Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a premium, comfortable, and powerful American sedan with a focus on luxury and style.
Key Competitors:
Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Aurora, Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental.
Design Philosophy:
European-inspired styling with a spacious, luxurious interior and powerful V6 engine options.
Distinguishing Elements:
Unique grille design, distinctive body lines, comfortable ride, and a focus on driver and passenger comfort.
Covered Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Body and Chassis, Interior, Emissions Control, Diagnostic Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1500+ pages for a comprehensive service manual)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnostics and repair for PCM, sensors, actuators, ignition system, fuel injection system, emission controls.
Transmission Service:
Service and repair for automatic transmissions (e.g., 42LE, 45RFE), including overhaul, valve body diagnostics, torque converter replacement, and fluid service.
Brake System:
Repair procedures for ABS, front and rear disc brakes, parking brake, brake fluid service, component replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), power steering system diagnosis and repair.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component locations, troubleshooting guides for lighting, power windows, seats, mirrors, body control modules, and entertainment systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.
Major Repairs:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, head gasket replacement, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic trees and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing radiators, alternators, starters, fuel pumps, master cylinders, etc.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using OBD-II scanners, digital multimeters, and specialized Chrysler diagnostic equipment.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Schematics Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics, vacuum diagrams, and exploded view diagrams for component identification and assembly.
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Displacement:
3518 cc (214.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 81.0 mm (3.78 in x 3.19 in)
Horsepower:
214 hp @ 5800 rpm (1999-2001), 207 hp @ 5800 rpm (2002-2004)
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (1999-2001), 216 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (2002-2004)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Code Optional:
EHN
Engine Type Optional:
2.7L V6 EGH (Rare, only in early models)
Displacement Optional:
2736 cc (167.0 cu in)
Horsepower Optional:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Optional:
195 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Rating:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Available on some trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (typically Platinum or Iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (recommended by many specialists, consult manual for official interval).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified, meets Chrysler MS-6395)
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler Antifreeze/Coolant (Mopar OAT - Organic Acid Technology) - Pink
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar) or equivalent
Common Problem 1:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (coolant seepage).
Common Problem 2:
Power steering pump noise or leaks.
Common Problem 3:
Transmission solenoid failures or shifting issues in the 42LE transmission.
Common Problem 4:
EGR valve issues leading to rough idle or check engine light.
Common Problem 5:
Window regulator failures.
Brand Origin:
American (founded 1925)
Platform:
LH Platform (Second Generation)
Introduction Year:
1998 (for the 1999 model year)
Major Redesign Points:
Updated styling, improved interior amenities, and powertrain enhancements over its production run.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada
Production Years For Model:
1999-2004
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1999.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Competed for Motor Trend Car of the Year.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Generally received positive reviews for comfort and performance, though some reliability concerns emerged over time.
