Vehicle Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Retro-styled compact car
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking a distinctive, versatile, and practical compact vehicle.
Key Competitors 2004:
Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Golf.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-futuristic styling inspired by hot rod culture and 1930s-1950s American automotive design.
Versatility:
Spacious interior for its size, flexible seating arrangements, and a surprisingly practical cargo area.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, powertrain control modules (PCM), torque converter, automatic transmission, manual transmission.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear disc, ABS), wheel and tire specifications, driveline (FWD).
Body And Electrical:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system, lighting system, wipers and washers, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), dashboard and instruments, audio system, security system, airbags, body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems.
Maintenance And Adjustments:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures, basic checks and adjustments.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and resolution, electrical system diagnosis, component testing.
Repair And Rebuilding:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly of major and minor components, rebuilding procedures for engines, transmissions, etc. (where applicable), body repair and alignment.
Diagnostic Tools And Procedures:
Information on required diagnostic tools, scan tool usage, wiring harness testing, sensor and actuator testing procedures, diagnostic flowcharts.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Detailed technical specifications, measurements, clearances, torque values, and acceptable tolerances for all components and systems.
Engine Family:
Chrysler PowerTech (Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep 'e.g., Neon' engine family)
Engine Code:
GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance) variants potentially, though early PT Cruisers had distinct Chrysler engines. The 2.4L is the most common for 2004 in North America.
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 150 hp @ 5800 rpm (naturally aspirated)
Torque:
Approximately 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (naturally aspirated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated (Turbocharged versions existed in other model years/trims)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (41TE/42LE family)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual (NVT550 or similar Getrag-derived)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (Part Number: 05013457AA or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-3 or GL-4 Gear Oil (Specific part numbers will vary by manufacturer, e.g., Mopar)
Length:
Approx. 167.1 inches (4244 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.4 inches (1737 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.9 inches (2614 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 96.3 cubic feet (2727 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 13.6 cubic feet (385 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 37.0 cubic feet (1048 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,250 lbs (1406 - 1474 kg), depending on transmission and options.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2001-2005 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2001-2005 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (often tied to higher trims or specific packages)
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger
Airbags Optional:
Optional side-impact airbags (curtain or torso type)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, available premium Infinity sound system with subwoofer.
Display:
Central dashboard display for radio and climate controls. No integrated navigation or touchscreens in standard models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not typically standard on the 2004 model, though aftermarket systems are available.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard. Some later models or aftermarket head units may feature an auxiliary input.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API Certified, check manual for specific viscosity grades and API service classifications)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent. Do NOT mix types.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0-7.5 quarts (6.6-7.1 liters)
Common Reliability Concerns:
Head gasket failures (particularly on early models with certain engine variants), transmission issues (e.g., solenoid pack failure), suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), power window regulator failures, and occasional HVAC blower motor issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical faults, CAN bus communication issues, or sensor failures can occur, often requiring diagnostic expertise to pinpoint.
Manufacturer History:
Chrysler Corporation, a major American automotive manufacturer with a long history of innovation and iconic vehicles.
Pt Cruiser Introduction:
Introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year vehicle.
2004 Model Year Updates:
Minor updates likely including potential new exterior/interior colors, option package refinements, and possibly subtle feature additions. Powertrain remained largely the same.
Production Start Year:
2000
Production End Year:
2010
Manufacturing Locations:
Toluca, Mexico
