Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size wagon/hatchback
Dodge Positioning:
A stylish and practical alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs, offering distinctive American muscle car styling cues in a wagon body style.
Key Competitors:
Subaru Outback, Audi A6 Avant, Volkswagen Passat Wagon, Ford Five Hundred Wagon.
Styling:
Bold, aggressive styling reminiscent of muscle cars, featuring a distinctive front grille and flared wheel arches.
Performance Options:
Available with powerful V6 and V8 Hemi engines, offering strong acceleration.
Practicality:
Ample cargo space and versatile interior configuration suitable for families and cargo hauling.
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components (e.g., cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, valvetrain).
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems (EGR, EVAP), cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed repair procedures for the NAG1 (W5A580) transmission, including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, and electronic controls.
Transmission Manual:
N/A for this specific model year, as only automatic transmissions were offered.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system components, driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear-wheel drive axles.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake component inspection and replacement (rotors, pads, calipers, lines).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems (e.g., control arms, struts, shocks, bushings), power steering system, steering gear, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Full wiring schematics, component locations, diagnostic procedures for body electrical, powertrain control, chassis electrical, instrument cluster, lighting, and comfort systems.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body Interior:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seating, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, trim and fasteners.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections, tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, pinpoint tests for various systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures using scan tools, multimeter testing, and visual inspections.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, and other critical data for all repair and maintenance tasks.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and component replacement to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.
NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Test:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Test:
Good
NHTSA Side Driver Crash Test:
Good
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Test:
Acceptable
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Program Esp:
Optional (often bundled with ABS/Traction Control)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side Curtain:
Optional side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Typically 3,000-7,500 miles, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:
30,000-60,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
Refer to manual; typically 60,000-100,000 miles, but frequent towing or severe use may require sooner.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine and climate recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts 3.5L:
5.0
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts 5.7L:
7.0
Coolant Type:
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Mopar).
Common Issue 1:
Rear suspension clunking or rattling (often worn bushings or ball joints).
Common Issue 2:
Door lock actuator failure.
Common Issue 3:
Transmission issues (e.g., harsh shifting, torque converter shudder) with the NAG1 transmission, especially if fluid maintenance is neglected.
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump noise or leaks.