Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan / Hot Hatch
Philosophy:
Affordable performance, targeting enthusiasts seeking a potent and tunable vehicle without a premium price tag.
Competitors 2004:
Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX (though often priced higher), Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Engine Highlight:
Turbocharged 2.4L engine with a strong emphasis on power and torque for its class.
Handling:
Performance-tuned suspension and brakes to complement the engine's power.
Value Proposition:
High power-to-weight ratio and aftermarket tuning potential at a compelling price point.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the 2.4L Turbocharged World Engine (EPL).
Transmission:
Repair and overhaul of the Getrag (NVT550) 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, and driveline components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, repair, component replacement (calipers, rotors, pads, lines), ABS system.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, rack and pinion replacement, and related components.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and diagnosis for all vehicle systems.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injection, evaporative emissions system (EVAP), fuel pump, injectors, and pressure regulator.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and fan operation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe routing.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, frame repair considerations, door mechanisms, glass replacement.
Interior:
Seat removal, trim panel replacement, dashboard components.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and SRS component replacement, seatbelt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for almost all mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system information, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), and testing procedures.
Installation:
Guidance on the installation of key components and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Level:
Professional Technician Level
Engine Type:
DOHC, 16-valve, Inline-4 (World Engine - EPL)
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 99.0 mm
Horsepower Net Flywheel:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Net Flywheel:
240 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Redline:
Approximately 6500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91 octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharger Model:
Garrett GT1548 or similar (specific model may vary, but commonly identified as such)
Intercooler Type:
Air-to-Air Front-Mounted
Type:
Getrag NVG 3500/NVT550 (5-speed Manual)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.15, 2nd: 1.89, 3rd: 1.23, 4th: 0.97, 5th: 0.76, Reverse: 3.15 (Typical ratios, exact may vary slightly)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.65:1
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated, Single Dry Plate
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent GL-4, 75W-90)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Good (for 2003 model, 2004 likely similar)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:
Good (for 2003 model, 2004 likely similar)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2003 model, 2004 likely similar)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional or part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system on some models, though less common for 2004 SRT-4 compared to later years.
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Side airbags often optional.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Head Unit:
Stock AM/FM/CD player, often with optional premium audio system. Cassette player also common on base units.
Speakers:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker system.
Gauge Cluster:
Includes boost gauge and oil pressure gauge as standard on SRT-4, enhancing performance monitoring.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Not standard for 2004 model year.
Aux Input:
Not standard; typically added via aftermarket solutions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (recommended to use appropriate spark plugs for turbocharged applications).
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SP or newer, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification (for synthetic or blend).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) - Pink or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 (check specific model recommendations, but ATF+4 is common for Chrysler products of this era).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, wheel bearings due to performance driving.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Can be prone to failure if not properly maintained or if oil starvation occurs. Regular oil changes are critical.
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration and engine movement.
Actuator Issues:
Wastegate actuator or blow-off valve issues can lead to boost problems.
Torque Strut Mount:
Upper torque strut mount can fail, leading to engine clunking on acceleration/deceleration.
Brand:
Dodge (Chrysler Corporation/DaimlerChrysler)
Predecessor Base Model:
Dodge Neon (second generation, PL chassis)
Srt Development:
Engineered by Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division, transforming the standard Neon into a high-performance compact.
Key Performance Upgrades:
Significant power increase via turbocharging, upgraded suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
Production Years:
2003-2005
Manufacturing Plant:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Numbers:
Relatively limited compared to standard Neon models, contributing to its enthusiast following.