Vehicle Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan.
Key Competitors:
Buick Park Avenue, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful V6 engine, upscale styling for its class, front-wheel drive for better traction in adverse weather compared to RWD competitors.
Benefit For Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep. Provides access to professional-level diagnostic information.
Benefit For Mechanic:
Serves as a quick reference for procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting steps, improving efficiency and accuracy in a professional repair setting.
General:
Maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for the 2002 Chrysler 300M (LH Platform).
Estimated:
Likely over 1000 pages, typical for a comprehensive factory service manual.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (3.5L V6), Transmission (42LE automatic), driveline, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (ABS, standard), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, ignition system, charging system, starter, audio system, climate control electronics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Antilock Brake System (ABS) module, airbag system.
Body:
Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, inspections.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly of major systems (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes), body panel repair, interior trim work.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, fault code interpretation (OBD-II).
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, wiring diagrams for troubleshooting.
Level:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic trees.
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (214.6 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V6 (90-degree)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves (4 per cylinder).
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended.
Coolant Capacity:
10.5 quarts (9.9 Liters)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
Not explicitly rated for this specific model year by NHTSA in a way that is easily separable from the platform.
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
Not explicitly rated for this specific model year by NHTSA in a way that is easily separable from the platform.
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for the 1999-2004 generation of LH platform sedans, of which the 300M is a part).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional (often integrated with ABS).
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Optional Infinity II premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (Chrysler's Navigational System).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist system (ParkSense).
Telematics:
Optional Sirius Satellite Radio, optional Uconnect hands-free communication system (early versions).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months with conventional oil.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months for conventional coolant. If using HOAT/OAT, check manual, typically longer intervals up to 100,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual, typically 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API certified, preferably synthetic blend or full synthetic.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. Refer to manual for specific type, often ATF +4 or a specific hydraulic fluid.
Common Problems:
Transmission issues (slipping, harsh shifting, solenoid failures), engine oil leaks (valve cover gaskets), radiator leaks, HVAC blend door actuator failures, power window motor failures, alternator failures, ignition coil failures.
Preventative Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check and maintain fluid levels, address any transmission symptoms promptly, replace serpentine belt and tensioner as per schedule, inspect cooling system hoses and radiator.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing comfortable, stylish, and powerful sedans. The 300M aimed to revive a sportier and more luxurious image for the brand.
300M Lineage:
The 300M was the flagship model of the LH platform and a successor to the Chrysler LHS and Concorde LX. It was distinguished by its unique grille, quad headlights, and a sportier suspension tuning compared to other LH cars. The 'M' signified its performance-oriented positioning.
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years:
1999-2004
