Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Sedan / Large Family Car
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking comfortable and spacious transportation
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick LeSabre
Interior Space:
Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride
Styling:
Distinctive cab-forward design
Performance:
Available with powerful V6 engines offering good acceleration
Completeness:
Unparalleled depth for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Accessibility:
Digital format for easy access and searching
Engine Mechanical:
2.7L (JTEC), 3.2L (JTEC), 3.5L (JTEC)
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control (EOBD/OBD-II)
Transmission:
42LE (4-speed Automatic)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), axle shafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front strut-based, rear multi-link, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power rack and pinion, steering column components
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting
Body Control Modules:
BCM functions, power windows, locks, mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts
Instrumentation:
Gauges, warning lights, driver information center
Audio System:
Factory radio, speakers, amplifier (if equipped)
Security System:
Factory alarm, immobilizer (if equipped)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plugs
Engine Overhaul:
Engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter replacement, internal component repair
Brake System Repair:
Pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedure
Suspension Component Replacement:
Strut replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement
Cooling System Service:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat replacement, coolant flush
Fuel System Repair:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, injector service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Component testing, circuit diagnostics
HVAC Diagnosis And Repair:
Refrigerant system service, blower motor replacement
Airbag System Service:
Component replacement, diagnostic procedures
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel removal, interior trim replacement
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and adjustment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagrams, torque specifications
Diagnostic Tools Required:
OBD-II scanner, multimeter, specialized tools
2.7L V6:
{'code': 'EER', 'displacement_liters': 2.7, 'displacement_ci': 167, 'configuration': 'V6', 'horsepower_hp': 170, 'torque_lb_ft': 175, 'bore_x_stroke_mm': '83.0 x 83.0', 'compression_ratio': '9.3:1'}
3.2L V6:
{'code': 'EGA', 'displacement_liters': 3.2, 'displacement_ci': 194, 'configuration': 'V6', 'horsepower_hp': 214, 'torque_lb_ft': 207, 'bore_x_stroke_mm': '90.9 x 83.0', 'compression_ratio': '9.6:1'}
3.5L V6:
{'code': 'ESH', 'displacement_liters': 3.5, 'displacement_ci': 215, 'configuration': 'V6', 'horsepower_hp': 234, 'torque_lb_ft': 241, 'bore_x_stroke_mm': '95.0 x 83.0', 'compression_ratio': '9.3:1'}
Engine Management System:
JTEC (1998-2000), NGC (2001-2004)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for performance)
Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent (50/50 mix)
Viscosity:
SAE 3.8L V6: 10W-30 (cold), 10W-40 (cold); 3.5L V6: 10W-30 (cold)
API Service Classification:
API SJ or higher
Capacity Quarts:
3.5L: 4.5, 3.2L: 4.5, 2.7L: 4.0
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4 Stars (1998-2004 models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (1998-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Driver:
5 Stars (1998-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Passenger:
5 Stars (1998-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Rear Driver:
5 Stars (1998-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Rear Passenger:
5 Stars (1998-2004 models)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some early 1998
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly with the 3.5L engine
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (introduced later in the generation, check specific year)
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (if equipped)
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.7L/3.2L: 60,000 miles; 3.5L: 100,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid And Filter Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4
Transmission Problems:
Valve body issues, torque converter shudder, premature wear in 42LE transmission
Suspension Wear:
Frequent replacement of front struts, ball joints, and sway bar links
Heater Core:
Leaking heater core, often requiring dashboard removal
Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Failure of internal HVAC blend door actuators, affecting temperature control
Dashboard Cracking:
Cracking of the dashboard material due to sun exposure
Ignition Coil Failure:
Individual ignition coil failure leading to misfires
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis)
First Generation Introduction:
1993
Second Generation Redesign:
1998 (major overhaul of styling, chassis, and powertrains)
Facelifts:
Minor styling updates, particularly to front and rear fascias, in 2002
Manufacturing Plant:
Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan (for most years)