Segment:
Compact/Retro-styled hatchback
Positioning:
Positioned as a unique, retro-styled vehicle offering practicality and a distinctive aesthetic, appealing to a niche market.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen New Beetle, Mini Cooper, Ford Focus, Honda Civic.
Design:
Distinctive retro styling inspired by 1930s hot rods and classic American vehicles.
Interior Versatility:
Flexible seating arrangements and cargo options.
Powertrain Options:
Variety of 4-cylinder engines offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
Engine:
Engine operation, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks (oil, coolant), air filter replacement, engine compartment layout.
Transmission:
Transmission operation, fluid level checks (if applicable to owner level).
Brakes:
Brake system operation, warning lights, fluid checks.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, battery maintenance, fuses.
Interior:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating adjustments, interior features.
Exterior:
Locks and security, exterior lighting, door operation.
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH).
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (external), air filter replacement.
Owner Level Checks:
Engine oil level and condition, coolant level, battery terminal condition, windshield washer fluid level, tire pressure and tread depth.
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic system operation explanations.
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of seat belts and airbags, child seat installation guidelines, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).
Cleaning:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations.
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level diagnostics.
Compatibility:
Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Quality:
High-resolution digital scan of the original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Product)
Text Search:
Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on the quality of the original scan and OCR).
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 101.0 mm (typical for this engine)
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA)
Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA)
Turbocharged Option:
GT model featured a turbocharged 2.4L engine (200 hp), though this manual likely covers the standard engine.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Recommended)
Length:
160.5 inches (4077 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Wheelbase:
102.9 inches (2614 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 13.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 37.5 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (depending on trim and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,100 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (Optional on some trims, standard on GT)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (Optional on some trims)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags (optional on some trims).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, and optional Infinity speaker system. SiriusXM satellite radio may be an option.
Navigation:
No integrated factory navigation system typical for this era's base models.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
May feature an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players on higher trims or as an option.
Bluetooth:
Not commonly available as a factory option for this model year; aftermarket solutions are typical.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At each oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (or as per Mopar coolant specifications).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic blend recommended). Refer to manual for exact specification and API service classification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (for 2.4L engine).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 5/150 or equivalent HOAT coolant (Pink color typically).
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) for automatic transmission. Manual transmission fluid specifications vary, check manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF (verify in manual).
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, EGR valve issues, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), occasional electrical gremlins, water pump failures.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular oil changes, coolant system checks, and timely replacement of wear items are crucial for longevity.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler (a marque of Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, DaimlerChrysler, and Daimler-Benz).
Introduction:
The PT Cruiser was introduced for the 2001 model year, initially as a Chrysler in North America and a Plymouth in other markets. It was based on the Chrysler Neon platform.
Generation:
The 2008 model is part of the first generation (2001-2010), which received a facelift for the 2006 model year.
Production Period:
2001-2010
Manufacturing Location:
Toluca, Mexico
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 2001 and 2002, acknowledging its unique styling and value.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied throughout its lifespan, often citing average to below-average reliability in later years.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA estimated MPG: Approx. 20 city / 25 highway (for 2.4L automatic transmission).
