Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Continental, Buick Electra/Park Avenue
Historical Positioning:
Chrysler's flagship sedan, emphasizing comfort, quietness, and a traditional luxury experience.
Design Philosophy:
American luxury, smooth ride, spacious interior, and a focus on passenger comfort over performance.
Engine:
3.3L V6 (EGA), 5.2L V8 (LA Series) - Comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
Transmission:
3-Speed Automatic (A727/TorqueFlite), 4-Speed Automatic (42LE/44RE) - Repair, overhaul, and diagnostic procedures.
Brakes:
Front Disc/Rear Drum, Optional ABS - Inspection, repair, hydraulic system bleeding, component replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Solid Axle - Alignment, component replacement, power steering system repair.
Electrical:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules.
Body Chassis:
Body Panel Repair, Interior Trim, Seat Mechanisms, Doors, Windows, Convertible Top (if applicable), Frame and Unibody Structure.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake), filter replacements, lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and electronic systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and electrical component replacement.
Installation:
Procedures for installing optional equipment and replacement parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; includes detailed specifications and torque values.
Digital Format:
Searchable PDF with hyperlinked sections for easy navigation.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clear text and diagrams.
Digital Accessibility:
Accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Original Manual Paper:
N/A (Digital)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.3 Liters (201 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.2 Liters (318 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated V8 (Fuel Injected)
Engine 2 Code:
LA Series (e.g., Mopar 318)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
ECU:
Chrysler's proprietary Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-I diagnostics.
Transmission Type Standard:
3-Speed Automatic (A727 / TorqueFlite)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (42LE / 44RE)
Transmission Features:
Electronic overdrive (on 4-speed), lock-up torque converter, hydraulic control.
Wheelbase:
113.1 inches (2873 mm)
Length:
202.1 inches (5133 mm)
Width:
74.9 inches (1903 mm)
Height:
53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Passenger Volume:
106.5 cu ft (3.02 m³)
Curb Weight:
3,550 - 3,800 lbs (1610 - 1724 kg) (approx. depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,700 lbs (2132 kg) (approx.)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year in the modern sense; typical for vehicles of the era.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard; passenger-side airbag optional or unavailable depending on year/trim.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems, and CD players.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Early Electronic Features:
Keyless entry systems became available on later models of this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; change fluid and filter every 30,000 miles or as specified by service manual.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH rated, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Chrysler Mopar)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Long Life (Green) 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Engine Common Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, premature wear on timing components (3.3L V6).
Transmission Common Issues:
Torque converter shudder, internal seal leaks, electronic control unit (42LE) failures.
Electrical Common Issues:
Faulty power window motors, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, interior lighting issues.
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, sagging front springs.
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler has a long history of producing large, comfortable American sedans and luxury vehicles.
Fifth Avenue Lineage:
Evolved from earlier Chrysler New Yorker and Imperial models, positioned as a more personal luxury car.
Manufacturing Plant:
Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan (primarily)
Production Run:
1979-1981, 1983-1989, and then continued as Fifth Avenue from 1990-1993.
