Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Platform:
LX (Chrysler LX platform, shared with Dodge Charger, Magnum, and Challenger)
Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Competitors:
Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, Toyota Avalon, Ford Crown Victoria.
Styling:
Distinctive retro-inspired styling, bold grille, prominent chrome accents, powerful stance.
Powertrain Options:
Available with powerful V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel drive as standard, optional all-wheel drive.
Interior Comfort:
Spacious cabin, premium materials (for its class), comfortable ride quality, quiet interior.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition systems, emission control.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service, repair, fluid, torque converter, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, traction control, disc/drum brake components, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front/rear suspension components, alignment specifications, steering gear, power steering system, wheel bearings.
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, charging system, lighting, power windows/locks, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, climate control unit, heater core, blower motor.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, frame structure, collision repair basics, underbody components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair:
Component replacement, reassembly instructions, torque specifications, specialized tool requirements.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, scan tool usage.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step fault finding for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine 1:
3.5L V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Engine 2:
5.7L V8 HEMI (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - SRT8 model, but common service knowledge applies.
Horsepower Range:
250 hp to 340 hp (excluding SRT8's higher output)
Torque Range:
250 lb-ft to 390 lb-ft (excluding SRT8's higher output)
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (W5A580) on some V8 models and AWD.
Overdrive:
Yes, all automatics feature overdrive gears.
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver & Passenger (for most models)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (front) / 4-Star (rear) (for most models)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for most models)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC, called Electronic Stability Program or ESP)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on most trims).
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner and load-limiting front seat belts.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (often DVD-based in early years).
Audio System:
Various Boston Acoustics or premium Kicker audio systems available, with subwoofer options.
Connectivity:
Optional Uconnect hands-free communication system with Bluetooth.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Oil Change:
Every 6 months or 7,500 miles (whichever comes first), using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 (MS-6395 compliant)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, OAT Pink (MS-9769) or P-HOAT Blue (MS-12106) depending on year/service.
Transmission Problems:
Occasional hard shifts or slipping in the 42RLE transmission; potential for torque converter shudder. The 5-speed can have electronic issues or solenoid failures.
Suspension Components:
Front suspension clunks due to worn control arm bushings or ball joints. Rear strut mount issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues, CAN bus communication errors, faulty body control modules (BCM), and accessory power issues are not uncommon.
Radiator And Cooling:
Cracked plastic end tanks on radiators, water pump leaks, and thermostat housing leaks.
Exhaust System:
Rusted muffler or exhaust pipes, catalytic converter failures due to age.
Brand Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable, and often stylish American sedans.
Generation:
This generation (2005-2010) marked a significant shift for Chrysler, aiming to revive the brand with a distinctive American luxury car.
Design Influence:
Influenced by classic Chrysler models and American automotive design of the 1950s and 1960s.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Consumer Reports:
Often received average to below-average reliability ratings from organizations like Consumer Reports during its production run, particularly for early models.
Jd Power:
Varied J.D. Power dependability ratings, but often praised for styling and comfort.
Safety Certifications:
Achieved high NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings, reflecting robust structure and safety features.
