The Chrysler Imperial, a full-size luxury sedan produced from 1988 to 1993, represents the pinnacle of Chrysler's offerings during its sixth generation. This generation marked a transition to a front-wheel-drive platform, emphasizing a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and distinctive styling for its era. Powered by a choice of 3.3L V6 or 3.8L V6 engines, and featuring a 3-speed automatic transmission, the Imperial was designed to compete with other large luxury sedans, offering a blend of comfort and value. Its engineering quality and reliability are supported by a heritage in producing premium American vehicles.
This comprehensive service and repair manual provides detailed guidance for the Chrysler Imperial, covering the 1988 through 1993 model years. It encompasses a wide range of critical areas including powertrain, chassis, and electrical systems, alongside body components and safety features. The manual details general maintenance procedures, periodic lubrication, fluid checks, and changes, as well as in-depth troubleshooting, diagnostics, disassembly, and reassembly instructions. Technical specifications, torque values, and diagnostic trouble codes are also included, empowering owners and technicians to effectively maintain, repair, and ensure the longevity of their vehicle.
Model Generation:
Sixth Generation (Y-Body)
Model Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Vehicle Class:
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Competitors Class:
Positioned against other large luxury sedans of the era, such as Cadillac Sedan DeVille, Lincoln Town Car.
Vehicle Attributes:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, distinctive styling for its era.
Benefits:
Empowers owners for self-sufficiency in maintenance and repairs, saving costs and ensuring quality of work.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific manufacturer release, typically 1000+ pages for a complete set.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic), Fuel System, Emission Control System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Axle Components
Electrical:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control System, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories
Body:
Chassis/Body Components, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Fluid Level Checks & Changes
Repair Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Component Diagnosis, Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures, Repair Instructions
Technical Data:
Specifications, Torque Values, Clearances, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and electrical system diagnostics.
Format Details:
PDF. Requires Adobe PDF Reader. May require WinZip for extraction if distributed as a compressed archive.
Quality:
Digital format implies excellent clarity for text and diagrams, assuming a well-scanned or created original.
Engine Code Common:
3.3L V6 (EGA) / 3.8L V6 (C/H)
Horsepower 3.3L:
Approx. 147 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 3.3L:
Approx. 180 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Horsepower 3.8L:
Approx. 155-165 hp @ 4000 rpm (depending on supercharged variant if applicable for later years, though standard Imperial was naturally aspirated)
Torque 3.8L:
Approx. 200-210 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.7 US quarts (11.1 liters)
Transmission Type:
3-Speed Automatic (A-604 Ultradrive - FWD Transaxle)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Generally only the Ultradrive was offered in this generation)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification for the specific year)
Wheelbase:
113.4 inches (2880 mm)
Length:
201.2 inches (5110 mm)
Width:
73.3 inches (1862 mm)
Height:
54.3 inches (1379 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not readily available for all model years through public databases, but comparable vehicles of the era generally received 3-4 star ratings.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS - often optional or standard on higher trims)
Passive Safety:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard on later models), Seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, and premium speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control, optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) with digital display and sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Lighting Control:
Automatic headlamp shut-off delay.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (check manual).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 API SG or SJ (check manual for exact specification).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Engine Related:
Potential for head gasket leaks in 3.3L V6 (EGA) engine; wear on throttle body and idle air control valve affecting idle quality.
Transmission Related:
The A604 Ultradrive transmission can be sensitive to fluid contamination and lack of regular maintenance, potentially leading to slipping or failure.
Electrical Related:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, failure of power window motors, issues with the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system.
Suspension Steering:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts contributing to poor ride quality and steering looseness.
Chrysler Heritage:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, luxurious American vehicles, with the Imperial nameplate representing the pinnacle of their offerings.
Sixth Generation Evolution:
This generation marked a significant departure, moving to a front-wheel-drive platform based on the Chrysler K-car derivatives, emphasizing a more modern design and packaging.
Production Period:
1988-1993 (This generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Period Awards:
While specific awards for the Imperial itself are less common, Chrysler vehicles of this era were often recognized for comfort and value within their respective segments.
