Archive-name: autos/chrysler-faq/general/part1
Posting-Frequency: 15
Last-modified: 1996/9/29
Version: 3.6

NEW STUFF: (in this section)
    Contents updated
    Imperial list address updated

CONTENTS

Part 1 -
     Related Resources (groups, Web sites, recall/TSB info)
     Before You Post, Read This!
     The Newsgroup: charter, notes, rationale
     Frequently Asked Chrysler/Mopar Questions
     Up and Coming

Part 2
     What should I do...
          1. ... before I post?
          2. ... if I have problems with Chrysler?
          3. ... if I own this car? (list of models and what to look for)
     Oil Filter Discussion
     List of All Engines Since 1966
          1. Guide to V-8s
     List of All Body Styles Since 1966

Part 3
     Engine Codes
     Info from the Center for Auto Safety
     Classic Car Troubleshooting
     Reading codes without a scan tool
     (computer controlled, carbureted engines)
     Crankcase inlet air filter, 2.2/2.5 engines.

Part 4
     Driveability: engine idling, power, mileage, stalling
     Transmissions

Part 5
     Funny noises
     Oil leaks
     Temperature stuff

Part 6
     Troubleshooting (except what is covered by parts 3, 4, and 5)

Related FAQs:
     Neon - maintained by the Neon mailing list.

Troubleshooting went from being only in part 4 to being in parts 3, 4, 5, and 6 (5 and 6 were added in August 1996). 
************************************************************************
DISCLAIMER:
  While every effort has been taken to insure the accuracy of the
  information in this compilation, the author and contributors
  take no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for
  damages resulting from the use of the information herein.
  Some of the information is opinion rather than fact.
  The writers and the maintainer do not claim to be authorities.
  Parts of the FAQ may be reproduced PROVIDED that credit is
  given; that it is not published in book or magazine form
  without the prior written permission of the maintainer;
  that the maintainer receives, without needing to ask, a FREE
  copy of the final material; and that no changes are made (except
  formatting) without the express permission of the maintainer
  (zatz@ssnlink.net = David Zatz).
************************************************************************
BEFORE POSTING WITH COMPLAINTS/QUESTIONS

1. Check the FAQ.

2. Paranoia, overposting, and thoughtless posts are common.
   Show off your intelligence and maturity.

3. Do not confuse the Chrysler Corp with your dealership, 
    the zone office, or the guy who picks up the phone.

4. If you are having problems with Chrysler or your dealer, read
   the relevant parts of the FAQ (1,2) and the Web site.

5. The natural inclination of people who have been mistreated is
   to respond to many posts. However, all companies sometimes make
   lemons or fail to treat customers well. Try to restrain anger.

************************************************************************
- Related Resources:

        Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge Central Central
        http://ssn.ssnlink.net/~zatz/cc/

        * links to every known Mopar site
        * Contains repair info too lengthy for the FAQ
        * Highly recommended - lots of relevant information
        * Also includes information on dealing with Chrysler

        Mailing Lists

        To subscribe to the Neon mailing list, send 'subscribe'
        in the body of a message to neon-request@iastate.edu

        The Mopar Mailing List is performance/vintagae orientd
        MoPar@mopar.tamu.edu

        To subscribe to the Jeep mailing list, send 'subscribe Jeep-l'
        in the body of a message to listproc@knuth.mtsu.edu

        To subscribe to the new Mopar list, first get the rules:
        send a blank message to mopar-rules@lists.fiber.net
        or visit http://www.fiber.net/mopar/mopar-rules.html

        To subscribe to the AMC/Jeep mailing list, send 
        'subscribe amc-list [your real name]' to listserv@scan.si.edu

        To subscribe to the Dodge Dakota mailing list,
        send a message to dakota-request@csclub0.cs.fredonia.edu
        with subscribe [or subscribe digest] in the subject line.

        To subscribe to the Dodge truck mailing list, send mail to 
        majordomo@kodiak.esd.sgi.com reading:
        SUBSCRIBE RAMTRUCK
        END
        For info, try http://www.voicenet.com/~warthog/realtruck

        To subscribe to the Imperial mailing list, send mail to 
        ImperialML@aol.com and ask to be added. 
        Or try http://members.aol.com/xxltony/imperial-mailing-list.html

        Phone Numbers

        1-800-992-1997  Chrysler Customer Service
        1-800-465-2001  Chrysler Canada
        1-800-626-1523  free catalog of service bulletin books,
            owner manuals, service manuals, MasterTech newsletters, videos.
            Designed for Chrysler dealers and mechanics.
        1-800-677-5782  your local 5-Star Dealer
        1-800-255-9877  Automobility Headquarters (reimbursements
            for adaptation of new vehicles for people w/disabilities)
        1-800-998-1110  Neon Racing Headquarters
        1-800-4ADODGE   information about Dodge
        1-800-PLYMOUTH  information about Plymouth; Neon CD-ROM
        1-810-853-7290  Mopar Performance technical hot line
                        ONLY for Mopar Performance issues!!!
        Lambros Racing  314-725-7181
        Metro Moulded Rubber 800 878 2237/612 757 0310
        Chrysler Electronics (direct source for computers, etc)
                205 464 1200 / 800 448 0944

    Other Resources

        Plymouth Owners Club (Plymouth & Fargo 1928-1970)
        203 Main St., Cavalier, North Dakota 58220

        Chrysler Corp Customer Center or Dealer Agreements
        Box 302, Centerline, MI 48015!

        Chrysler Canada Customer Service is at:
        Chrysler Center, P.O. Box 1621
        Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6

        Chrysler Import Deutschland GmbH
        Chrysler Str. 1
        D- 50170 Kerpen  (Germany) (02273) 957-0

        Lemon-Aid Used Car Guide by Phil Edmonston
        The Car Book (Center for Auto Safety)

        Forward Motion (mostly front wheel drive) is at 717-456-
        6038; $5 for catalog to RR1, Box 249A, Delta PA 17314

        Mopar Restos (parts), Route 1 Box 307-39.
        Summerville, GA 30747, (706)857-2832

        R/T registry: write to Cliff Ramsdell or Lorraine
        10 Brainard Road, Enfield, CT  06082

        Standard Catalog Of Chrysler 1924-1990, John Lee
        Krause Publications 800-258-0929

Newsgroups
        rec.autos.makers.chrysler
        alt.hi-po.mopar
        rec.autos.makers.jeep+willys
        wiz.mopar (may not be functional or available)
        rec.autos.antique
        rec.autos.tech
        alt.autos.dodge.trucks
        uk.rec.cars.classic


************************************************************************
  Get the most recently posted copy of the FAQ by sending e-mail
  to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with the following message
  (pick one or more of the following):
     send /pub/usenet/rec.answers/autos/chrysler-faq/general/part1
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... (3, 4, 5)
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     send /pub/usenet/rec.answers/autos/chrysler-faq/neon
The archived copy is not newer than the last posted copy.
******************************************************************
- The Newsgroup Rec.Autos.Makers.Chrysler  -- CHARTER

COVERAGE. Rec.autos.makers.chrysler was set up to cover issues related
to cars and trucks made by Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, Fargo, DeSoto,
Jeep, Eagle, and all other makes sold or marketed by Chrysler Corp.

BEHAVIOR. Political comments and commercial advertising will be
discouraged. However, *short* product announcements, preferably
restricted to the name, availability, and a very brief description of
the product's function (where applicable) are acceptable.

Discussion of whether Chrysler products are of good or bad quality,
lengthy comparisons to Hondas or other cars, and similar arguments and
flamewars with no foreseeable conclusion are heavily discouraged.
Participants are asked to be kind, considerate, and supportive, and to
generally keep an open, warm atmosphere so that the function of this
newsgroup may be maintained.

RATIONALE. This group is proposed to help Chrysler (CC) vehicle owners
to support each other, save money, and maximize enjoyment of their autos.

As in rec.autos.vw, Chrysler owners need a forum where they feel
unreservedly welcomed, and where they can obtain esoteric information
from involved people with similar experiences and vehicles.

This newsgroup should be general enough for those who know little about
cars to get a broad range of information and advise from, while allowing
those more into the products to exchange their views and advice.

In a world dominated by GM, Ford, and VW (Europe) products, Chrysler
owners often find discussions difficult. Most aftermarket parts and
advice are for GM and Ford owners; knowledge about Chrysler is hard to
find. The press don't cover CC as well as they could -- and CC's
dissemination of information to the press and the public is poor.

Chrysler products have quirks which most mechanics don't seem to be
aware of, leading them to replace transmissions when the fault is in a
20 cent vacuum hose, or to replace the engine computer instead of
plugging in a hose or changing a sensor. Chryslers are often seen as
ordinary American cars (unlike makes which many mechanics will admit
they are not familiar with) -- but what will work on a GM or Ford will
often not work on a Dodge. There is a vast ocean of experience in
Chrysler products out on the Internet which may help owners to save
time, money, and trouble.

CC vehicles are common enough, yet idiosyncratic enough, to deserve
their own place in the Net hierarchy -- just as Volkswagens are. In
addition, it is important for CC vehicle owners to have a place to
discuss the problems and benefits of ownership, to exchange detailed
information and personal experiences, in a supportive and positive
atmosphere. In short, I hope to develop a group as vibrant and helpful
as the Mopar mailing list or the rec.autos.VW group have been, while
making this group accessible to all Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, Eagle, and
Chrysler owners, even those who don't know what a Mopar is.

************************************************************************
Thanks to Gene Fusco for the Mopar Mailing List's FAQ; thanks also to
Lloyd R. Parker, Wayne Toy, and Bohdan Bodnar.

*************************CONTENTS*****************************

I. CHRYSLER CORPORATION
II. CARS
* For troubleshooting, see Parts 3-6.

I. CORPORATION

1. What does CC mean?      Chrysler Corporation.

2. What is Chrysler's US customer service number? 800-992-1997

3. What is Chrysler's e-mail address?  They don't have one.

4. What is Chrysler Five-Star Dealers number? 1-800-677-5782.

5. How do I get a free catalog of service guides? 1-800-626-1523

6. Doesn't Chrysler ever sell engines to Mitsubishi?
    Yes, in the base Eclipse.

7. What's the deal with Chrysler still using Mitsubishi engines?

   Chrysler has no small V-6s.
   They are working on a 2.7 and 3.2 liter V-6, which will replace
   most current V6s. The Chrysler/MMC relationship ends by 2000.

8. What's the deal with Chrysler's names in Canada and elsewhere?

    Same names, different cars. Different names, same cars. In
    Australia, ALL Chryslers were Valiants, including Chargers.

9. How reliable are Consumer Reports' ratings?

   See the discussion at http://ssn.ssnlink.net/~zatz/cc/cr.html.

10. How can I get help for problems CC won't acknowledge or fix?

   See the discussion at http://ssn.ssnlink.net/~zatz/cc/trouble.html.
   Read the Lemon-Aid Guide (by Phil Edmonston).
   Keep trying the Chrysler Customer Center. Know the TSBs.
   Write to the Center for Auto Safety or NHTSA.

11. What's the deal with Chrysler Europe, Simca, and Talbot?

  Chrysler owned Simca and Rootes/Sunbeam until the late 70s, and 
  modified the Omni for them. Peugeot bought them and sold the Omni
  as the Talbot Horizon.  They had Simca/Sunbeam engines rather 
  than the US versions' Peugeot/VW/Chrysler engines (Lloyd Parker)

12. Why are so many Chrysler dealers so awful?

   Perpetual contracts. Organizational culture. Incorrect 
   assumptions at the corporate level. Zone officials who think
   all customers are whiners and all dealers are honest and 
   competent.

********

20. Is X good for my engine? (includes Slick50)

   The Toyota FAQ (Todd Haverstock) sez: "Independent labs as well
   as engine manufacturer Briggs and Stratton have rendered a 
   verdict that Slick 50 and similar oil treatments are useless."   
   The Gasoline FAQ says most gasoline additives are useless.

21. Do I have a Chrysler (CC) or Mitsubishi (MMC) engine?

  See part 2. 

22. What should my tire pressure be? (FWD)

   For front wheel drive, maximum pressure in the front (for
   handling) with normal pressure in the rear (for ride). This gave
   me good results with my Shadow (35/32). Different cars have
   different pressures; some are higher.

23. What does SOHC, SMPI, etc mean? What do I have?

 * DIS means distributorless ignition system. No rotor! 
 * SOHC and DOHC refer to the number of camshafts; one or two.
 * EFI means electronic fuel injection, such as the following:
 * TBI - throttle body injection; one or two injectors 
   spray fuel into the air as it heads to the cylinders. 
 * MPI uses one fuel injector for each cylinder. It sprays fuel in the
   intake manifold, firing at the intake valves. These are smoother than
   TBI systems, and have more power *and* better mileage.
 * SMPI is sequential multiple-point injection; the injector only
   fires when the fuel can go straight through the valve and into 
   the cylinder instead of splashing onto a closed valve. 
 * Direct injection sprays fuel directly into each cylinder. 
   This is mainly used in Diesel engines (thanks, Michael Turley!)

25. What kind of oil should I use in my 2.2 or 2.5 liter engine?

   On February 7, 1995, a Chrysler engineer said 5W30 was best for
   2.0, 2.2, and 2.5 liter non-turbo engines, for winter or
   year-round in climates such as that of New Jersey.
   All dealers I surveyed incorrectly recommended and used 10W30!

   Use Energy Conserving II and SH grades where possible.

   For my car, recommended oil changes are at 6 months / 7,500
   miles. I change it at 6 months or 6,000 miles. 

** CHECK YOUR MANUAL **. Dealers often suggest things like changing
   your antifreeze every three months to get easy money. If
   you exceed Chrysler's recommendations, do the easy work yourself. 

   PS> Overheating after a an antifreeze change/radiator flushing
       means your mechanic didn't purge the system correctly.

26. What kind of engine do I have ???

   Raise the hood and check the emissions sticker. You can decode your
   vehicle ID number (VIN) using most car manuals. The emissions sticker 
   will tell you the displacement of the engine.

27. What is a Mopar? Do I have one?

   Mopar is slang for a Chrysler-produced car. Some extend it to AMCs
   and to MMC products (e.g. Colt) sold by CC; and some restrict it to
   high performance cars only. It is also Chrysler's parts division.

28. Which are the Diamond Star models?

   The term is usually used for all MMC and CC "collaborations,"
   including the Stealth/3000GT and the new Avenger/Sebring. The Colt
   and RAM 50 were MMCs sold by CC. Are they Mopars? Who knows?

29. What are the K-cars?

  Herb "Mopar Maniac" DaSilva adds:
    ... CC used the components on the Aries/Reliant (K) in many of
   its other platforms. These platforms... share similar distance
   between the wheels on the same axle, and have the same suspension
   design. Most K variants can swap struts (H is an exception).
   K derivates include:  Laser (pre-88)/Daytona (G), Shadow/Sundance
   (P), LeBaron/New Yorker (J), LeBaron sedan (pre-90)/Lancer
   (H), Dynasty/New Yorker/Imperial (C), Acclaim/Spirit/LeBaron sedan
   (HA). Each derivative has a different wheelbase and floor pan.
   The minivan is only loosely based on the K platform.

30. How do I find the fault codes stored in my engine computer?

    See Part 3 of this FAQ.

32. How often should I change my trans fluid?

   Check your service manual. The severe service definition means that
   the vehicle is operated primarily in one of those conditions.
   Not occasionally. An automatic trans needs to have its oil
   and filter changed when the oil gets discolored due to suspended
   solids. ATF usually does not need to be changed unless
   contaminated. The trans oil can get contaminated by overheating or
   by severe internal wear due to abuse, especially towing. 
   I have never changed the oil in any of my automatics and 
   never have had a failure. My 1979 Volare has 167,000 miles on the ATF 
   and is still working the same as when new. (Mostly from Robert Muir).

   Note: 4-speed automatic transmissions should have their ATF
   changed every three years or so. It usually MUST be replaced
   with Mopar ATF, NOT Dexron. SOME CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS WILL
   BE DESTROYED IF YOU USE THE WRONG FLUID.

   Note: Even some 3-speed CC transmissions are NOT compatible
         with Dexron - read your manual !!! (The defining factor
         seems to be the torque converter)

34. What kind of gas should I use?

   Consumer Reports reports that the following gas brands passed BMW's
   tests as of April 1991 in North America, in regular, midgrade, and
   premium form: Amoco, Atlantic, Chevron, Conoco, Exxon, Fina, Gulf,
   Hess, Marathon, Mobil, Phillips, Shell, Sunoco, and Texaco.

35. Are minivans unsafe? What about the latches?

  Lloyd R. Parker (reworded):
  The latch issue was mainly not using seat belts or unfastened seats.
  Lloyd said the Ford Aerostars, with the supposedly better latches,
  had a higher rate of ejections through the hatch.  There were five 
  million vans and not many ejections in that time. Chrysler is 
  replacing the latches for free.

36. What about lemons?

To quote the rec.autos FAQ --
  every auto manufacturer has manufactured a lemon or two; even Honda
  admits to this. Please don't waste everyone's time by announcing to
  the world that your `brand x' automobile is terrible, so
  all brand x automobiles are terrible, so no one should ever buy a
  car from the brand x company.  Such articles are worse than
  useless, because they cause wasted bandwidth while carrying little
  or no useful information.

37. Are K&N filters worth it?

  David Cooley reported on a magazine test of aftermarket air filters.
  The paper filters were respectable, but the K&N and Accell filters
  flowed almost 3 times as much air when dirty as clean paper filters
  of the same size. The K&N passed less particulate matter than the
  paper filter; as it got dirtier outside, they sprayed on a new coat
  of oil (without cleaning) and found it filtered even better.

  The maintainer notes that K&N filters change your engine sound,
  reduce the quantity of paper in landfills (rarely need replacement),
  and flow better when dirty. Other than that, you may not notice much
  difference unless you have a high-efficiency exhaust and performance
  engine. They pay for themselves, but don't expect a huge power boost.

38. Is there anything special I should do if I have ABS?

   Don't rely on it. ... Marv Miller suggests
   replacing the brake fluid every 2-4 years regardless of car make.
   Use only the brake fluid the car maker recommends!!! Fully
   depressurize the system before adding or changing brake fluids.

39. What kind of transmission fluid should I use? Is Dexron OK?

    Use ONLY what it says in your owner's manual to use. Many Chrysler
    transmissions are NOT compatible with standard fluid!

    THIS IS AN IMPORTANT and very misunderstood issue. Please see the
    discussion at the end of this part of the FAQ.

40. Which is larger - Windstar, or Caravan/Voyager?

    Lloyd Parker: the Detroit Free
    Press removed the center and rear seats and stacked 135 soft drink
    cases in a WindStar and 154 cases in a Grand Caravan.

41. Do I have one of those evil ABS systems I heard about?

    These had the Bendix ABS-10: (Thanks, G. Smith)
     90-93 C body (Dynasty/New Yorker)
     90-93 Y body (Imperial)
     91-92 BB body (Premier/Monaco - Renault imports)
     91-93 S body (Minivans - Caravan/Voyager)

     Chrysler has now extended the warranty to 100,000 miles and may
     be recalling them. 

86. All other questions.

   Check the ballast resistor, vacuum hoses, and computer codes.




******************* UP AND COMING ******************

** NEW ALUMINUM V-6 ENGINES **

The 2.7 is due to produce 180 hp, the 3.2 220 hp. 
The 3.5 will be retained, with 250 hp (they hope).
Rumor: the 3.2 is not meeting its target yet.

** NEW NEONS **

  From what my friends who work on the Neon at Chrysler tell me, the '98
  Neon will be "substantially different" than the '95 Neons. The looks
  will remain the same, the engines will be expanded, and their
  number-one focus is on increasing quality (Mike)

  Don't count on a supercharged Neon.

*********************** AUTOMATIC TRANS FLUID ***********

Question:
   Can the "universal" automatic transmission fluids be used in all
   Chrysler vehicles calling for ATF+?  The labels of the universal
   brands do not mention Chrysler applications.

Answer:
     Chrysler recommends that only ATF+ Type 7176 (PN 4467721) be used
in all Chrysler automatic transmissions with locking torque converters.
Substituting any other fluid can lead to problems.  Mopar ATF+ allows
more slippage than other friction-modified fluids. Shifting and
engagement of the torque converter cluch (TCC) in virtually all Chrysler
automatics is controlled by the transmission control module (TCM) based
on a variety of inputs including throttle position, engine speed, input
and output speed and others.  The result is that the TCM "learns"
operating characteristics and conditions for an individual transaxle.
The lock-up torque converter must operate in three states instead of
just two: unlocked, partially locked and fully locked.  In partial lock,
a regulated amount of slippage is allowed at the converter cluch.  If
the wrong automatic transmission fluid is used, the TCM can't
effectively regulate the amount of slippage in a partial lock condition
with the result being converter cluch shudder.  Therefore, it is
important to use only Mopar ATF+ in all (modern) Chrysler automatics.
--
Wayne Toy                   milnet:  toy@dockmaster.ncsc.mil

Note: Quaker State makers a 7176-specification trans fluid, which
is an alternative to Mopar brand.

(end of FAQ part 1)

--
http://ssn.ssnlink.net/~zatz/cc/ is Chrysler Central


