Segment:
Compact car with retro styling, targeting niche market
Appeal:
Distinctive styling, affordability, and practicality
Competitors:
Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf
Design:
Retro-inspired styling reminiscent of 1930s-1950s American vehicles
Versatility:
Hatchback design offering flexible cargo space and passenger configurations
Utility:
Essential for DIY repairs, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting, saving on dealership costs
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, lubrication, cooling system, fuel delivery, exhaust system
Engine Performance:
Engine diagnostics, emission controls, ignition system, starting and charging system
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (if applicable) removal, installation, internal inspection, repair
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission removal, installation, internal inspection, repair, shift control, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Front wheel drive axle shafts, differentials, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake, brake fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, carpeting, HVAC system components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS diagnostics
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, alignment angles, fluid capacities, electrical data
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for various vehicle systems
Tightening Sequences:
Specific bolt tightening order and torque specifications for critical components
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced electrical diagnostics
Engine Code Gasoline:
GEMA (2.4L Naturally Aspirated), EDG (2.4L Turbocharged)
Displacement Gasoline 2.4L Na:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Horsepower Gasoline 2.4L Na:
150-160 hp @ 5800 rpm (depending on sub-model/year)
Torque Gasoline 2.4L Na:
165-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on sub-model/year)
Displacement Gasoline 2.4L Turbo:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Horsepower Gasoline 2.4L Turbo:
200-215 hp @ 5200 rpm (SRT-4 model)
Torque Gasoline 2.4L Turbo:
230-245 lb-ft @ 2200-4400 rpm (SRT-4 model)
0 60 Mph Na:
Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 seconds
0 60 Mph Turbo:
Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 seconds (SRT-4)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (91 octane recommended for SRT-4)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system (depending on market and year)
Type Na:
4-speed automatic transaxle (40TE/41TE)
Type Turbo:
5-speed manual transaxle (Getrag NVG-56LC, specifically for SRT-4)
Type Manual Na:
5-speed manual transaxle (NV3500 or similar for some 2.4L NA models)
Automatic Control:
Electronic control unit (ECU) for shift scheduling and diagnostics
Clutch Type Manual:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check specific manual for exact specs)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2001-2004 models, likely similar for later)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2001-2004 models)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (earlier models, updates may apply)
ABS:
Standard on most models (4-wheel disc on higher trims/SRT-4, rear drum on base models)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on SRT-4
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Optional on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard advanced front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions; refer to specific owner's manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (2.4L engines use a timing chain)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as recommended
Engine Oil Type Na:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil Capacity Na:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Type Turbo:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SN or newer, high-performance synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) long-life coolant (typically orange or pink color)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to owner's manual)
Engine 2.4L Na:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, crankshaft position sensor failures, occasional oil consumption.
Engine 2.4L Turbo Srt4:
Turbocharger issues (wastegate rattle, oil leaks), clutch wear, fuel injector clogging.
Transmission Automatic:
Slipping, rough shifting, solenoid failures, transmission cooler line leaks.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings; noisy struts/shocks.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, instrument cluster issues (dead pixels), power lock actuator failures, CAN bus communication errors.
Body:
Rattles and squeaks from interior trim; door seal degradation; occasional rust on wheel wells and rocker panels.
Manufacturer:
Chrysler (part of DaimlerChrysler during much of this period)
Introduction:
Introduced for the 2001 model year, the PT Cruiser was a highly anticipated retro-styled vehicle.
Updates 2005-2010:
Facelift in 2006 included revised front and rear styling, interior updates, and improved powertrains. The SRT-4 variant (until 2007) offered a significant performance upgrade.
Special Variants:
PT Cruiser GT (turbocharged, 2003-2007), PT Cruiser Convertible (2004-2008), PT Cruiser SRT-4 (performance variant, 2003-2007)
Production Period:
2000-2010
Manufacturing Plant:
Toluca, Mexico
