Segment:
Large Sedan / Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, stylish, and powerful American full-size sedan with a focus on a premium experience.
Key Competitors 2004:
Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne (later model)
Design Philosophy:
European-inspired styling, emphasizing performance and luxury within the Chrysler lineup. A departure from traditional American large sedans of the era.
Distinctive Attributes:
Distinctive grille, sleek profile, spacious interior, potent V6 engine, available premium features.
Engine Coverage:
3.5L V6 (EGG)
Transmission Coverage:
42LE Automatic Transmission
Electrical Coverage:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Component Locations
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Body Coverage:
Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Glass, HVAC
Maintenance Coverage:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements
Diagnostics Coverage:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Repair Procedures:
Detailed Step-by-Step Repair Instructions for All Major Systems
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+ (estimated for comprehensive factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (PCM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), ABS, Wheel Alignment
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Interior Trim, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seats, HVAC System Operation and Repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and Filter Change, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Pad Replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Symptom-based Troubleshooting, DTC Interpretation, Scan Tool Usage
Repair Procedures:
Engine Component Replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Component Resistance Values, Engine Timing Specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed Wiring Schematics for All Vehicle Systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and body repair.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
5-Star (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
5-Star (2004 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset Score:
Good (for its time)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (or standard on some trims)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
Audio System:
Available Premium Infinity II sound system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM stereo.
Navigation:
Optional Factory Navigation System
Cruise Control:
Standard Speed-Sensitive Cruise Control
Climate Control:
Available Automatic Climate Control
Communication:
No integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features as standard, reflecting the era of production.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Platinum-tipped plugs, typically recommended replacement every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (API Certified)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (refer to manual for specific type)
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, power window regulators.
Powertrain Quirks:
Occasional transmission solenoid issues (less common with ATF+4), potential for intake manifold gasket leaks on older models (less prevalent on 3.5L EGG).
Electrical Gremlins:
Body Control Module (BCM) issues, intermittent power accessory failures, airbag warning lights (often due to clock spring or sensor issues).
Brand Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable sedans, often with a focus on luxury and innovative features for their time.
Design Inspiration:
Developed under the DaimlerChrysler era, influenced by European styling cues, sharing components and platform with the Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision.
Generation Timeline:
First Generation: 1999-2004. The 2004 model year was the final year for the 300M.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
