Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valvetrain, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system
Engine Performance:
Engine diagnostics, emissions control systems, tuning procedures
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission repair, clutch system, gear shift linkage
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control systems, torque converter, shift control
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axles, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (torsion beam axle, shocks), wheel bearings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some trims), ABS system, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, dashboard, trim components, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Chassis And Frame:
Unibody construction, structural components, collision repair basics
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement
Diagnostics And Testing:
Electrical circuit testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, vacuum leak detection
Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter, radiator, water pump, fuel pump, catalytic converter, control arms, shock absorbers, brake pads and rotors
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling (with appropriate precautions), compressor replacement, leak detection, system evacuation and recharging
Body And Trim:
Door panel removal, bumper replacement, headlight/taillight bulb replacement, interior trim panel installation
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including use of scan tools and interpretation of sensor data
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
N/A (tests varied by year/model, refer to NHTSA archives for specific rating if available)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
N/A (tests varied by year/model, refer to NHTSA archives for specific rating if available)
ABS:
Optional (standard on R/T, available on other trims)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard on this generation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum tipped)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles; Manual: As per manual, typically around 60,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based), or equivalent
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and cracking of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise
Interior Rattles:
Common interior trim rattles and squeaks
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks in the exhaust system, especially in rust-belt regions
ABS Sensor Failure:
Occasional ABS wheel speed sensor failures leading to ABS warning light illumination