Target Demographic:
Value-oriented buyers, younger drivers, commuters.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra.
Design Philosophy:
Bold, distinctive styling (especially the first generation), sporty handling, competitive pricing.
Engine Options:
Emphasis on fuel-efficient, peppy four-cylinder engines, with performance variants available.
Handling:
Multi-link rear suspension (on many models) contributed to surprisingly agile handling for its class.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting for all engine components (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, timing, lubrication, cooling).
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery system (injection, pumps, injectors), ignition system (coils, plugs, sensors), emission control systems (EGR, EVAP), engine diagnostics and fault finding.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for the Getrag A520, A525, and A535 manual transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, differentials, and shifter mechanisms.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for the Chrysler 31TH/32RH automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, and electronic controls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, transaxle components, and seals.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars), alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses, fluid), steering column, and wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines), ABS system (if equipped), parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse box layouts, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instruments, and accessories.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, interior trim, seat removal, and structural component repair.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser), heater system (heater core), ventilation, and control mechanisms.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II), troubleshooting flowcharts, and symptom-based diagnostics.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change procedures, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and belt inspection/replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, radiator replacement, and exhaust system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems with step-by-step guides and diagnostic trees.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, gap measurements (spark plugs, etc.), alignment angles, and electrical component resistances.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, and procedures for using scan tools.
Repair Detail:
Comprehensive step-by-step repair procedures with detailed diagrams and illustrations for complete disassembly and reassembly of all major vehicle systems.
Rebuild Instructions:
Instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and power steering racks.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (for platinum-tipped plugs, refer to manual for specific type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, change as needed (typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on driving).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed (refer to manual for specific interval and fluid type).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Certified (Refer to owner's manual or manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Type 2 PSF or equivalent ATF (Dexron III/Mercon).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (MS-7176E) or ATF+4 (MS-9602) compliant fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (Specifics vary by transmission model, consult manual).
Engine Problems:
Head gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks (especially from valve cover and oil pan), timing belt tensioner failure (on DOHC engines).
Transmission Problems:
Manual transmissions can develop noisy bearings or synchro issues. Automatic transmissions can suffer from hard shifting or delayed engagement.
Suspension Problems:
Worn ball joints, strut mounts, and control arm bushings can lead to clunking noises and poor handling.
Electrical Problems:
Issues with the Power Control Module (PCM) or sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position), faulty window regulators, and interior light failures.
HVAC Problems:
Blend door actuator failures, leaks in the AC system, and heater core leaks.
Body Problems:
Rust issues, particularly around wheel wells and rocker panels, door lock actuator failure.