🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chrysler Model: PT Cruiser Year: 2008 Codes Vin Prefix: 1C4 Chassis Code: PT 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Retro-styled hatchback Positioning: Positioned as a unique, retro-styled vehicle offering practicality and a distinctive aesthetic, appealing to a niche market. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Volkswagen New Beetle, Mini Cooper, Ford Focus, Honda Civic. Key Features Design: Distinctive retro styling inspired by 1930s hot rods and classic American vehicles. Interior Versatility: Flexible seating arrangements and cargo options. Powertrain Options: Variety of 4-cylinder engines offering a balance of performance and efficiency. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Secondary Coverage: All sub-models and engine options for 2008 PT Cruiser Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 200-300 pages (based on typical OEM manual length for this era) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine operation, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks (oil, coolant), air filter replacement, engine compartment layout. Transmission: Transmission operation, fluid level checks (if applicable to owner level). Brakes: Brake system operation, warning lights, fluid checks. Electrical: Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, battery maintenance, fuses. Interior: Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating adjustments, interior features. Exterior: Locks and security, exterior lighting, door operation. Safety Restraints: Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH). Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (external), air filter replacement. Owner Level Checks: Engine oil level and condition, coolant level, battery terminal condition, windshield washer fluid level, tire pressure and tread depth. Troubleshooting: Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic system operation explanations. Safety Procedures: Proper use of seat belts and airbags, child seat installation guidelines, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific). Cleaning: Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations. Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Digital PDF Compatibility: Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader). Print Quality Quality: High-resolution digital scan of the original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Product) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Product) Searchability Text Search: Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on the quality of the original scan and OCR). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-Cylinder Displacement: 2.4 Liters (2429 cc) Bore X Stroke: 87.5 mm x 101.0 mm (typical for this engine) Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 (typical for this engine) Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5800 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA) Torque: 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA) Performance Turbocharged Option: GT model featured a turbocharged 2.4L engine (200 hp), though this manual likely covers the standard engine. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Octane Rating: 87 Octane (Recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (less common for 2008 models, often limited to specific trims or earlier years) Features Automatic Features: Electronic control, torque converter lock-up. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 160.5 inches (4077 mm) Width: 66.7 inches (1694 mm) Height: 61.4 inches (1560 mm) Wheelbase: 102.9 inches (2614 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: Approximately 13.6 cu ft Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded: Approximately 37.5 cu ft Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (depending on trim and equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 4,100 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating: ★★★★ (4 Stars) NHTSA Side Impact Rating: ★★★★ (4 Stars) IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating: Good (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (Standard) Traction Control: Traction Control System (Optional on some trims, standard on GT) Electronic Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (Optional on some trims) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags (optional on some trims). Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, and optional Infinity speaker system. SiriusXM satellite radio may be an option. Navigation: No integrated factory navigation system typical for this era's base models. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard feature on most trims. Parking Assist: Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature on some models. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: May feature an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players on higher trims or as an option. Bluetooth: Not commonly available as a factory option for this model year; aftermarket solutions are typical. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions). Engine Oil Filter Replacement: At each oil change. Air Filter Replacement:...
Engine oil level and condition, coolant level, battery terminal condition, windshield washer fluid level, tire pressure and tread depth.
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic system operation explanations.
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of seat belts and airbags, child seat installation guidelines, reporting safety defects (U.S. specific).
Cleaning:
Interior and exterior cleaning recommendations.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or component-level diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Digital PDF
Compatibility:
Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution digital scan of the original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Product)
Searchability
Text Search:
Likely searchable text within the PDF (depending on the quality of the original scan and OCR).
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 101.0 mm (typical for this engine)
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA)
Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (typical for 2.4L NA)
Performance
Turbocharged Option:
GT model featured a turbocharged 2.4L engine (200 hp), though this manual likely covers the standard engine.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (less common for 2008 models, often limited to specific trims or earlier years)
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, torque converter lock-up.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
160.5 inches (4077 mm)
Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Wheelbase:
102.9 inches (2614 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 13.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 37.5 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (depending on trim and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,100 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
★★★★ (4 Stars)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (Optional on some trims, standard on GT)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (Optional on some trims)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags (optional on some trims).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, and optional Infinity speaker system. SiriusXM satellite radio may be an option.
Navigation:
No integrated factory navigation system typical for this era's base models.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature on some models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
May feature an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music players on higher trims or as an option.
Bluetooth:
Not commonly available as a factory option for this model year; aftermarket solutions are typical.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At each oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (or as per Mopar coolant specifications).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type and interval).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic blend recommended). Refer to manual for exact specification and API service classification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (for 2.4L engine).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) 5/150 or equivalent HOAT coolant (Pink color typically).
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF (verify in manual).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks, oil filter housing leaks, EGR valve issues, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), occasional electrical gremlins, water pump failures.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular oil changes, coolant system checks, and timely replacement of wear items are crucial for longevity.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Chrysler (a marque of Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, DaimlerChrysler, and Daimler-Benz).
Model Evolution
Introduction:
The PT Cruiser was introduced for the 2001 model year, initially as a Chrysler in North America and a Plymouth in other markets. It was based on the Chrysler Neon platform.
Generation:
The 2008 model is part of the first generation (2001-2010), which received a facelift for the 2006 model year.
Production
Production Period:
2001-2010
Manufacturing Location:
Toluca, Mexico
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list for 2001 and 2002, acknowledging its unique styling and value.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied throughout its lifespan, often citing average to below-average reliability in later years.