Segment:
Compact/Economy Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, DIY enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, practical interior, peppy engine options (especially the DOHC variants), available in sedan and coupe body styles
Manual Utility:
Essential for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, providing expert guidance for a wide range of tasks
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission control, engine electrical, starting system, charging system, engine diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag) service, automatic transmission (41TE) service, clutch system, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axle shafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link beam axle), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, alignment
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), optional rear disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, power windows, power locks, horn, wipers, washer system, instrument cluster, driver information center
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, sunroof (if equipped), corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, components, diagnosis, and repair
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pretensioners, diagnosis and repair procedures
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and top-offs, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault codes, repair procedures for identified issues
Repair:
Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repairs, major component overhauls
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, pressure readings
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams
Base Engine Description:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4
Base Engine Displacement:
1996 cc
Base Engine Horsepower:
114 hp @ 5200 rpm
Base Engine Torque:
124 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Performance Engine Code:
ESX/ESZ (SRT-4)
Performance Engine Description:
2.4L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 (High Output)
Performance Engine Displacement:
2354 cc
Performance Engine Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm (SRT-4)
Performance Engine Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm (SRT-4)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug (COP) or coil pack depending on engine
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Check for leaks, fluid change not typically scheduled unless issues arise.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual: typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic blend or full synthetic, depending on climate and engine.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, orange or pink color.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602)
Engine Sludge:
Potential for oil sludge buildup in 2.0L SOHC engines if oil changes are neglected.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional transmission hard shifting or failure, particularly in early models with the automatic transmission.
Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of front control arm bushings and rear suspension components can occur.
Electrical Gremlins:
Various minor electrical issues such as faulty window regulators, power lock actuators, or instrument cluster problems.
