Key Selling Points Model:
Spacious interior, distinctive styling, comfortable ride, powerful V6 engines.
Direct Competitors 2004:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick LeSabre.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, empowering owners and independent mechanics.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, timing.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection, sensors, ECU diagnostics.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (42LE) disassembly, assembly, repair, torque converter, valve body.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brakes (front/rear), parking brake, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (independent), alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control operation.
Electrical Body:
Lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, interior/exterior trim.
Chassis Electrical:
Instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostics.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, injectors.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant, hoses, fan.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults and symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Diagnostics Tools:
Use of scan tools, multimeters, and specialized equipment.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and tolerances.
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, collision repair guidance, trim removal/installation.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Detail:
In-depth diagnostics with symptom-based troubleshooting charts and DTC explanations.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed illustrations, diagrams, and exploded views.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:
Good (2004 Model Year Data)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:
Good (2004 Model Year Data)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for 2002-2004 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Standard Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Airbags Side:
Available Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (preferred for cooler climates) or SAE 10W-30 Conventional.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Type III (HOAT) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Common Problems Model:
Interior water leaks (door seals, sunroof drains), suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), power steering pump leaks, PCV valve issues, transmission solenoid issues.
Manual Utility Known Issues:
The manual will provide diagnostic procedures to identify and repair these common issues.
Brand History Context:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing American muscle cars and family vehicles.
Generation:
Second Generation (1998-2004)
Design Philosophy:
Distinctive cab-forward design, influenced by aerodynamic principles, aimed to maximize interior space.
Production Years Model:
1993-2004
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights, Michigan