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Cold Air Intake for Chrysler PT Cruiser (2001-2009) 2.4L Non-Turbo Engine



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Stop struggling to merge on the highway and give your retro cruiser the throttle response it needs to handle modern traffic.

Performance Cold Air Intake System for Chrysler PT Cruiser (2.4L Non-Turbo)

The PT Cruiser is a unique piece of automotive history, but let’s be honest: the naturally aspirated 2.4L DOHC engine often feels overworked hauling that retro chassis around. The factory intake system is designed primarily for silence, featuring a maze of plastic resonators and restrictive tubing that chokes the airflow to the throttle body. This results in the sluggish acceleration and "heavy" pedal feel that many owners complain about, especially when trying to pass or merge.

This Cold Air Intake system replaces that suffocating stock assembly with free-flowing T304 aluminum piping. By straightening the air path and removing the factory baffles, this kit allows the 2.4L engine to inhale a larger volume of cooler, denser air with less resistance. While this won't turn your cruiser into an SRT-4 overnight, it significantly improves drivability. You’ll notice a sharper response when you step on the gas and a reduction in that feeling of the engine "gasping" for air at higher RPMs.

Beyond the performance bump, this upgrade adds some much-needed character to the driving experience. The stock intake silencers hide the engine's mechanical sound. With this intake installed, you’ll hear a deeper, sportier induction growl under acceleration, making the car feel more connected and alive. It’s a practical, bolt-on modification that helps your PT Cruiser keep up with the pack without sacrificing reliability.

Why You Need This Upgrade

  • Improved Drivability: Reduces intake restriction to help the 2.4L engine rev more freely and accelerate smoother.
  • High-Flow Filtration: Features a washable, reusable filter that flows significantly more air than the paper OEM panel filter.
  • Durable Construction: Made from T304 lightweight aluminum piping to resist heat soak and corrosion in the tight PT engine bay.
  • Enhanced Sound: Removes the factory resonator box for a deeper, more aggressive engine note during acceleration.
  • Cost Efficient: The filter is serviceable every 50,000 miles, meaning you never have to buy a disposable air filter again.
Fitment 2001-2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Engine Code 2.4L DOHC I4 (Non-Turbo)
Installation Moderate / Under 60 Minutes
Material T304 Aluminum

Installation Notes

Installation is straightforward using basic hand tools. This kit is designed to fit both Automatic and Manual transmission models. Important: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning the installation. Leave it disconnected for at least 15 minutes to allow the ECU to reset. This forces the computer to re-learn the fuel trims for the increased airflow, ensuring optimal performance and preventing check engine lights.

Replaces These OEM Applications

  • 2001-2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser with 2.4L I4 Engine NON TURBO

Wake up your 2.4L engine and make your daily drive more engaging—order your Performance Intake Kit today.


Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 


Fitment

Make

Chrysler

Engine Size

  • 2.4L

Year

  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2004
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2008
  • 2009

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - A straightforward bolt-on, but you’re fighting the notoriously cramped PT Cruiser cowl overhang.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm wrench and 10mm socket with a short extension
  • 8mm socket (or 5/16" nut driver)
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Panel popper (clip removal tool)
  • Silicone spray lubricant
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The N/A 2.4L engine bay is a heat-soak nightmare, meaning every factory plastic piece is likely brittle. The number one forum headache for this install is snapping the delicate Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor when pulling it out of the factory tube. Do not pry it with a flathead. Twist it gently back and forth while pulling upward. When installing it into the new aftermarket grommet, hit the grommet with a shot of silicone spray so the sensor slides in without snapping the fragile plastic probe.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part on your 2001-2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights and allow the ECU to reset safely.
  2. Unplug the IAT Sensor: Locate the IAT sensor stuck into the side of the factory intake tube. Depress the locking tab on the harness and pull the wiring connector free. Carefully twist and pull the sensor out of the rubber factory grommet and set it safely aside.
  3. Disconnect the Make-Up Air Hose: Find the crankcase breather tube (make-up air hose) routed into the side of the factory airbox. If the hose feels stiff, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry up the rubber edge to break the seal, then pull the hose off the plastic nipple.
  4. Loosen the Clamps: Grab your 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver and loosen the band clamps securing the factory accordion tube to the engine’s throttle body and the airbox lid.
  5. Evict the Factory Airbox: Remove the mounting bolts holding the lower airbox housing using a 10mm socket and extension. Firmly pull straight up on the entire airbox assembly to pop it off the factory rubber mounting pegs. Use your panel popper to free any remaining wiring loom clips attached to the plastic box before pulling it out of the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake

  1. Prep the New Tube: Before installing the metal pipe in the cramped engine bay, insert the provided rubber grommet into the pre-drilled hole on your new intake tube. Lubricate the IAT sensor with a tiny dab of silicone spray and push it firmly into the new grommet until it is completely seated.
  2. Mount the Throttle Body Coupler: Slide the provided silicone coupler onto the throttle body. Slide two hose clamps loosely over the coupler, then tighten the throttle body side down using an 8mm socket.
  3. Install the Intake Tube and Heat Shield: Lower the aftermarket heat shield into the space vacated by the factory airbox, bolting it to the factory mounting points using your 10mm socket. Next, slide the new intake pipe into the throttle body coupler. Do not tighten this clamp just yet so you have room to adjust the angle.
  4. Attach the Filter and Hoses: Slide the new high-flow cone filter onto the end of the intake pipe and tighten the clamp with your 8mm socket. Reconnect the factory crankcase breather hose to the welded nipple on the new pipe. Re-plug the wiring harness into your relocated IAT sensor until you hear the locking tab click.
  5. Final Takedown and Relearn: Verify your clearance so the metal pipe isn’t rubbing on the battery tray or brake lines, then tighten down all remaining hose clamps. Reconnect your negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench. Start the engine and do not touch the gas pedal for 20 seconds; let the vehicle idle on its own so the ECU can adapt its trim levels to the increased airflow.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2001-2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]

Cold Air Intake for Chrysler PT Cruiser (2001-2009) 2.4L Non-Turbo Engine

$79.99