Code Plate.
VIN CODE DECODING
POSITION INTERPRETATION CODE = DESCRIPTION
1 Country of Origin1 = United states
3 = Mexico
2 MakeB = Dodge
P = Plymouth
3 Vehicle Type 3 = Passenger Car
4 Pass. Safety E = Active Restraints, Driver & Passenger Airbags
5 Car Line S = Neon/Neon Expresso
6 Series2 = Low Line
4 = High Line
6 = Sport
7 Body Style2 = 2 Door Pillared Hardtop
7 = 4 Door Pillared Hardtop
8 EngineC = 2.0L 4 Cyl. 16V
Y = 2.0L 4 Cyl. DOHC
9 Check Digit See explanation in this section.
10 Model Year W = 1998
11 Assembly PlantD = Belvidere
T = Toluca
12 Thru 17 Vehicle Build Sequence 6 digit number assigned by assembly plant.
Fig. 2 Vehicle Safety Certification Label
2 INTRODUCTIONPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)