🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

PT Cruiser

Year:

2004

Manual Product Name:

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owners Manual

Chassis Code:

PT

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / Small Hatchback with Retro Styling

Unique Selling Proposition:

Distinctive retro styling inspired by 1930s hot rods and 1950s American cars, offering a unique visual appeal in its class.

Key Competitors 2004:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt

Styling:

Iconic 'hot rod' inspired exterior and interior design.

Versatility:

Flexible interior seating configurations, often referred to as 'Mopar rail system' for rear seats, allowing for various cargo and passenger arrangements.

Powertrain Options:

Available in various engine sizes, providing different performance characteristics.

Practicality:

Designed for urban commuting and everyday use, offering a good balance of size and interior space.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and features

Specific Systems:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Procedures, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filter, Lubricants, Accessories

Geographic Focus:

United States (for safety defect reporting)

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for factory owners manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Cockpit And Controls:

Detailed descriptions of dashboard layout, instrument cluster warning lights and indicators, steering wheel controls, shifter operation, pedal functions, and accessory controls.

Comfort And Convenience:

Operation of climate control systems (manual or automatic HVAC), radio and entertainment systems (including CD player, AM/FM tuner), power windows, power locks, mirrors, and seating adjustments.

Lighting And Visibility:

Headlight operation (including automatic headlamps if equipped), fog lamps, interior lighting, and mirror adjustments.

Safety And Security:

Explanation of airbags, seat belts (including proper usage and adjustments), child seat anchorages (LATCH/ISOFIX), anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control (if equipped), tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped), and vehicle security systems (alarms, immobilizer).

Driving And Operation:

Guidance on starting the engine, driving techniques, proper braking, parking, shifting gears, and operating in various conditions.

Maintenance And Care:

Routine maintenance procedures, fluid checks and refills, tire care, cleaning instructions for interior and exterior, and basic troubleshooting.

Engine Compartment:

Identification of key engine components, fluid reservoir locations, and basic checks.

Specifications:

Refill capacities for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid; lubricant specifications for engine oil, transmission fluid, and other components; tire pressure recommendations; and general vehicle dimensions and weights.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid (if applicable); checking tire pressure and tread depth; inspecting air filter.

User Interface:

How to operate climate controls, audio system, power accessories, and instrument cluster features.

Safety Features Operation:

Proper seat belt adjustment, child seat installation, and understanding of airbag system indicators.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights and taking appropriate action, basic troubleshooting for common issues.

Depth:

Owner-level, focusing on operation, care, and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text content, allowing users to quickly find information.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original factory manual, intended for on-screen viewing or home printing.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Reader Required:

PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, or comparable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Example:

EDZ (2.4L DOHC)

Displacement Standard:

2.4 Liters (148 cubic inches)

Configuration Standard:

Inline 4-cylinder

Valvetrain Standard:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves

Horsepower Standard 2.4L:

Approximately 150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Standard 2.4L:

Approximately 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher)

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Wix 51515, Fram PH3614)

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mopar 04596000AB or equivalent (e.g., Wix 49401, Fram CA3983)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-Speed Automatic Transaxle

Transmission Type Opt:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle (less common in some markets)

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters) for refill, 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters) total capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 166.7 inches (4234 mm)

Width:

Approximately 66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height:

Approximately 61.7 inches (1567 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Tire Size Standard:

P205/50R17 (common for higher trims/optional)

Curb Weight Approx:

3000 - 3200 lbs (1360 - 1450 kg), varies by configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (4-Star rating typical for 2004 models in frontal impact)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (4-Star rating typical for 2004 models in frontal impact)

IIHS Front Offset:

Acceptable (IIHS ratings often varied, but generally performed adequately)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front-passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front-seat side airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point seat belts for rear occupants

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) / ISOFIX system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound system, and auxiliary input (in later models, but less common for 2004).

Climate Control:

Manual climate controls or optional automatic climate control (ACC) with cabin air filtration.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temp), various warning lights, odometer, trip computer (depending on trim).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional

Auxiliary Input:

Rare for 2004 models, typically introduced in later production years.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (often standard or widely available).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (19,000 - 24,000 km) or annually.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or per severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API certified (MS-6395)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, color blue (e.g., Mopar 05103530AA or equivalent).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change for 2.4L engine.

Cooling System Capacity:

Approximately 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)

Windshield Washer Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 3.0 quarts (2.8 liters)

Common Wear Items:

Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, struts), power steering pump and hoses, exhaust system components, radiator.

Engine Specific:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), PCV system issues, occasional radiator fan failures.

Transmission Specific:

Some reports of transmission solenoid issues or rough shifting in older units.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

DaimlerChrysler (at the time of production)

Introduction Year:

2001 model year

Design Inspiration:

Retro styling cues from classic American cars of the 1930s to 1950s, a concept car originally shown in 1997.

Platform:

Chrysler PT platform (shared components with Dodge Neon)

Production Location:

Toluca, Mexico

Production Years Pt Cruiser:

2001-2010

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Guide Award:

Recognized by Consumer Guide as a 'Recommended Buy' in its segment during its early production years.

Design Awards:

Praised for its distinctive and unique design, contributing to its strong initial sales.