🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

Cirrus

Model Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Platform Code:

JA (Chrysler JA platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.

Design Philosophy:

Cab-forward design, aerodynamic styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride.

Value Proposition:

Offered a blend of European styling influences and American practicality, often at a competitive price point.

📋 Manual Details

Regional Coverage:

North America (Primarily United States and Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

Varies, but professional factory service manuals for this era typically range from 1500-3000 pages.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

All engine systems, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axle shafts, differential, and related components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc and drum brake service.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly.

Electrical System:

12V battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics and repair.

Restraints:

Airbag system components, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II for applicable models/years), component testing.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

Professional quality, high-resolution scans of original factory manuals, often including detailed exploded views and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - Print as needed)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download - Print as needed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EDZ (2.4L SOHC I4)

Displacement 1:

2.4 Liters (2378cc)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 150 hp @ 5,800 RPM

Torque 1:

Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM

Engine Code 2:

ESJ (2.5L DOHC V6 - Chrysler's 24-valve V6, often referred to as the 'Minivan V6' or 'PowerTech' V6)

Displacement 2:

2.5 Liters (2499cc)

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 165-170 hp @ 6,000 RPM

Torque 2:

Approx. 175-180 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECM Type:

Chrysler ECC (Engine Control Computer), typically OBD-II compliant from 1996 onwards.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

4-Speed Automatic (A604 / 41TE FWD)

Transmission Type 2:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag A568 FWD, less common)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive, torque converter lock-up.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 193.6 inches (4918 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.1 inches (2873 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200 - 3400 lbs (1450 - 1540 kg), depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Generally rated well for its class, though specific ratings can vary by year and test methodology.

ABS:

Optional or standard depending on trim and year.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player options, premium Infinity sound system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

OBD Ii:

On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system from 1996 onwards for emissions and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (refer to specific manual for ATFS type).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified).

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specified ATF type for the A604/41TE transmission). Note: Early models may specify ATF+3 or ATF+2.

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Engine 2.4L Issues:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, piston ring wear leading to oil consumption, timing belt maintenance is critical.

Transmission A604 Issues:

Solenoid failures, transmission control module (TCM) issues, and torque converter shudder are common if maintenance is neglected.

Suspension Issues:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, strut mount failures.

Electrical Issues:

Faulty power window motors, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, dashboard warning light illumination.

📚 Vehicle History

Chrysler Brand:

Chrysler is a historical American automotive manufacturer known for pioneering innovations and a focus on upscale and family-oriented vehicles.

Cirrus Generation:

The Chrysler Cirrus was part of Chrysler's JA platform, which also spawned the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze. This platform emphasized a modern cab-forward design and was a significant update from previous Chrysler models.

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Chrysler Cirrus (and its platform mates) were recognized by some publications for their value and design during their production run, though not consistently on major '10 Best' lists.