Market Segment:
Compact car, aimed at affordability and fuel efficiency, popular with younger drivers and first-time car buyers.
Competitors:
Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior for its class, focus on value for money.
Engine:
2.0L SOHC and DOHC (Mitsubishi 4G93/4G94), diagnostic procedures, component testing, timing belt replacement, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 283/NV1500) and Automatic (Chrysler A604/41TE), torque converter, clutch service, hydraulic control, shift control, diagnostics, fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc options, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam axle, steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting system, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control modules.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, climate control module.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, bumpers, interior trim, seat removal, sound deadening.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections.
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension bushing replacement, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, component testing procedures, electrical circuit tracing.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for common and uncommon issues across all systems.
Depth:
Expert level: includes complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, detailed electrical schematics, and advanced diagnostic techniques.
Engine Code:
4G93 (SOHC) / 4G94 (DOHC)
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Sohc:
116 hp @ 5500 RPM (approx.)
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (approx.)
Horsepower DOHc:
132 hp @ 5500 RPM (approx.)
Torque DOHc:
130 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-port
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 95.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (SOHC) / 10.0:1 (DOHC)
Engine Management System:
Chrysler SBEC (Single Board Engine Controller) or equivalent, with OBD-II diagnostics.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 283 / NV1500)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler A604 / 41TE)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive, torque converter lock-up.
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 stars (for comparable models in that era)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 stars (for comparable models in that era)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, front pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with original equipment (platinum or iridium plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 - 100,000 miles (145,000 - 160,000 km) for SOHC and DOHC engines. Critical for preventing catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Pink Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602) or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), AC system leaks, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), intermittent electrical issues, transmission solenoid failures (automatic).
Timing Belt Failure Consequences:
Interference engine design; belt failure will cause piston-to-valve contact leading to severe internal engine damage.
