Segment:
Full-size, front-wheel drive luxury sedan.
Competitors:
Ford LTD Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Caprice, Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, Pontiac Bonneville.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its Y platform with Chrysler LeBaron, New Yorker, Fifth Avenue, and the Imperial.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized American luxury, comfort, and spaciousness with front-wheel drive for improved interior packaging.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (EFI), ignition system, emission controls, diagnostics (OBD-I related procedures).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling; Automatic transmission (A604, A670, Torqueflite variants) service, repair, and diagnostics.
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS if equipped), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting/charging system, power accessories, instrument cluster, diagnostic connector pinouts.
Body And Trim:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system, seat mechanisms, body electrical accessories.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake), filter replacements, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, rebuilding, and adjustment.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment angles, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable PDF text layer, printable pages.
Print Format:
Professionally bound, clear text and diagrams, durable paper.
Binding:
Perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat use in workshop environments.
Paper Quality:
Durable, grease-resistant paper stock suitable for garage use.
Engine 1 Type:
3.0L V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC)
Engine 1 Displacement:
181.7 cu. in. / 2972 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
141 hp @ 4800 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Engine 1 Torque:
171 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (varies slightly by year)
Engine 2 Type:
3.3L V6 (Chrysler EFA/GFA OHV)
Engine 2 Displacement:
201.5 cu. in. / 3296 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
150-160 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
180-190 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approximately 9-10 seconds (depending on engine and configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-port for Mitsubishi V6, Sequential for Chrysler V6.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Mopar coolant (e.g., Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Coolant).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Variants:
Chrysler A604 (41TE), A670 (42LE) electronically controlled transaxles; early models may have used a torque converter lock-up clutch.
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent. Consult manual for exact Mopar specification (e.g., Mopar ATF+2 or ATF+3).
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings are generally unavailable for this era of vehicle; focus on inherent design safety features.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models, particularly later years.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard in later model years (e.g., 1990+). Passenger airbag was not typically offered.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point automatic locking retractors, rear lap and shoulder belts.
Body Construction:
Unibody construction with integrated crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems, equalizer controls.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ATC) with digital displays in higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Diagnostic Port:
Proprietary Chrysler diagnostic connector, typically located under the dash, for accessing fault codes.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (conventional oil); 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil, if recommended).
Tune Up Interval:
Refer to manual; typically involves spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or per manual's recommendation for extended-life coolants.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 recommended for most operating temperatures. Consult manual for specific climate variations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 3.0L V6; Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter) for 3.3L V6.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler MS-5945 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3, Mopar Brake Fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade, leading to vibration.
Transmission Reliability:
Early electronically controlled transmissions (A604) can be sensitive to fluid condition and electrical issues; proper maintenance is critical.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, electrical connectors, grounds, and switches can be sources of intermittent problems.
HVAC System:
Blend door actuators, blower motor resistors, and A/C system leaks are common concerns.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are typical wear items.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, historically produced a range of vehicles from economy cars to performance-oriented muscle cars and large sedans.
Dynasty Introduction:
Introduced for the 1988 model year, replacing the Dodge 600 sedan. Positioned as Chrysler's flagship sedan marque, often badged as Chrysler Dynasty in Canada.
Key Design Changes:
Minor styling updates over its production run, including grille and taillight revisions. Focus was on comfort and amenities.
Production Period:
1987 (for 1988 model year) - 1993
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA (Chrysler Assembly Plant)
Popular Mechanics Design And Engineering Award:
While not a specific award for the Dynasty, its platform and associated technologies were recognized.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varied over its lifespan, with some praise for comfort and interior space, but often noted for reliability concerns common to Chrysler products of the era.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA estimates varied; typically in the range of 18-20 MPG city / 25-28 MPG highway, depending on engine and year.
