Affordable, sporty compact car designed to compete with Japanese and European rivals.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mazda Protege.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, spacious interior for its class, agile handling, driver-focused cockpit.
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of performance, features, and affordability, particularly in its sportier trims.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
North America
Secondary Coverage:
Global (where applicable)
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1000+
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
All major engine systems including: Engine Mechanical, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Fuel System, Emission Control System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Engine Control System (PCM).
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system including: Drive Axles, CV Joints, Bearings, Differential.
Brakes:
Front and Rear Brake Systems (Disc/Drum), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components, Hydraulic lines, Master Cylinder, Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Parking Brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear Suspension (MacPherson Strut front, Twist Beam rear), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Control Arms, Ball Joints, Wheel Bearings, Power Steering System, Steering Gear, Tie Rods.
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System (Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Interior), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM).
Body Interior:
Body Exterior: Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Bumpers, Glass, Seals. Interior: Seats, Upholstery, Dashboard, Trim Panels, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Restraint Systems (Airbags).
HVAC:
Air Conditioning Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Blower Motor, Heater Core, Controls, Refrigerant Charge and Service.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag System Components, SRS Module, Impact Sensors, Occupant Classification System.
Procedures Included
General Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Tire Rotation and Pressure Checks.
Engine Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Connecting Rod Service, Crankshaft Service, Valve Timing Adjustment, Component Replacement (e.g., Water Pump, Oil Pump, Alternator, Starter).
Brake Pad Replacement, Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Service, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, Parking Brake Adjustment, ABS Component Diagnosis and Replacement.
Suspension Steering Repair:
Strut Replacement, Shock Absorber Replacement, Control Arm Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Wheel Bearing Replacement, Power Steering Pump Service, Steering Rack Service.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, Component Testing (e.g., Sensors, Actuators, Relays), Fuse/Circuit Breaker Diagnosis, Battery and Charging System Testing.
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant System Service, Compressor Replacement, Evaporator/Condenser Cleaning and Replacement, Blower Motor Replacement, Heater Core Replacement, Blend Door Actuator Repair.
Bodywork Repair:
Panel alignment, Door mechanism repair, Glass replacement, Seal replacement, Bumper repair/replacement.
Detailed diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings.
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including OBD-II data interpretation, sensor readings, actuator testing, and electrical system tracing.
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement, and reassembly with specifications.
Specifications Data:
In-depth technical specifications for all components, including torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance, and tolerances.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-resolution electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded for clarity.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text PDF for easy navigation and printing.
Searchability:
Fully searchable text content.
Print Quality
Print Readability:
Designed for clear printing of diagrams, charts, and text.
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (specifics vary by transmission model)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or Mopar ATF+3/ATF+4)
Fluid Capacity
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 Quarts) for a complete fill.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4407 mm (173.5 in) (Sedan), 4059 mm (159.8 in) (Coupe)
Width:
1699 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
1374 mm (54.1 in) (Coupe), 1394 mm (54.9 in) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
2644 mm (104.1 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1150 - 1250 kg (2535 - 2756 lbs) (approx., varies by trim/body style)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult vehicle placard.
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 0.37 m³ (13.1 cu ft) (Sedan), Approx. 0.25 m³ (8.8 cu ft) (Coupe)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1997 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1997 Model Year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (1997 Model Year)
Active Features
ABS:
Available (Standard on some higher trims, optional on others)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.
Dashboard Layout:
Driver-oriented dashboard with central gauge cluster, easily accessible controls.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
OBD Ii:
Standard OBD-II diagnostic port for emissions and engine diagnostics.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (for original equipment platinum plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months; Manual: Inspect periodically, change as needed.
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 for ABS equipped models)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Known Issues
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models), minor oil leaks, some issues with ignition coils.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (A604) known for potential solenoid issues and torque converter clutch problems. Manual transmissions are generally robust.
Suspension Steering:
Wear on front suspension components (struts, ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump whine.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, issues with power door locks, occasional sensor failures (e.g., crankshaft position sensor).
HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures, AC refrigerant leaks, blower motor resistor issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (Dodge Brand)
Model Evolution
First Generation:
Launched for the 1995 model year, this generation was innovative for its time, featuring advanced suspension and a spirited character. The 1997 model represents a mid-cycle refresh with minor styling updates and feature enhancements.
Production
Production Years:
1995-2005 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA (Belvidere Assembly Plant)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1995 and 1996, highlighting its value, performance, and design.