Basic Information Identification Make: Chrysler Model: Cirrus Year: 1996 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A mid-size sedan positioned as a comfortable and practical option in the North American market. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles such as the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, and Toyota Camry in its segment. Key Features Platform: Based on Chrysler's JA platform, shared with the Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze. Design Philosophy: Featured aerodynamic styling and a spacious interior, aiming for a European-influenced design aesthetic. Target Audience Audience: Individuals and families seeking a stylish and well-equipped sedan with a focus on comfort and value. Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive repair and service for the 1996 Chrysler Cirrus Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, electrical systems, wiring diagrams Page Count Estimated Page Count: Highly comprehensive, likely exceeding 1000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual equivalent) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Service And Repair: Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, timing, and component replacement. Transmission Service And Repair: Covers both automatic and manual transmissions (if applicable), including fluid changes, clutch service, and internal repairs. Brake System: Inspection, service, and repair of hydraulic systems, calipers, rotors, pads, and parking brake. Wiring Diagram: Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for troubleshooting electrical faults. Electrical System: Diagnosis and repair of starters, alternators, batteries, lighting, power accessories, and control modules. Suspension: Service for struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, ball joints, and alignment procedures. Steering: Diagnosis and repair of power steering systems, steering rack/gearbox, and associated components. Cooling System: Service for radiators, water pumps, thermostats, hoses, and cooling fans. Fuel Injection Fuel System: Troubleshooting and repair of fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, and fuel lines. Emission System: Information on emissions control devices, catalytic converters, EGR systems, and oxygen sensors. Engine Control System: Diagnosis and understanding of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and associated sensors and actuators. Chassis Body: Body repair, panel replacement, structural components, and basic bodywork. Restraint System: Information on airbags, seat belts, and related SRS system components and diagnosis. Axle: Service and repair for front and rear axles, including CV joints and differentials (if applicable). Procedures Included General Maintenance: Routine checks, fluid level inspections, filter replacements, and general upkeep procedures. Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon vehicle issues. Periodic Lubrication: Specific lubrication points and recommended lubricant types and intervals. Disassembly And Reassembly: Detailed instructions for removing, installing, and rebuilding various vehicle components. Component Replacement: Guidance on replacing parts such as spark plugs, filters, belts, and more. Diagnostic Codes: Information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and how to interpret them. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics. Manual Specifications File Format Format Details: PDF (Portable Document Format), compatible with Adobe PDF Reader. Compression Format: Likely requires WinZip or similar software for extraction. Print Quality Scalability: High quality, allowing for clear printing of diagrams, schematics, and text. Binding Type Binding: Digital (PDF download), no physical binding. Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (digital format). Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type 1: 2.0L SOHC Inline 4-cylinder (420A) Displacement 1: 1996 cc Horsepower 1: 132 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 1: 129 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Optional Engine Engine Type 2: 2.5L SOHC V6 (6G73) Displacement 2: 2498 cc Horsepower 2: 160 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque 2: 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission (with 2.0L engine) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE) (standard with 2.5L V6, optional with 2.0L) Features Automatic Features: Optional AutoStick feature (allowing manual gear selection) may be available on some models. Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 190.6 inches (4841 mm) Width: Approximately 70.3 inches (1786 mm) Height: Approximately 55.4 inches (1407 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg), depending on engine and trim. Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: 4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) in frontal crash tests (typical for the era, actual ratings may vary). Active Features Active Safety: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models. Passive Features Passive Safety: Dual front airbags, front and rear seat belts with pretensioners. Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player and premium audio systems. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Connectivity Telematics: No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or navigation were standard in 1996. Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise recommendation). Transmission Fluid Change: Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as per severe service schedule. Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3...
Highly comprehensive, likely exceeding 1000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual equivalent)
Manual Type
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Service And Repair:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, timing, and component replacement.
Transmission Service And Repair:
Covers both automatic and manual transmissions (if applicable), including fluid changes, clutch service, and internal repairs.
Brake System:
Inspection, service, and repair of hydraulic systems, calipers, rotors, pads, and parking brake.
Wiring Diagram:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for troubleshooting electrical faults.
Electrical System:
Diagnosis and repair of starters, alternators, batteries, lighting, power accessories, and control modules.
Suspension:
Service for struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, ball joints, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Diagnosis and repair of power steering systems, steering rack/gearbox, and associated components.
Cooling System:
Service for radiators, water pumps, thermostats, hoses, and cooling fans.
Fuel Injection Fuel System:
Troubleshooting and repair of fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, and fuel lines.
Emission System:
Information on emissions control devices, catalytic converters, EGR systems, and oxygen sensors.
Engine Control System:
Diagnosis and understanding of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and associated sensors and actuators.
Chassis Body:
Body repair, panel replacement, structural components, and basic bodywork.
Restraint System:
Information on airbags, seat belts, and related SRS system components and diagnosis.
Axle:
Service and repair for front and rear axles, including CV joints and differentials (if applicable).
Procedures Included
General Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid level inspections, filter replacements, and general upkeep procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Periodic Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points and recommended lubricant types and intervals.
Disassembly And Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for removing, installing, and rebuilding various vehicle components.
Component Replacement:
Guidance on replacing parts such as spark plugs, filters, belts, and more.
Diagnostic Codes:
Information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and how to interpret them.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics.
Manual Specifications
File Format
Format Details:
PDF (Portable Document Format), compatible with Adobe PDF Reader.
Compression Format:
Likely requires WinZip or similar software for extraction.
Print Quality
Scalability:
High quality, allowing for clear printing of diagrams, schematics, and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (PDF download), no physical binding.
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital format).
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type 1:
2.0L SOHC Inline 4-cylinder (420A)
Displacement 1:
1996 cc
Horsepower 1:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
129 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine Type 2:
2.5L SOHC V6 (6G73)
Displacement 2:
2498 cc
Horsepower 2:
160 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (with 2.0L engine)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (41TE) (standard with 2.5L V6, optional with 2.0L)
Features
Automatic Features:
Optional AutoStick feature (allowing manual gear selection) may be available on some models.
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 190.6 inches (4841 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.3 inches (1786 mm)
Height:
Approximately 55.4 inches (1407 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg), depending on engine and trim.
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) in frontal crash tests (typical for the era, actual ratings may vary).
Active Features
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Dual front airbags, front and rear seat belts with pretensioners.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player and premium audio systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Connectivity
Telematics:
No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or navigation were standard in 1996.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as per severe service schedule.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Spec:
API SG or SH rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (or equivalent Mopar specification)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Struts/shocks, tie rod ends, ball joints, ignition coils (on V6), and power window regulators are common wear items.
Electrical Quirks:
Potential for electrical gremlins related to door lock actuators, power mirrors, and dashboard illumination.
Engine Performance:
Some reports of oil sludge buildup if maintenance intervals are neglected, especially on the 2.5L V6.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chrysler Heritage:
Chrysler has a long history of producing reliable and stylish sedans, often incorporating innovative features for their time.
Model Evolution
Cirrus Generation:
The 1996 Cirrus is part of the first generation (1995-2000) of the Cirrus model, a relaunch of the Cirrus nameplate.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Likely produced in the United States.
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Cirrus and its platform-mates were frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in the mid-1990s, highlighting their competent chassis and styling.
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