Target Audience:
Value-conscious buyers, DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Hyundai Elantra
Unique Selling Points:
Affordability, sporty handling (especially SXT/ACR/SRT-4 trims), spacious interior for its class, distinctive styling
Primary Coverage Years:
1995-2005
Engine Variants Covered:
2.0L SOHC I4, 2.0L DOHC I4 (including ACR/SRT-4 variants)
Transmission Types Covered:
3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Estimated Pages:
2000-3000 (comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Classification:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format Type:
Digital (PDF)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management, cooling system, lubrication system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveline, axle components
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear disc, ABS components), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, body control modules, engine control modules (ECM), transmission control modules (TCM), power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, audio system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, seats, interior trim, HVAC system operation, body sealing
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid), filter replacements, belt inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, diagnostic checks
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem diagnosis (e.g., misfires, starting issues, transmission slipping), fault code interpretation (OBD-II)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, sensor data interpretation, and ECM/TCM calibration
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences
Engine Code Base:
420A (2.0L SOHC)
Engine Code Performance:
ECC/ESK (2.0L DOHC)
Base Engine Horsepower:
118 hp @ 5500 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
123 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
DOHc Engine Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard DOHC)
DOHc Engine Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (standard DOHC)
Srt-4 Engine Horsepower:
200-215 hp @ 5200-5800 rpm (turbocharged)
Srt-4 Engine Torque:
220-245 lb-ft @ 2200-3000 rpm (turbocharged)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (for SOHC/DOHC), 91 Octane Premium (for SRT-4)
Emissions System:
OBD-II compliant, catalytic converter
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission 1:
3-speed Automatic (early models)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (later models)
Manual Transmission Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Dry Clutch
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
MS-9070 (API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler spec)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Good (driver), Acceptable (passenger) - early models
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (early models)
ABS:
Available (standard on higher trims and later years)
Traction Control:
Available on some models (especially SRT-4)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard, optional side airbags on some models
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Long-life Platinum/Iridium recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (OAT coolant)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (420A), 4.5 quarts (ECC/ESK)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) - Mopar OAT Antifreeze/Coolant
Common Engine Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), exhaust manifold cracks (older 420A engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule)
Common Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission slipping or hard shifting, manual transmission clutch wear, synchronizer issues
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, strut mounts
Common Electrical Issues:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator issues, instrument cluster problems (dimming gauges), intermittent electrical gremlins due to poor grounds
Common Body Issues:
Rust (especially on rocker panels, wheel wells, and rear quarters), door seal degradation
Brand Origin:
American automotive manufacturer, founded by Walter Chrysler
First Generation:
1995-2000 (PS platform), known for its distinctive "cab-forward" design and sporty variants
Second Generation:
2000-2005 (BC platform), redesigned with a more conventional look, improved interior, and introduction of the SRT-4 model
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years:
1994-2005
