Target Audience:
Consumers seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Competitors At Launch:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Lumina, Oldsmobile Aurora, Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima.
Design Philosophy:
Cab-forward design, spacious interior, emphasis on aerodynamic styling and comfort.
Drivetrain Layout:
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Covered Engine Variants:
2.7L V6 (EER), 3.5L V6 (EGG)
Covered Model Years:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Covered Trim Levels:
SE, ES, R/T (all applicable trims for specified years and engines)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine electrical, ignition system, emission controls, 4-speed automatic transmission (42LE/45RFE variants).
Chassis:
Steering, suspension (front and rear), brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC controls, audio system, anti-theft system, airbags (SRS), diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement.
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission repair and overhaul, brake caliper replacement, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., struts, ball joints, tie rods).
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring diagrams, pressure testing, circuit continuity checks.
Special Procedures:
Fuel system bleeding, air conditioning system service (refrigerant handling requires certification), airbag system service precautions, computer diagnostics and programming.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system troubleshooting, and body repair.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.7 Liters (2736 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
SOHC V6 (3 valves per cylinder)
Engine 1 Horsepower Est:
200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque Est:
190 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3518 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
SOHC V6 (3 valves per cylinder)
Engine 2 Horsepower Est:
242 hp @ 6400 rpm (varies by year)
Engine 2 Torque Est:
247 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (Regular Unleaded)
Engine Control Module:
Various Chrysler NGC modules, consult manual for specific year and engine
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Overdrive
Transmission Model Codes:
42LE (primarily for 2.7L), 45RFE (primarily for 3.5L)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Est:
Approx. 9.7 quarts (9.2 liters) for dry fill, service fill is less.
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for most model years)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
4-Star (for most model years)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on most models
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, often linked to the ABS system
Airbags Driver Front:
Standard
Airbags Passenger Front:
Standard
Airbags Side Curtain:
Optional on some models
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette player with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Infinity).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims in later years.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions available.
HVAC System:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles. ATF+4 is designed for longer life but regular checks and changes are recommended, especially under severe service.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type installed). Consult manual for specific recommendations and torque values.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years. Use correct Mopar OAT coolant.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or SAE 10W-30, API Certified. Consult manual for exact specification and capacity (approx. 4.5 quarts for 2.7L, 5.0 quarts for 3.5L).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent HOAT with appropriate color coding. Capacity approx. 11-12 quarts.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4 (check specific year/manual)
Common Issues Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on earlier 2.7L), potential for sludge buildup if not maintained, timing chain issues on some 2.7L engines.
Common Issues Transmission:
Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, slipping (especially on the 42LE transmission if not serviced regularly).
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn front struts, ball joints, tie rod ends; premature wear on rear sway bar links.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, instrument cluster failures (especially odometer pixelation on some models), HVAC blower motor resistor issues.
Common Issues Brakes:
Warped rotors, premature brake pad wear, ABS sensor issues.
Parent Company:
Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler)
First Generation Years:
1993-1997
Second Generation Years:
1998-2004
Key Changes Gen 2:
Revised exterior styling, improved interior materials, upgraded powertrain options, enhanced safety features.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Discontinuation Reason:
Superseded by the Dodge Magnum (station wagon) and Dodge Charger (sedan) as part of Chrysler's product lineup reorganization.
Ward Auto Ten Best Engines:
The 3.5L EGG engine was recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list in 1999.
Konsumen Reports Ratings:
Varied by year and specific components, often rated average to below average for reliability in its class.
