Segment:
Compact/Retro-styled Hatchback
Competitors:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf
Design:
Distinctive retro styling inspired by hot rods and classic cruisers.
Versatility:
Flexible interior with 60/40 split-folding rear seats and optional removable 'Max' seating package for enhanced cargo capacity.
Powertrain Options:
Available naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines offer a range of performance characteristics.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L, 2.4L naturally aspirated & turbocharged), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (front vented discs, rear drums/discs), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges and Instruments, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio Systems, HVAC Controls
Body:
Exterior panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seats, SRS (Airbag) System
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/rotor service, tire rotation, battery service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/replacement, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair/replacement, interior component repair
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement (for applicable engines), fuel system servicing, A/C system service, SRS system calibration, key programming
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages.
Reproducibility:
Excellent clarity for diagrams, schematics, and text, suitable for printing.
Digital Format:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Digital Format:
N/A (Digital PDF)
2.0L I4 Sohc (Gema):
Displacement: 1996 cc; Bore x Stroke: 87.5 x 83.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.4:1; Horsepower: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
2.4L I4 DOHc (Edz):
Displacement: 2429 cc; Bore x Stroke: 87.5 x 101.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.8:1; Horsepower: 154 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque: 167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
2.4L I4 DOHc Turbo (2.4 Srt):
Displacement: 2429 cc; Bore x Stroke: 87.5 x 101.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 8.8:1; Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5400 rpm; Torque: 245 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Turbocharged
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for N/A engines, 91 octane recommended for Turbo)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug for later models.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), EGR system (on some models)
2.0L Engine:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A578)
2.0L & 2.4L Engines:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 41TE/42LE)
2.4L Turbo (Srt):
5-speed Manual Transmission (New Venture Gear NVT550)
Automatic Features:
Electronic overdrive, torque converter lock-up
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent specification GL-4)
Length:
166.7 inches (4234 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
61.1 inches (1552 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches (2669 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 97.1 cubic feet (2750 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 13.2 cubic feet (374 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 32.0 cubic feet (906 liters)
Curb Weight:
3000-3400 lbs (1360-1542 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3900 lbs (1769 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5-star (2001-2005 models)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5-star (2001-2005 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2001-2005 models)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most trims.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, particularly those with the turbocharged engine.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio Systems:
Standard AM/FM/CD player; optional premium Infinity audio system with subwoofer; optional navigation system on later models.
User Interface:
Basic dashboard controls for climate and audio; steering wheel audio controls available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Available on some later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions common.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory during this period.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.0L/2.4L N/A: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs. 2.4L Turbo: Check manual, typically similar or shorter intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) approved coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT Antifreeze/Coolant)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or failing power steering pumps and hoses.
Wheel Bearings:
Premature wear of front wheel bearings.
Climate Control Actuators:
Failure of blend door actuators in the HVAC system, affecting temperature and airflow.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks can occur.
Parent Company:
DaimlerChrysler
Introduction:
The PT Cruiser was introduced for the 2001 model year, building on the popular Plymouth Pronto Concept.
Facelift:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements were made throughout its production run, with a more significant refresh for the 2006 model year (beyond the scope of this manual).
Special Editions:
PT Cruiser GT (turbocharged performance model), PT Dream Cruiser Series, PT Woodie Series, PT Cruiser Convertible.
Manufacturing Plant:
Toluca, Mexico
Production Years:
2000-2010 (for the first generation)
Car And Driver Ten Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 2001.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Nominee/Finalist for MotorTrend Car of the Year.
Consumer Reports:
Mixed to Average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports over its lifecycle, particularly concerning some of the known issues.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its respective model years.
