Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, younger drivers
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, agile handling, practical interior, affordable pricing
Value Proposition:
Offers a balance of performance, style, and value for money in its class.
Primary Coverage:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Genericity Statement:
Vehicle/model specific, not generic
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Target User:
Dealership Technicians
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on common industry practice for workshop manuals)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control, starting and charging system
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drive axles, half-shafts
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Braking Systems:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, audio system, body control modules (BCM)
Body Interior:
Body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, HVAC system, safety restraints (airbags)
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, alignments
Special Procedures:
Engine timing, torque specifications, electrical connector pinouts, diagnostic tool usage
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to major overhauls)
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including circuit testing and component diagnosis
Searchable Text:
High (typical for professionally produced digital manuals)
Resolution Quality:
High (ensuring clarity of diagrams and text)
Diagrams Illustrations:
Clear, detailed, and accurate illustrations and schematics
Binding:
Digital format (PDF) - no physical binding applicable. If printed, typically spiral-bound for lay-flat use.
Paper Quality:
Digital format (PDF) - no physical paper type. If printed, would typically be high-quality, durable paper suitable for shop environments.
Engine Code:
420 (2.0L SOHC I4), 420T (2.0L DOHC Turbo I4 - SRT-4)
Displacement Standard:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Bore X Stroke Standard:
87.5 mm x 83.0 mm (3.44 in x 3.27 in)
Compression Ratio Standard:
9.4:1
Horsepower Standard:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Standard:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Performance:
420T (SRT-4)
Displacement Performance:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in) - Turbocharged
Horsepower Performance:
205-230 hp @ 5300-5800 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Torque Performance:
240-255 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Fuel Delivery Standard:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Standard:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Fuel Delivery Performance:
Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger
Fuel Type Performance:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane recommended (premium)
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate (manual transmission)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm) (Sedan), 165.5 inches (4204 mm) (Coupe)
Width:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Height:
56.8 inches (1443 mm) (Sedan), 54.3 inches (1380 mm) (Coupe)
Front Headroom:
39.1 inches (993 mm)
Front Legroom:
42.7 inches (1085 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.3 inches (947 mm)
Rear Legroom:
33.8 inches (859 mm)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
13.1 cu ft (371 L)
Cargo Volume Coupe:
10.3 cu ft (292 L)
Curb Weight Start:
2680 lbs (1216 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
3600 lbs (1633 kg) (approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for models equipped with optional side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for models equipped with optional side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for later models)
ABS:
Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims and SRT-4
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Optional:
Side airbags (on select trims)
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier.
Display:
Digital odometer and trip computer on some trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Optional on some trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions common.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for this model year range.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) (depending on spark plug type: copper, platinum, iridium).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or 2-5 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN, ACEA A3/B4, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific viscosity grades based on climate).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or compatible coolant (typically orange).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Chrysler ATF+4 or equivalent.
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier models), spark plug blow-out (in some 2.0L engines), timing belt tensioner failure.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, manual transmission synchro wear.
Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends; sagging rear springs.
Electrical Issues:
Faulty instrument cluster gauges, interior lighting issues, power window regulator failures.
HVAC Issues:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor issues.
Brand Focus:
Dodge, as a marque of Chrysler, historically focused on performance and sporty variants of mainstream vehicles.
Generation 1:
First Generation (1995-1999): Introduced with distinctive styling and a focus on value.
Generation 2:
Second Generation (2000-2005): Redesigned with improved interior, ride quality, and updated engines. Introduction of the high-performance SRT-4 variant.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Period:
1994-2005 (all generations)
IIHS Safety Award:
Some models received 'Good' ratings in IIHS frontal offset tests, indicating improved safety over earlier generations.
Srt 4 Recognition:
The SRT-4 variant was widely praised for its performance, affordability, and tunability, becoming a popular choice in the sport compact segment.
Jd Power Quality:
Generally received average to below-average initial quality ratings in consumer surveys during its production run.
