Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, DIY mechanics, automotive enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Montana.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, flexible seating, good cargo capacity, available Stow 'n Go seating (on later models), comfortable ride.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership or independent shop labor.
Manual Completeness:
Extensive coverage for nearly all repair and maintenance tasks.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, timing system (belts/chains), lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery system (injectors, pumps, lines), ignition system (spark plugs, coils, timing), emissions control, exhaust system.
Transmission Automatic:
Overhaul, diagnostic procedures, valve body, torque converter, gear sets, fluid capacities, filter replacement, electronic controls.
Transmission Manual:
Overhaul, clutch system, gear linkages, fluid specifications, diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings), rear suspension (shock absorbers, springs, trailing arms), alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, linkages, fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, horn, wipers, power accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, liftgate, interior trim, seats, glass, structural components.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, heater core, climate control modules.
Comfort And Convenience:
Power windows, power locks, power seats, remote keyless entry, interior lighting, rear entertainment systems (if applicable).
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Engine Repair:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, piston and ring replacement, valve guide seals.
Transmission Repair:
Internal transmission component replacement, torque converter installation, clutch replacement, transmission fluid flush and fill.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, ABS component replacement.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and shock replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement, wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, component testing, battery and charging system diagnosis.
Body Repair:
Door panel removal, liftgate mechanism repair, glass replacement, interior trim installation.
Climate Control Repair:
A/C system recharging, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser), heater core replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Options:
2.4L (2429cc) 4-cylinder (2.4L DOHC I4), 3.3L (3301cc) V6 (3.3L OHV V6), 3.8L (3778cc) V6 (3.8L OHV V6), 3.8L Supercharged V6 (specific models).
2.4L 4-Cylinder (Naturally Aspirated):
Horsepower: ~150 hp @ 5800 rpm; Torque: ~165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
3.3L V6 (Naturally Aspirated):
Horsepower: ~180 hp @ 5000 rpm; Torque: ~205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated):
Horsepower: ~200 hp @ 5000 rpm; Torque: ~235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
3.8L V6 (Supercharged):
Horsepower: ~215 hp @ 5200 rpm; Torque: ~245 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
~20 gallons (varies slightly by model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Generally rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for the period, with variations by year.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Generally rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for the period, with variations by year.
IIHS Front Offset Test:
Mixed results for the period; some models received 'Good', others 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal'.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some base trims.
Traction Control:
Available on select models, especially with V6 engines.
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard; optional side airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions; integrated child seat anchors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type (conventional vs. synthetic) and driving conditions, as specified by Chrysler maintenance schedules.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
3.3L/3.8L V6: 100,000 miles (Platinum/Iridium plugs); 2.4L 4-Cyl: 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
2.4L 4-cylinder: Every 90,000-100,000 miles. V6 engines use timing chains, which are generally maintenance-free unless issues arise.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API Certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically HOAT coolant that meets MS-9769 or MS-12106 specification (specific color may vary, but often orange/red).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific manual for exact requirement).
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.4L 4-cyl: ~4.5 quarts; 3.3L/3.8L V6: ~4.0 quarts (with filter change).
Coolant Capacity:
~11.5-12.5 quarts (depending on engine and heater core size).
Common Problem Transmission:
Overheating, solenoid failures, torque converter shudder (especially in 42LE transmissions). Fluid and filter changes are critical.
Common Problem Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially 3.3L/3.8L), oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan, intake manifold gasket leaks (less common on this generation).
Common Problem Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, strut mount failures leading to noise and poor handling.
Common Problem Electrical:
Faulty window regulators, intermittent door lock issues, instrument cluster failures (gauge sweep problems), PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures.
Common Problem HVAC:
Blend door actuator failures, blower motor resistor issues, refrigerant leaks in A/C system.