Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a potent and affordable performance vehicle
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic Si, Acura RSX, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Subaru Impreza WRX (earlier models)
Performance Focus:
Engineered by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division for enhanced performance
Value Proposition:
Exceptional horsepower-per-dollar ratio in its class
Powertrain:
Engine (2.4L Turbo DOHC), Transmission (Manual), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front/Rear), Wheels/Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Body Electrical, Instrument Panel, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio System, Climate Control Electronics
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, HVAC System (Mechanical)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Top-offs, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Component Testing, Circuit Analysis
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair/Replacement
Installation:
Component Installation Procedures, Timing Belt/Chain Installation, Turbocharger Installation/Removal
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams and illustrations
Wiring Diagrams:
Included (detailed and specific to SRT-4 model)
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder (DOHC, 16-Valve)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Horsepower:
205-215 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharger Model:
Garrett GT15 or similar (specific variant may vary)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag RT-10)
Optional Transmission:
None (Manual transmission was standard and exclusive for SRT-4)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by year but are performance-oriented (e.g., shorter first and second gears)
Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Disc Clutch
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often standard or part of performance packages
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Likely 4-star rating (for 2003 model, based on general Neon data)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable to Good (depending on year and specific test)
Braking System:
Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes, ABS standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often standard
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, potentially side airbags (optional or standard depending on year)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and crumple zones
Audio System:
Aftermarket-friendly basic AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system (Infinity)
Display:
Basic driver information center, analog gauges
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically no Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
The 2.4L engine in the SRT-4 is a timing CHAIN, not a belt, so it does not require periodic replacement unless worn.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or newer, Chrysler MS-6395 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue Color (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified by Chrysler for later revisions)
Turbocharger:
Potential for oil leaks, wastegate issues, or bearing failure if not properly maintained or if driven hard without allowing cool-down.
Engine:
Piston ring wear, head gasket failures (less common than some other performance engines but possible with modifications), intake manifold gasket leaks.
Transmission:
Clutch wear, synchro wear in gears, shifting issues if fluid is old or incorrect.
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts due to performance driving.
Electronics:
Occasional issues with O2 sensors, crank position sensors, and gauge cluster failures.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
Platform:
Based on the second-generation Dodge Neon (PL platform)
Development Focus:
Developed by SRT engineers to transform the standard Neon into a competitive performance car
Production Period:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
Significance:
One of the most potent affordable performance cars of its era, highly regarded by enthusiasts.
