Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Retro-styled hatchback
        
     
    
        
            Positioning:
        
        
            Positioned as a unique, retro-styled vehicle offering practicality and a distinctive aesthetic, appealing to a niche market.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Volkswagen New Beetle, Mini Cooper, Ford Focus, Honda Civic.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Distinctive retro styling inspired by 1930s hot rods and classic American vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Interior Versatility:
        
        
            Flexible seating arrangements and cargo options.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Variety of 4-cylinder engines offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine operation, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks (oil, coolant), air filter replacement, engine compartment layout.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Transmission operation, fluid level checks (if applicable to owner level).
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system operation, warning lights, fluid checks.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, battery maintenance, fuses.
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating adjustments, interior features.
        
     
    
        
            Exterior:
        
        
            Locks and security, exterior lighting, door operation.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Restraints:
        
        
            Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH).
        
     
    
    
        
            Basic Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (external), air filter replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Owner Level Checks:
        
        
            Engine oil level and condition, coolant level, battery terminal condition, windshield washer fluid level, tire pressure and tread depth.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic system operation explanations.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Procedures:
        
        
            Proper use of seat belts and airbags, child seat installation guidelines, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).
        
     
    
        
            Cleaning:
        
        
            Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level diagnostics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Compatibility:
        
        
            Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
        
     
    
    
        
            Quality:
        
        
            High-resolution digital scan of the original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Product)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Product)
        
     
    
    
        
            Text Search:
        
        
            Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on the quality of the original scan and OCR).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Inline 4-Cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            87.5 mm x 101.0 mm (typical for this engine)
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            9.4:1 (typical for this engine)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            150 hp @ 5800 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA)
        
     
    
    
        
            Turbocharged Option:
        
        
            GT model featured a turbocharged 2.4L engine (200 hp), though this manual likely covers the standard engine.
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Octane Rating:
        
        
            87 Octane (Recommended)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            160.5 inches (4077 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            66.7 inches (1694 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            61.4 inches (1560 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            102.9 inches (2614 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
        
        
            Approximately 13.6 cu ft
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
        
        
            Approximately 37.5 cu ft
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (depending on trim and equipment)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
        
        
            Approx. 4,100 lbs
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4 Stars)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4 Stars)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
        
        
            Good (for models tested)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Traction Control System (Optional on some trims, standard on GT)
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (Optional on some trims)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags (optional on some trims).
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, and optional Infinity speaker system. SiriusXM satellite radio may be an option.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            No integrated factory navigation system typical for this era's base models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard feature on most trims.
        
     
    
        
            Parking Assist:
        
        
            Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature on some models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            May feature an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players on higher trims or as an option.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Not commonly available as a factory option for this model year; aftermarket solutions are typical.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            At each oil change.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (or as per Mopar coolant specifications).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic blend recommended). Refer to manual for exact specification and API service classification.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (for 2.4L engine).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 5/150 or equivalent HOAT coolant (Pink color typically).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            ATF+4 (MS-9602) for automatic transmission. Manual transmission fluid specifications vary, check manual.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF (verify in manual).
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems:
        
        
            Head gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, EGR valve issues, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), occasional electrical gremlins, water pump failures.
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance Focus:
        
        
            Regular oil changes, coolant system checks, and timely replacement of wear items are crucial for longevity.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Chrysler (a marque of Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, DaimlerChrysler, and Daimler-Benz).
        
     
    
    
        
            Introduction:
        
        
            The PT Cruiser was introduced for the 2001 model year, initially as a Chrysler in North America and a Plymouth in other markets. It was based on the Chrysler Neon platform.
        
     
    
        
            Generation:
        
        
            The 2008 model is part of the first generation (2001-2010), which received a facelift for the 2006 model year.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Period:
        
        
            2001-2010
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Toluca, Mexico
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 2001 and 2002, acknowledging its unique styling and value.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports:
        
        
            Consumer Reports ratings varied throughout its lifespan, often citing average to below-average reliability in later years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Epa Fuel Economy:
        
        
            EPA estimated MPG: Approx. 20 city / 25 highway (for 2.4L automatic transmission).