Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan
Vehicle Type:
Four-door sedan
Competitors 1997:
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Contour, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.
Design Philosophy:
Designed to offer a balance of comfort, practicality, and affordability within the Chrysler family, sharing the JA platform with the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze.
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking a practical and economical daily driver.
Engine Service:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants.
Transmission Service:
Coverage for both automatic and manual transaxle maintenance, repair, and component replacement.
Brake System:
Comprehensive information on hydraulic systems, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brake service, and component replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension diagnosis, alignment, component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), and steering system service.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for charging system, starting system, ignition, lighting, and instrument panel.
Fuel Exhaust Emissions:
Fuel delivery system, intake manifold, exhaust system, and emission control systems (including component testing and diagnosis).
HVAC Body:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service; body panel repair, bumpers, frame, and interior trim.
Restraint Security:
Airbag system information, seat belt service, power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, power seats, and vehicle theft security system.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, and general inspection.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common automotive issues.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Instructions for engine and transaxle rebuilding, as well as other major component overhauls.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-quality wiring schematics for all electrical circuits.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including on-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II) system interpretation and component testing methods.
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic DIY repairs to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and dedicated DIYers.
Engine Code 1:
EDZ (2.0L SOHC I4)
Horsepower 1:
132 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 1:
125 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Code 2:
6K1 (2.4L DOHC I4, Mitsubishi 4G64)
Horsepower 2:
150 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2:
159 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) for 2.4L, or Distributor/Coil pack for 2.0L.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 stars (for 1997 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 stars (for 1997 model year)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front seats.
Brakes Standard:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
ABS Availability:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims/models.
Audio System Options:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette, optional CD player, and speaker upgrades.
Antenna Type:
Fixed or power antenna depending on trim.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, features vehicle speed control system.
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-I/OBD-II compliant diagnostic connector for emissions and system monitoring.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil) or 3,000 miles (conventional oil), consult owner's manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 10 years for the first change, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter (for HOAT coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if platinum or iridium plugs are used, check specification).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (if platinum or iridium plugs are used, check specification).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30.
Coolant:
Chrysler (MS-7170) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler power steering fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent.
Common Problem 1:
Transmission solenoid issues (particularly with the Ultradrive transmission) leading to shifting problems.
Common Problem 2:
Head gasket leaks, especially in the 2.0L engine, due to design or overheating.
Common Problem 3:
Front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links).
Common Problem 4:
Oil leaks, particularly from the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Problem 5:
Power window regulator failures.
