Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, enthusiasts seeking DIY repair capabilities.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protegé.
Design:
Distinctive cab-forward design, spacious interior for its class, sporty handling (especially the ACR models).
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, surprisingly robust performance when optioned with larger engines or performance packages.
Engine:
All engine types, including SOHC and DOHC variants, internal components, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed) and Automatic (3-speed and 4-speed automatic transaxle) systems, including operation, diagnosis, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential, and related components.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam axle, control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and associated components.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc brakes on some trims), hydraulic system, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake, component replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, body control modules, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, power antenna.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis, and repair.
Emissions:
Emissions control systems, catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system, EGR system, diagnosis and repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit testing, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for dismantling and reassembling all major components and systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical component testing specifications, alignment settings, fluid capacities, and other critical data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Code:
2.0L SOHC (16-valve) I4 (GAC / AGT)
Engine Displacement:
1996 cc (122 cu in)
Horsepower Sohc:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sohc:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine Code:
2.0L DOHC (16-valve) I4 (ACR / ESX)
Engine Displacement:
1996 cc (122 cu in)
Horsepower DOHc:
150 hp @ 6000 rpm (standard ACR)
Torque DOHc:
135 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (standard ACR)
Performance Engine:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged I4 (ACR Turbo / R/T Turbo - limited production, not standard on all 1999 models but covered in later manuals)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 180-190 hp (Varies by specific package)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 190-200 lb-ft (Varies by specific package)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be specified for performance variants)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Dodge HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Mopar 50/50 mix)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or SH, or Certified for API Certified SG
Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change (for 2.0L engines)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (41TE/42LE family)
Type Alt:
3-Speed Automatic Transaxle (A500/A518 family - less common on 1999 models, more prevalent in earlier generations)
Manual Fluid Type:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - Refer to specific manual recommendations, often GL-4 specification.
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid, though earlier versions may have used ATF+3 or Dexron III equivalent. The manual will specify the exact type and change intervals for the 1999 model.)
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.7 US quarts (7.3 liters) for 4-speed automatic with converter (check dipstick for accurate level).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using recommended synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Severe service may require more frequent changes.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Platinum Plus spark plugs (if equipped), or 30,000 miles for conventional spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 4 years. Manual: Inspect as needed, change at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles) or if performance degrades.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the initial change, then every 3 years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) thereafter.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 or Type MS-5747-D (Refer to manual for specific recommendation, often Chrysler's power steering fluid)
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on early SOHC engines), oil leaks from front crank seal, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure, intake manifold gasket leaks.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission hard shifting or delayed engagement, potential for torque converter issues.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension creaks and rattles (worn bushings, ball joints), power steering pump whine or leaks.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, dashboard warning light illumination (e.g., check engine, ABS), alternator issues.
Body Interior:
Door lock actuator failure, interior trim rattles, AC system leaks (evaporator).