Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima
Manual Advantage:
Provides OEM-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling accurate and efficient servicing, crucial for DIY mechanics and professional shops alike.
Vehicle Value Proposition:
Offers a balance of space, comfort, and performance for its class, with a variety of powertrain options to suit different needs.
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair procedures
Engine Variants Covered:
2.0L I4 (SOHC, 16V), 2.4L I4 (DOHC, 16V, Turbocharged and Naturally Aspirated), 2.7L V6 (DOHC, 24V), 3.0L V6 (SOHC, 12V - Mitsubishi)
Trim Levels Covered:
SE, SXT, ES, R/T
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine diagnostics, manual transmission, automatic transmission
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic and ABS), wheels, tires
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system, interior electronics
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and gauges, body control modules (BCM), infotainment systems, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring harness diagnostics
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, electrical component repair
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, measurement tolerances, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Engine Code 2.0L:
EDZ (SOHC 16V)
Engine Code 2.4L Na:
EDT (DOHC 16V)
Engine Code 2.4L Turbo:
EDT (DOHC 16V Turbocharged)
Engine Code 2.7L V6:
ECL (DOHC 24V)
Engine Code 3.0L V6:
6G72 (SOHC 12V - Mitsubishi)
Horsepower 2.0L:
130 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L Na:
156 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.4L Na:
160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 2.4L Turbo:
168 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.4L Turbo:
177 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Horsepower 2.7L V6:
175 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2.7L V6:
175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower 3.0L V6:
150 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 3.0L V6:
170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery All Engines:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for most engines, consult manual for specifics)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (with 2.0L and 2.4L engines)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (42LE/41TE for FWD, optional across most engines)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with variable line pressure
Length:
Approx. 193.7 inches (4919 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.0 inches (1422 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 108.0 inches (2743 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3150 - 3450 lbs (1429 - 1565 kg), varies by engine and trim
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
Good (2001-2006 models, but refer to specific year testing)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
Good (2001-2006 models, but refer to specific year testing)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable/Good (varies by year and specific test configuration)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on some base models
Traction Control:
Optional on select models/trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat mounted side airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (e.g., platinum: 60,000-100,000 miles; iridium: 100,000+ miles). Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions may have longer intervals or lifetime fill. Consult manual.
Engine Oil Viscosity 2.0L 2.4L:
SAE 5W-30 (recommended, consult manual for alternatives)
Engine Oil Viscosity 2.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (recommended, consult manual for alternatives)
Engine Oil Viscosity 3.0L V6:
SAE 5W-30 (recommended, consult manual for alternatives)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Type 9602) for 42LE/41TE transmissions.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or specified power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified).
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially 2.7L V6), oil sludge build-up due to infrequent oil changes, timing belt tensioner issues (on non-interference engines), intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoids can fail, leading to shifting problems. Torque converter shudder.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, premature strut/shock absorber wear, power steering pump whine.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, instrument cluster problems, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Common Problems HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures, A/C compressor clutch issues.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Platform:
Chrysler JA/JR Platform (based on Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger platform)
Design Era:
Aerodynamic, cab-forward design principles
Manufacturing Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA
Production Years Platform:
2000-2006
Jdpowers Initial Quality Study:
Typically ranked in the lower half of its segment in initial quality surveys during its production run. Refer to specific model year reports for precise rankings.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to below-average reliability by consumer organizations during its lifespan. The manual is crucial for mitigating potential issues.
Manual Authenticity:
Official Factory Service Manual (OEM equivalent)
