Using a crossed electron-molecule beam ion source in combination with a quadrupole mass spectrometer we have studied the electron energy dependence of the dissociative attachment process CHCl3 + e --> Cl- at electron energies from about 0 to 2 eV and in a target gas temperature range of about 300-430 K. The energy resolution and working conditions of this newly constructed crossed beams machine have been characterized using CCl4 as a test and calbrant gas. Utilizing the improved energy resolution of the present experimental setup (which allows measurements with FWHM energy spreads down to below 5 meV) it was possible to determine the accurate shape and magnitude of the cross. section function in the low-energy range. This leads to the conclusion that between an electron energy of about 20 and 130 meV the reaction proceeds via deBroglie s-wave capture, whereas at higher energy (above about 0.4 eV) autodetachment plays a significant role. Moreover, the present measurements allow us to clarify previously reported differences in the absolute cross section, the number of peaks and in the energy position of these peaks. Finally, by analyzing the measured strong temperature dependence of the cross section close to zero electron energy the activation barrier for this dissociative attachment was determined to be 110+/-20 meV in good agreement with thermochemical data from swarm experiments performed under thermal equilibrium. Taking into account the present results it is also possible to discuss the mechanism for the existence of the second peak. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.