Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Vehicle Platform:
PT Body Style (based on Dodge Neon platform)
Segment:
Compact car / Retro-styled hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain or restore their vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-futuristic design inspired by 1930s hot rods and custom cars.
Versatility:
Adaptable interior with fold-flat rear seats and removable rear seat cushions, offering good cargo space for its class.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishment, and restoration.
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for full service manuals of this scope)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transaxle, clutch, driveline, axles, driveshafts.
Brakes And Suspension:
Brake systems (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, springs), steering system.
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, powertrain control modules (PCM), body control modules (BCM), diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, frame, unibody construction, collision repair.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnosis and repair, body panel repair, HVAC system repair.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing, use of diagnostic scan tools.
Restoration Procedures:
Detailed instructions for disassembly, component refurbishment, reassembly, and finishing for classic car preservation.
Depth Of Information:
Extensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Option 1:
2.4L (2429 cc) DOHC I4 (World Engine / GEMA)
Engine Option 1 Power:
Approx. 150-156 hp @ 5600-5800 rpm (depending on year and specific variant)
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approx. 160-165 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm (depending on year and specific variant)
Engine Option 2:
2.0L (1998 cc) DOHC I4 (2.0 Turbo GT / SRT-4 variant)
Engine Option 2 Power:
Approx. 200-230 hp @ 5200-5400 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approx. 220-245 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (higher octane recommended for turbo models)
Transmission Option 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Option 2:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (42LE or 40TE/41TE depending on engine and year)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) for automatic transmissions
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type and viscosity
Length:
Approx. 166.7 - 170.1 inches (4234 - 4320 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 - 67.2 inches (1704 - 1707 mm)
Height:
Approx. 61.4 - 63.3 inches (1560 - 1608 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.1 inches (2670 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 21.9 cu ft (620 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 41.0 cu ft (1161 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg), depending on configuration
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Wheel Size:
Typically 15, 16, or 17 inches
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
Good (for models tested)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Acceptable (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on later models
Airbags:
Frontal airbags standard; side curtain airbags available on later models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil (refer to owner's manual for exact recommendation based on oil type used).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) initially, then every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer certification recommended, verify with owner's manual for specific engine)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 quarts (3.8 - 4.3 liters) for 2.4L engine
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) OAT Antifreeze/Coolant, often Mopar OAT 50/50 mix
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Problem 1:
Front suspension: Strut mounts, ball joints, and tie rod ends wear prematurely.
Common Problem 2:
Transmission: Automatic transmission shifting issues or failure, particularly on earlier models.
Common Problem 3:
Engine: Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Timing belt (on older 2.0L engines) maintenance is crucial.
Common Problem 4:
Electrical: Power window motors, door lock actuators, and instrument cluster failures.
Common Problem 5:
HVAC: Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor issues.
Parent Company:
Chrysler (later part of DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis)
Introduction:
Introduced in early 2000 as a 2001 model year vehicle.
Facelift:
Received a facelift for the 2007 model year, with updated exterior and interior styling, and the introduction of the 2.4L World Engine.
Special Editions:
Included various trims and special editions such as the GT Cruiser, Turbo GT, Street Cruiser, and the high-performance SRT-4 variant.
Production Start Year:
2000
Production End Year:
2010
Manufacturing Location:
Mexico (Toluca Assembly Plant)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 2001, recognized for its distinctive styling and value.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Nominee for MotorTrend Car of the Year.
Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award:
Received a Breakthrough Award from Popular Mechanics.
Kl User Satisfaction:
Mixed user satisfaction ratings over its lifespan, often cited for its style but sometimes criticized for reliability in certain areas.