Segment:
Compact Car / Retro-styled Hatchback
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a distinctive, retro-styled vehicle with practical utility.
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf/New Beetle.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-futuristic styling inspired by the 1930s Chrysler Airflow and classic hot rod culture.
Versatility:
Spacious interior for its size, flexible seating and cargo configurations, often marketed as a versatile hatchback.
Supported Model Years:
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Engine Variants Covered:
2.0L I4 (ESM/EDT), 2.4L I4 (EDG), 2.4L Turbo I4 (EDT), 2.4L Supercharged I4 (EDT)
Transmission Types Covered:
4-speed automatic (40TE/41TE), 5-speed manual (NVT550)
Estimated Page Count:
~2000-2500
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (PCM/ECU), turbocharger systems (if applicable).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (40TE/41TE) disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, repair; Manual transmission (NVT550) diagnosis, repair; Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS system, hydraulic system diagnosis and repair.
Steering Suspension:
Power steering system, steering gear, suspension components (struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Chassis:
Chassis electrical systems including lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, door locks, seats, mirrors, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, body control module (BCM).
Electrical Engine:
Engine electrical systems including starting and charging systems, sensors, actuators, ignition coils, injectors, wiring diagrams.
Body Interior:
Body exterior and interior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, seats, dashboard, sound deadening, weather stripping.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Safety Restraint:
Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis, component replacement, deactivation procedures, seat belts.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault codes and their resolutions.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, sensor data interpretation, circuit testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine valve clearances, fuel pressure, timing specifications, electrical resistance values, alignment specifications.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Base Engine 2001-2002:
2.0L I4 (SOHC)
Base Engine 2003-2011:
2.4L I4 (DOHC)
2.0L Horsepower:
130 hp @ 5600 rpm
2.0L Torque:
130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
2.4L Na Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
2.4L Na Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
2.4L Turbo Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5200 rpm (GT)
2.4L Turbo Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (GT)
2.4L Supercharged Horsepower:
215 hp @ 5200 rpm (SRT-4)
2.4L Supercharged Torque:
245 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (SRT-4)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (non-turbo), 91 Octane (turbo/SRT-4)
2.0L Code:
ESM (International), EDT (North America)
2.4L Turbo/Supercharged Code:
EDT
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
Good
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on early models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Every 60,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Every 100,000 miles (use platinum or iridium plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 5 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Uses timing chains on all engines).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or higher)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) / HOAT (Hybrid OAT), Mopar Part Number 05103531AA (Purple).
Common Problems Powertrain:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, PCV valve failure leading to oil consumption, timing chain tensioner issues (2.4L), occasional transmission hard shifts or failure in high-mileage vehicles.
Common Problems Chassis Suspension:
Worn front suspension components (struts, ball joints, control arm bushings), premature tire wear, noisy wheel bearings.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, instrument cluster issues (dimming or flickering lights), ABS sensor failures.
Common Problems Body Interior:
Rattles and squeaks from interior trim, door lock actuator failures, water leaks into the cabin through seals or body seams.
Parent Company:
Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler/Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Concept Origin:
PT Cruiser concept unveiled in 1998, heavily influenced by the Plymouth Prowler and early 20th-century automotive design.
First Generation Updates:
Minor styling tweaks, new powertrain options (2.4L engine, turbo/supercharged variants), improved interior features.
Second Generation Facelift:
Significant exterior and interior redesign for 2006, addressing previous criticisms and updating technology.
Performance Variant:
PT Cruiser SRT-4 (2003-2006) featuring a more powerful turbocharged 2.4L engine and performance-tuned suspension.
Production Locations:
Toluca Assembly Plant, Mexico
Production Period:
2000-2010 (for North American market), continued production in Mexico until 2010, with global sales extending to 2011.
