Market Segment:
Full-size sedan, positioned as a premium offering within the Chrysler and Dodge lineups, competing with domestic and some import luxury sedans.
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Oldsmobile Aurora, Mercury Grand Marquis.
Model Unique Selling Points:
Distinctive styling, powerful V6 engines, spacious interiors, available premium features, and a comfortable ride. The 300M specifically offered a more luxurious and performance-oriented experience.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Driveline, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Electrical Systems, Body, Heating & Air Conditioning, Emissions Control, Audio, Restraints, Instrument Cluster, Lighting, Wipers/Washers, Speed Control, Vehicle Theft Security, Electronic Control Modules
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific vehicle and engine, but comprehensive manuals for this era typically exceed 1000 pages.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Detailed coverage of 3.5L V6 24-valve SOHC (MPI) and 2.7L V6 24-valve DOHC (MPI) engines, including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specific component servicing.
Transmission Systems:
Coverage of automatic transaxle service, including diagnosis, fluid changes, seal replacement, and internal component repair.
Electrical Systems:
Extensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, electronic control module (ECM) diagnostics, and component testing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, and lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling all major vehicle components, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and body.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, and diagnostic flowcharts for various systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhaul, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Options:
3.5L 24-valve SOHC V6 (High Output and standard), 2.7L 24-valve DOHC V6 (MPI)
Horsepower Torque 3.5L:
The 3.5L SOHC V6 typically produced around 234-250 horsepower and 241-255 lb-ft of torque, depending on the specific tune and model year application.
Horsepower Torque 2.7L:
The 2.7L DOHC V6 generally produced around 200 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (e.g., 42LE)
Transmission Type Optional:
N/A (Automatic only for these models in 2002)
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shifting technology, often with a "sport" or "comfort" mode selectable by the driver.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.0 inches
Overall Length:
Approximately 202.9 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,500 - 3,800 lbs, depending on model and equipment.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Likely 4 out of 5 stars for driver and passenger based on typical ratings for this era.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Good to Acceptable ratings for frontal and side impact tests, depending on specific model and year testing.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (often standard on higher trims/V6s), Optional All-Speed Traction Control.
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags (optional or standard on higher trims), front and rear seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System Options:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, premium Infinity sound systems often available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, often integrated into the steering wheel for convenience.
Phone Integration:
Limited to aftermarket installations for Bluetooth or hands-free calling, as integrated systems were not common in 2002.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended fluid and filter change every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as indicated by the service manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for optimal performance and protection.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602) is the specified fluid for the 42LE transaxle.
Coolant Specification:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Engine Issues:
Water pump leaks (especially with original equipment), timing belt tensioner issues (on some earlier 3.5L engines if not the SOHC variant, though 2002 models primarily used SOHC), and occasional intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Transmission Issues:
Potential for torque converter shudder, occasional solenoid issues, and leaks from seals or cooler lines. Regular fluid and filter changes are critical.
Common Suspension Issues:
Wear in ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links, leading to clunking noises or uneven tire wear.
Common Electrical Issues:
Faulty power window regulators, issues with the instrument cluster lighting/gauges, and occasional problems with the Body Control Module (BCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable, and often distinctive sedans, with the LH platform representing a significant styling and engineering effort in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Lh Platform Development:
The LH platform, first introduced in 1993, was known for its cab-forward design, short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension. The 300M was a premium evolution of this platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
