Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Car
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Vehicle Philosophy:
Affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient transportation with a sporty edge for its class.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-accurate information for cost-effective ownership and maintenance.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Factory Service Repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Extensive troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures
Component Coverage:
All mechanical, electrical, and body systems
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but implied comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, fuel, cooling, exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, power accessories, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, climate control system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustments for all systems
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages allowing for clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding:
Not Applicable (PDF Download)
Paper:
Not Applicable (PDF Download)
Engine Code:
ECC (1.6L SOHC), EAS (2.0L DOHC)
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1598cc) / 2.0 Liters (1996cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) / DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower 1 6L:
116 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1 6L:
106 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Horsepower 2 0L:
132 hp @ 6300 rpm (standard), 150 hp @ 6300 rpm (High Output - ACR/ES models)
Torque 2 0L:
130 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (standard), 130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (High Output)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2000 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2000 model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2000 model)
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum (standard); Front vented disc, Rear disc (optional/performance models)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM radio, optional CD player, optional premium sound system with amplifier.
Controls:
Manual climate controls, basic dashboard instrumentation.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on higher trim levels.
Phone Integration:
Not available (pre-Bluetooth era).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles if dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles for Platinum spark plugs (refer to manual for specific type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH (check manual for exact specification and viscosity based on temperature).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) - verify in manual.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5/150 blend (refer to manual for exact type and mixture ratio).
Common Problem 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
Common Problem 2:
Head gasket failure, particularly on the 2.0L DOHC engine, due to overheating.
Common Problem 3:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on 2.0L engines).
Common Problem 4:
Issues with the automatic transmission's torque converter clutch and solenoids.
Common Problem 5:
Electrical issues, including intermittent power to accessories and problems with the instrument cluster.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (at the time of production)
Generation:
Second Generation (1995-2005, with significant refresh for 2000)
Refresh Details:
The 2000 model year introduced a significant exterior redesign (new front and rear fascias, fenders, hood, trunk lid) and interior updates, distinguishing it from the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Production Period For This Generation:
1995-2005 (with the 2000-2001 models representing a facelifted version of the second generation).
