🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chrysler Model: PT Cruiser Years: 2001-2004 Codes Vin Decoder Base Model: PT 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact MPV / Retro-styled Hatchback Target Audience: Individuals and families seeking distinctive styling and practicality Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf Key Features Design Philosophy: Retro-futuristic styling inspired by hot rods and 1930s American automotive design Interior Flexibility: Versatile interior with configurable seating (e.g., "Magic Fold" rear seat in some configurations) Unique Selling Proposition: Iconic and polarizing design, offering a unique character compared to mainstream competitors 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Regions: North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Parts Manual / Parts Catalog Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust System Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Fuel System Components Body: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers Electrical: Wiring Harnesses, Lighting, Switches, Fuses, Relays, Audio System Components, Climate Control Components Accessories: Optional equipment, dealer-installed accessories Procedures Included Parts Identification: Identification of all genuine Chrysler parts with part numbers Diagrams: Exploded view diagrams for all major assemblies and sub-assemblies Pricing Estimation: Approximate MSRP for each part Labor Estimation: Estimated labor hours for replacement of most parts Technical Depth Depth: Detailed component-level breakdown, suitable for parts sourcing and inventory management 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Fully searchable by part number, description, and diagram reference Printability: Printable pages for easy reference in a workshop environment Print Quality Diagram Clarity: High-resolution diagrams ensuring accurate part identification Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 2001 2004: GEMA (2.0L I4 SOHC) Displacement 2.0L: 1996 cc Bore X Stroke 2.0L: 87.6 mm x 82.8 mm Horsepower 2.0L: 130 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque 2.0L: 130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Optional Engine Engine Code 2003 2004: 2.4L World Engine (38-3-4) - Naturally Aspirated Displacement 2.4L: 2429 cc Horsepower 2.4L Na: 150 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque 2.4L Na: 160 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Engine Code 2004: 2.4L World Engine (38-3-4) - Turbocharged (GT) Horsepower 2.4L Turbo: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque 2.4L Turbo: 245 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbo) Engine Management ECU Type: Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 2.0L: 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag A578 or equivalent) Optional Transmission Type Na: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE / 42LE) Transmission Type Turbo: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (45RFE / 48RE - enhanced version) Features Automatic Features: Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic Fluid Specs Automatic Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Mopar) Fluid Capacity Automatic Fluid Capacity: Approximately 7.5-8.5 quarts (7.1-8.0 liters) with filter change 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 166.7 inches (4234 mm) Width: 66.7 inches (1694 mm) Height: 61.5 inches (1562 mm) Wheelbase: 100.7 inches (2558 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: Approximately 97.4 cubic feet (2758 liters) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: Approximately 23.4 cubic feet (663 liters) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: Approximately 56.0 cubic feet (1586 liters) Weights Curb Weight 2.0L: Approximately 2934 lbs (1331 kg) Curb Weight 2.4L Na: Approximately 3023 lbs (1371 kg) Curb Weight 2.4L Turbo: Approximately 3173 lbs (1440 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approximately 3800-3950 lbs (1724-1792 kg) Towing Capacity: Not Recommended or Very Limited (typically under 1000 lbs, check specific vehicle) Wheel Specs Bolt Pattern: 5 x 100 mm Wheel Size Standard: 15 x 6.0 inches Wheel Size Optional: 16 x 6.5 inches, 17 x 6.0 inches (GT models) Tire Size Standard: P195/60R15 Tire Size Optional: P205/55R16, P205/50R17 (GT) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Impact: Good NHTSA Front Passenger Impact: Good NHTSA Side Impact Driver: Good (with optional side airbags) NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger: Good (with optional side airbags) IIHS Frontal Offset Test: Acceptable IIHS Side Impact Test: Acceptable (with optional side airbags) Active Features ABS: Standard (2-wheel or 4-wheel) on most models/trims Traction Control: Optional on some models, standard on GT models Passive Features Airbags Standard: Driver and front passenger airbags Airbags Optional: Side curtain airbags (mounted in roof rail) Seatbelts: Front pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System Options: AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system, optional CD changer. Display Type: Analog gauges, digital odometer, center console-mounted radio display. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Remote Keyless Entry: Optional. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions might exist. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type and driving conditions)...
Approximately 7.5-8.5 quarts (7.1-8.0 liters) with filter change
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
166.7 inches (4234 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
61.5 inches (1562 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.7 inches (2558 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 97.4 cubic feet (2758 liters)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 23.4 cubic feet (663 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 56.0 cubic feet (1586 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight 2.0L:
Approximately 2934 lbs (1331 kg)
Curb Weight 2.4L Na:
Approximately 3023 lbs (1371 kg)
Curb Weight 2.4L Turbo:
Approximately 3173 lbs (1440 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 3800-3950 lbs (1724-1792 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended or Very Limited (typically under 1000 lbs, check specific vehicle)
Wheel Specs
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Wheel Size Standard:
15 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Size Optional:
16 x 6.5 inches, 17 x 6.0 inches (GT models)
Tire Size Standard:
P195/60R15
Tire Size Optional:
P205/55R16, P205/50R17 (GT)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Good (with optional side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
Good (with optional side airbags)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Acceptable
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable (with optional side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (2-wheel or 4-wheel) on most models/trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on GT models
Passive Features
Airbags Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Optional:
Side curtain airbags (mounted in roof rail)
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium Infinity sound system, optional CD changer.
Display Type:
Analog gauges, digital odometer, center console-mounted radio display.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions might exist.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Conventional: 30,000 miles (48,000 km); Platinum/Iridium: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - consult manual for specific type
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for automatic transmissions, check for manual transmission fluid changes at similar intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) for 2.0L and 2.4L NA; 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for 2.4L Turbo
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (5/150) or HOAT (Orange)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Mopar product (MS-5901)
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system issues (thermostat housing, radiator leaks), AC system leaks, door lock actuator failures, wheel bearing noise, ABS sensor failures.
Engine Specific Issues:
2.4L Turbo (GT): potential for head gasket issues if overheated or poorly maintained; Turbocharger issues.
Electrical Issues:
Instrument cluster failures, power window motor failures, interior lighting issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand History:
Chrysler, a division of Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, DaimlerChrysler, and Chrysler Corporation), has a long history of American automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and iconic models.
Model Evolution
Design Concept Origin:
The PT Cruiser concept was initially developed by Chrysler designer Bryan Nesbitt while at a design studio contracted by Chrysler, aiming to capture the essence of 1930s-era automotive styling.
Production Start Date:
February 2000 (for the 2001 model year)
Production Location:
Toluca Car Assembly Plant, Mexico
Production
Total Production 2001 2004:
Approximately 850,000 units
Significant Updates 2001 2004:
Introduction of the 2.4L engine (2003), Turbocharged GT model (2003), and minor styling tweaks across model years.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list in 2001.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Nominated for Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2001.