Market Position:
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue was positioned as a luxury sedan, targeting buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and a traditional American luxury car experience. It competed with models from Cadillac, Lincoln, and select import luxury brands.
Competitive Analysis:
Key competitors during its production run included the Cadillac Sedan DeVille, Lincoln Town Car, and Buick Electra. The Fifth Avenue distinguished itself with its emphasis on a smooth ride, spacious interior, and distinctive styling that evoked classic American luxury.
Key Features:
Plush seating, extensive sound insulation, a quiet and comfortable ride, available luxury options (e.g., leather upholstery, premium sound systems), V8 engine power, and a focus on traditional American automotive design principles.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Body, Interior, Trim, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
Page Count:
Approximately 1000+ pages (estimated for comprehensive coverage)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel Injection Systems (MPI), Ignition Systems, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Turbocharging (if applicable), Automatic Transmission (3-speed and 4-speed), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Power Steering System, Suspension (Front/Rear), Drive Axles, Brake System (Front/Rear), Parking Brake, Electrical System (including starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instruments, power accessories), Climate Control (HVAC), Body Electrical, Chassis Electrical, Interior Systems, Exterior Body Panels, Trim and Hardware, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), Engine Overhaul and Rebuild, Transmission Service and Repair, Brake System Diagnostics and Repair, Suspension and Steering Component Replacement, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, HVAC System Service, Fuel System Diagnosis, Drivetrain Component Repair, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Component Removal and Installation
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; includes detailed diagnostics, step-by-step repair procedures, specifications, torque values, and wiring schematics suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Primary Engine:
5.2L (318 cu in) V8 (LA series)
Engine Variants:
3.3L (201 cu in) V6 (EGA series) also available in some years/trims.
Horsepower V8:
Approximately 140-150 hp (varies by year)
Torque V8:
Approximately 240-250 lb-ft (varies by year)
Horsepower V6:
Approximately 147 hp
Torque V6:
Approximately 185 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Codes V8:
EHA (for 5.2L V8)
Engine Codes V6:
EGA (for 3.3L V6)
Bore Stroke V8:
4.00 in x 3.10 in (for 5.2L V8)
Compression Ratio V8:
8.4:1 (for 5.2L V8)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Standard Transmission:
3-Speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A-500/A-518)
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A-518)
Features:
Electronically controlled overdrive on 4-speed models, lock-up torque converter.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 12 pints (5.7 liters) for A-500/A-518 (dry fill)
Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Overall Length:
200.3 inches (5088 mm)
Overall Width:
74.7 inches (1897 mm)
Overall Height:
55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Front Headroom:
38.5 inches (978 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.6 inches (955 mm)
Front Legroom:
42.1 inches (1069 mm)
Rear Legroom:
40.0 inches (1016 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg), depending on options and engine.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,600 lbs (2087 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.0 gallons (64.4 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Generally rated 4 stars for driver and passenger in frontal impacts during this era, though specific tests may vary by year.
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Power-assisted brakes, Power steering.
Passive Features:
Dual front airbags, Seat belts with pretensioners, Reinforced passenger compartment, Energy-absorbing steering column, Side-impact door beams.
Recall Information:
The manual will detail any manufacturer recalls issued for these model years, covering potential safety issues and repair procedures.
Infotainment Features:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems, power antenna, analog climate controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, intermittent windshield wipers, optional ABS.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily for radio antenna. No modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB.
Lighting Features:
Halogen headlights (optional on some trims), automatic headlights (optional), interior courtesy lamps.
Service Intervals General
Service Intervals General:
Refer to the manual for specific intervals, but typically: Oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles, transmission fluid service every 30,000-60,000 miles, coolant flush every 30,000 miles, spark plugs every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on type).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SN or later, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 (verify with manual)
Oil Filter Part Numbers:
Examples: Fram PH16, Wix 51515, Purolator L30001 (verify compatibility for specific engine).
Air Filter Part Numbers:
Examples: Fram CA12861, Wix 42323, K&N 33-2004 (verify compatibility for specific engine).
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on V8s), transmission solenoid issues, electrical component failures (power windows, locks), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends), exhaust system rust, radiator leaks, potential for intake manifold gasket leaks on V6 engines.
Torque Specifications Engine Oil Plug
Torque Specifications Engine Oil Plug:
Refer to manual for exact value (typically 18-25 lb-ft).
Maintenance Schedule Details
Maintenance Schedule Details:
The manual provides detailed recommended maintenance schedules for every 5,000 miles, 15,000 miles, 30,000 miles, and beyond, covering inspections, replacements, and adjustments for all major vehicle systems.
Brand Heritage:
Chrysler has a long history of producing comfortable, American-style sedans, often emphasizing luxury and a smooth ride. The Fifth Avenue carried this tradition into the late 20th century.
Model Evolution:
The Fifth Avenue nameplate has a storied history within Chrysler, appearing on various luxury models throughout the years. This generation, based on the Y-body platform, represented Chrysler's flagship sedan offering for the period, evolving from earlier Chrysler New Yorker models.
Production Period:
1979-1981, 1983-1989, 1990-1993 (distinct generations)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in the United States.
