🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

PT Cruiser

Year:

2006

Country Of Origin:

USA

Vehicle Type:

Compact Car / Compact MPV

First Generation Years:

2001-2010

Vin Code First Digit:

1 (USA)

Vin Code Eighth Digit Engine Identifier:

Varies by engine

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV with retro styling, targeting buyers seeking a distinctive and practical vehicle.

Key Competitors 2006:

Ford Focus Wagon, Honda Civic Si, Mazda3 Hatchback, Volkswagen Golf

Design Philosophy:

Retro-inspired styling, a blend of hatchback and minivan aesthetics, offering a unique visual identity.

Interior Versatility:

Configurable seating (folding/removable rear seats) for cargo flexibility.

Engine Options:

Available in various four-cylinder engine configurations, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged (GT models).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Languages:

English

Regions Covered By Reporting Defects:

USA only

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Digital Format:

PDF

Download Type:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

General Operation:

Introduction, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints

Instrumentation And Climate:

Instrument Cluster, Climate Controls

Lighting And Visibility:

Lights

Infotainment And Comfort:

Entertainment Systems

Driving And Operation:

Driving

Maintenance And Servicing:

Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications

Accessories And Customization:

Accessories

Customer Support:

Customer Assistance

Basic Operation:

Starting the engine, Shifting gears, Operating lights, Adjusting climate controls, Using entertainment systems

Safety Features:

Seat belt usage, Airbag system information, Child seat installation, Child protection locks

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), Tire pressure checks, Wiper blade replacement, Air filter inspection/replacement

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding dashboard warning lights, Basic troubleshooting for common issues

Security Features:

Locking/unlocking doors, Key fob operation, Alarm system functions

Safety Defect Reporting:

Procedure for reporting safety defects (U.S. market)

Level Of Detail:

Consumer-oriented, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Digital Quality:

Factory original quality, digital reproduction

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

GEMA (2.4L)

Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2378 cc)

Configuration:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower Est:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm (Naturally Aspirated)

Torque Est:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Naturally Aspirated)

Turbocharged Engine Available:

Yes (2.4L Turbocharged - GT models)

Turbocharged Horsepower Est:

180 hp (GT model)

Turbocharged Torque Est:

205 lb-ft (GT model)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

Fuel Tank Capacity Gallons:

13.7

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Na:

4-speed Automatic (with AutoStick manual shifting feature)

Transmission Type Gt:

5-speed Manual (optional on GT)

Autostick:

Allows manual selection of gears for more driver control.

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

166.7

Width Inches:

66.1

Height Inches:

62.1

Wheelbase Inches:

104.5

Curb Weight Lbs Est:

3000-3200 (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Seats Up:

21.6

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Seats Down:

46.6

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver 2006:

★★★★ (4 Stars)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger 2006:

★★★★ (4 Stars)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger 2006:

★★★★★ (5 Stars)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger 2006:

★★★★★ (5 Stars)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating 2006:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Rating 2006:

Good

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims, standard on GT

Airbags Front:

Standard advanced front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front-seat side airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio.

Display Type:

Basic LCD or dot-matrix displays for radio and climate controls.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard, may be available as an aftermarket accessory or on later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 100,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 API Certified (meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)

Coolant Specification:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Blue color

Transmission Fluid Specification:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:

4.5 (with filter)

Cooling System Capacity Quarts:

8.5

Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:

3.0 (dry fill), 9.0 (total)

Common Problems General:

While generally reliable, common issues reported include premature wear of suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), occasional issues with power window regulators, and potential for ABS/speed sensor failures. Turbocharged GT models can experience turbocharger-related issues if not maintained properly.

Oil Filter Example:

Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH3500, Purolator L10244)

Air Filter Example:

Mopar 5066149AA or equivalent

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler (part of DaimlerChrysler at the time)

Concept Origin:

Based on the Plymouth Pronto and Plymouth Prowler concepts, with its retro styling a significant draw.

Facelift Timing:

Received a facelift for the 2001 model year, with minor updates in subsequent years.

Production Period:

2001-2010

Manufacturing Plant:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best Inclusion:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2001.

Consumer Reports Reliability Ranking General:

Varies by year, generally received average to below-average reliability ratings in its later years.