Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car
Brand Perception:
Affordable, spirited performance, often targeted at younger buyers and enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt, Mazda3.
Chassis Design:
Known for its responsive handling and sporty feel, particularly for its price point.
Engine Options:
Primarily the 2.0L SOHC and DOHC engines, offering a good balance of performance and economy.
Trim Levels:
Typically included SE, SXT, and performance-oriented SRT-4 variants.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and torque specifications for all internal and external engine components.
Engine Performance:
Diagnosis and repair of performance issues, fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions controls, and engine management systems.
Transmission Manual:
Overhaul, inspection, repair, and adjustment procedures for the Getrag MS-R500 5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, repair, and fluid service for the Chrysler A604 (41TE) 4-speed automatic transaxle.
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS components, hydraulic lines, and parking brake.
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, and linkage components.
Suspension System:
Front MacPherson strut and rear independent suspension (Multi-link or Torsion beam depending on model variant), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and alignment procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures, fuse box layouts, lighting, charging system, starting system, and body electrical components.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system, and climate control panel.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and piping.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, and coolant specifications.
Body And Frame:
Exterior panel removal and installation, glass, doors, bumpers, and structural components.
Interior:
Dashboard removal, trim panels, seats, airbags, and interior components.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed descriptions of all routine maintenance tasks and recommended intervals.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, adjustment, and overhaul for every major system.
Diagnostic Charts:
Fault code diagnosis and interpretation for Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and other vehicle modules.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical assembly points.
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) for front and rear axles.
Fluid Capacities And Types:
Exact fluid types and quantities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Refrigerant Handling:
Procedures for safe charging and recovery of R-134a refrigerant for the A/C system.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information necessary for using OBD-II scan tools, multimeters, and specialized diagnostic equipment.
Standard Transmission:
Getrag MS-R500 5-speed manual transmission (standard on most models)
Optional Transmission:
Chrysler A604 (41TE) 4-speed automatic transaxle (optional on some models)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, but typical for compact cars of the era.
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, with torque converter lock-up.
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) for refill
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (for 2004 models with side airbags)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (for 2004 models with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5-star (for 2004 models with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5-star (for 2004 models with side airbags)
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Engine Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check fluid level regularly; change every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal conditions, or sooner under severe driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (170,000 km) or 7 years (critical item, failure can cause severe engine damage).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified by Chrysler)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent generic power steering fluid compatible with Chrysler systems)
Common Issue 1:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failure (preventative replacement is highly recommended with the belt).
Common Issue 2:
Rear axle bushings wear (can cause clunking or alignment issues).
Common Issue 3:
Coolant leaks, particularly from the water pump and thermostat housing.
Common Issue 4:
Automatic transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder, internal solenoid problems) on A604 units.
Common Issue 5:
Paint chipping and clear coat failure, especially on darker colors.