Segment:
Full-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Families requiring spacious seating and towing capability, luxury SUV buyers.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade.
Premium Features:
Available Hemi V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments, three-row seating, advanced safety features for its time, available all-wheel drive.
Covered Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Body & Trim, Safety Systems, Diagnostic Procedures, Maintenance Schedules, Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications
Total Pages:
Over 2000 pages (estimated for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of the 4.7L Magnum V8 and 5.7L Hemi V8 engines, including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures. Covers NAG1 (W5A580) 5-speed automatic transmission maintenance and repair.
Chassis:
Comprehensive information on suspension (front and rear), steering system, and braking system (including ABS and ESP components).
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and repair procedures for all major electrical systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points, and general inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, and electrical component diagnostics and replacement.
Depth:
Full mechanical and electrical overhaul procedures, component specifications, torque values, diagnostic charts, and wiring schematics.
Engine 1 Variant:
4.7L Magnum V8 SOHC
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.7 Liters (287 ci)
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
5.7L Hemi V8 OHV
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 ci)
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 335 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 370 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (Regular Unleaded) for 4.7L, 89 Octane (Plus Unleaded) recommended for 5.7L Hemi for optimal performance, 87 Octane acceptable.
ECU:
Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent system for the specified model year.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 / W5A580 - Mercedes-Benz sourced)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options available.
Transmission Fluid:
MB Specification 236.10 ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1 or equivalent).
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios for RWD and AWD models.
Length:
Approx. 200.1 inches
Width:
Approx. 78.2 inches
Height:
Approx. 74.1 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 119.2 inches
Seating Capacity:
7 or 8 passengers (depending on seating configuration)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 136.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 15.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 45.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With All Seats Folded:
Approx. 97.2 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,800 - 5,200 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,000 lbs (when properly equipped with towing package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Available (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags Front:
Standard advanced driver and front passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Available front seat-mounted side airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.
Infotainment System:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with CD/MP3 player, optional navigation system, and rear-seat entertainment system.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Available hands-free communication system (Uconnect).
Climate Control:
Available dual-zone or tri-zone automatic climate control.
Seating Features:
Available heated and cooled front seats, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed or recommended by the manual (typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for typical use, but severe use may require more frequent changes).
Coolant Change:
Replace initially at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 API Certified (for 4.7L and 5.7L, consult manual for specific Hemi recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant, ethylene glycol-based (typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant HOAT or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Chrysler/Dodge Power Steering Fluid (refer to manual for specific type).
Common Problems Powertrain:
Transmission solenoid issues (NAG1), piston ring wear in early 5.7L Hemi engines, oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan.
Common Problems Chassis:
Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), rear differential pinion seal leaks on AWD models, potential for brake rotor warping.
Common Problems Electrical:
Water pump failure leading to electrical issues, power window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler's reputation for offering feature-rich and often stylish vehicles.
Aspen Introduction:
The Chrysler Aspen was introduced for the 2004 model year as Chrysler's first foray into the full-size luxury SUV segment. It shared its platform and many components with the Dodge Durango.
Design Philosophy:
Positioned as a more luxurious and refined alternative to its Dodge counterpart, with a focus on premium interior materials and features.
Manufacturing Plant:
Newark Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware, USA.
Production Years:
2004-2009
Initial Reception:
The Chrysler Aspen received a mixed reception at launch, often praised for its styling and available Hemi engine, but criticized for some interior materials and its shared platform with the Dodge Durango.
Consumer Ratings:
Consumer satisfaction varied, with specific praise for powertrain and space, but critiques regarding long-term reliability and build quality in some instances.