Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, young drivers, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive factory service information for DIY repairs and professional diagnostics, cost-effective alternative to dealership service.
Vehicle Appeal:
Affordability, decent fuel economy, available in sedan and coupe body styles, sporty handling for its class.
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (details not specified, but implied comprehensive)
Drivetrain:
Drive Axles, Clutch (if applicable), Differential
Brakes:
Brake System, ABS (if applicable), Parking Brake
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System
Body Chassis:
Body Structure, Exterior and Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Bumpers
Electrical:
Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Audio System, Body Electrical Components, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Powertrain Diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Electrical System Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams
Repair:
Component Disassembly and Reassembly, Component Replacement, Major Component Overhaul
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Scan Tool Usage
Depth:
Complete Disassembly and Reassembly, In-depth Repair Procedures, Detailed Illustrations and Photos
Audience:
Do-it-yourselfer and Experienced Mechanic
Compatibility:
All PC based Windows Operating Systems and Mac
Printability:
Printable without restriction, individual pages or entire manual
Binding:
Digital Download (Printable)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 L (1996 cc)
Engine Codes:
A57 (2.0L SOHC), ECC (2.0L DOHC - less common for 2004 models but possible)
Horsepower Sohc:
Approx. 132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECU Type:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 specification and viscosity (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)
NHTSA Front Driver:
Good (for 2000-2002 models, 2004 likely similar)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good (for 2000-2002 models, 2004 likely similar)
ABS:
Available on some trims/packages
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Available Side Airbags (on select trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, or as per owner's manual recommendation based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect as needed, fluid replacement typically every 60,000-100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plugs:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type - refer to manual).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, refer to manual for specific certifications like MS-6395)
Coolant:
Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT, Pink color, Mopar specific or equivalent meeting MS-9769)
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, transmission issues (automatic shifting problems, torque converter shudder), clutch wear (manual), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), A/C system leaks, rust on wheel wells and rocker panels, dashboard cracking/fading.
Diagnostic Tips:
Check for DTCs for engine performance and transmission issues. Inspect suspension components for play. Listen for unusual noises from the drivetrain and engine.