Market Segment:
Compact car, budget-friendly transportation, often marketed towards younger drivers or as an economical second vehicle.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling for its class, practical interior, emphasis on value and fuel efficiency.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Unique 'SX 2.0' badging in certain markets, often positioned as a sportier trim or variant of the Neon, potentially offering slightly enhanced styling or features.
Engine Service:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine diagnostics, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics, emissions controls, turbocharger system (if applicable to specific market variants).
Transmission Service:
Manual transmission (Getrag ASD), automatic transmission (Chrysler 30/40 series), clutch system, transmission diagnostics, fluid specifications, and procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (McPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (power steering), alignment specifications, wheel bearing replacement.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, infotainment system, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant specifications, component testing, and repair.
Body Chassis:
Exterior body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, frame, rust prevention, body repair procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms (e.g., starting issues, rough idle, poor performance, electrical faults), DTC interpretation and troubleshooting.
Repair Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all covered systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system operation, diagnostic connector location, use of scan tools, specific diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic data (e.g., sensor readings).
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repair. Covers engine mechanical rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Code:
420A (2.0L SOHC I4), 601A (2.0L DOHC I4 - ACR model)
Displacement:
1996 cc (121.8 cu in)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
87.1 mm x 83.0 mm (3.43 in x 3.27 in)
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (SOHC), 10.5:1 (DOHC)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm (ACR model)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (ACR model)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Control Unit:
Chrysler Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for earlier models, can vary by year and test) - specific ratings for 2000-2005 SX 2.0 may require cross-referencing with Neon data.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels, optional on rear wheels depending on trim and year.
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system on some models.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags. Optional side airbags may be available on higher trims or later model years.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (check specific plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km); Manual: Inspect at 30,000 miles, change as needed.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, meeting MS-6395 specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5/100).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models and DOHC engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), PCV system issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmission clutch pack wear, torque converter issues, manual transmission clutch wear and bearing noise.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends; rear suspension spring sag.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty power window regulators, faulty door lock actuators, instrument cluster failures (dimming gauges), BCM issues, intermittent electrical gremlins.
Common Problems Body:
Rust in wheel wells and rocker panels, paint delamination, interior trim wear.
