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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail Message-ID: <autos/chrysler-faq/general/part1_1083675484@rtfm.mit.edu> Supersedes: <autos/chrysler-faq/general/part1_1082292761@rtfm.mit.edu> Expires: 2 Jun 2004 12:58:04 GMT X-Last-Updated: 2004/04/13 Followup-To: poster From: faq@allpar.com (Dr. David Zatz) Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.chrysler,rec.answers,news.answers Subject: rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6 Organization: http://www.allpar.com/ Summary: Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge FAQ part 1 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU Date: 04 May 2004 12:58:55 GMT Lines: 592 NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu X-Trace: 1083675535 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 570 18.181.0.29 Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.autos.makers.chrysler:239525 rec.answers:86892 news.answers:270839 Archive-name: autos/chrysler-faq/general/part1 Posting-Frequency: 15 days Last-modified: 2004/4/13 Version: 5.8 This section is generally revised every 300 days. - - - - - - - - - - - - IMPORTANT. Do not attempt to respond to faq@allpar.com. Due to spam this address DOES NOT GO ANYWHERE. Instead, reply to faq2 at that allpar /dot/ com address. Thank you. - - - - - - - - - - - - * Important Note * Chrysler generally refers to the full Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep) or, historically, Chrysler Corporation (including Plymouth, DeSoto, Eagle, and, while they belonged to Chrysler, Simca, Rootes Group, Sunbeam, Singer, and AMC). DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been taken to insure the accuracy of the information contained in this FAQ list compilation, the author and contributors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Some of the information is presented as opinion rather than fact. The writers and the maintainer do not claim to be authorities. information below may be reproduced in any way IF credit is given to the writers and maintainer; and that it is not published in book or magazine form without the prior written permission of the maintainer; that the maintainer receives, without asking, a FREE copy of the final material; and that no changes are made (except for formatting) without the express permission of the maintainer (faq@allpar.com = David Zatz). - - - - - - - - - - - - If you did not obtain this FAQ from one of its newsgroups or from the rtfm.mit.edu archives, it is probably NOT a current edition. The latest copy may be obtained from http://www.allpar.com/faq.html - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 Important Chrysler folk 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 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 Note that this part will be discontinued Part 5 Funny noises Oil leaks Temperature stuff Note that this part will be discontinued Part 6 Troubleshooting (except what is covered by parts 3, 4, and 5) Note that this part will be discontinued Related FAQs: Neon - maintained by the Neon mailing list. ************************************************************************ 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 Chrysler 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: http://allpar.com/ - major owner/enthusiast site * Models, history, repair, performance info Contact Chrysler via Net - http://www.dcanswers.com Phone Numbers 1-800-992-1997 Chrysler Customer Service - USA 1-800-465-2001 Chrysler Canada 1-800-626-1523 Mopar catalog of manuals, videos, books (free) 1-800-677-5782 local 5-Star Dealer locator 1-800-255-9877 adapting new vehicles for people w/disabilities. 1-800-998-1110 Neon Racing Headquarters 1(248)969-1690 Mopar Performance *technical* hot line ONLY for Mopar Performance issues!!! 1-800 448 0944 Chrysler Electronics (direct source for computers, etc) - also 256 464 1200 Other Resources Plymouth Owners Club (Plymouth & Fargo 25+ years old) 203 Main St., Cavalier, North Dakota 58220 Chrysler Canada Customer Service: Chrysler Center, P.O. Box 1621 Windsor, Ontario N9A 4H6 Chrysler Europe NV Woluwedal 106-108, 1200 Brussels, Belgium - Europe Chrysler Import Deutschland GmbH Chrysler Str. 1 D- 50170 Kerpen (Germany) (02273) 957-0 Selected Mopar books, 20% off: http://www.allpar.com/books.html Want information on your 1967 or older car? The Chrysler Historical Foundation, at 12501 Chrysler Freeway, CIMS 410-11-21, Highland Park, MI 48288, will supply you with service manuals, build records, owner's manuals, and stock photos - all for a fee. Newsgroups rec.autos.makers.chrysler rec.autos.makers.jeep+willys alt.hi-po.mopars alt.hi-po.mopars.neon alt.autos.dodge.trucks others in rec.autos.* . wiz.mopar Chrysler was the first make in the rec.autos.makers.* hierarchy, but Volkswagen was the first make to have a Big Seven newsgroup. Chrysler beat both GM and Ford to having a Big Seven newsgroup! ************************************************************************ Thanks to Gene Fusco for the Mopar Mailing List's FAQ; thanks also to Lloyd R. Parker, Wayne Toy, Bohdan Bodnar, and Dan Stern. *************************CONTENTS***************************** This is divided into corporate and car sections. I. CORPORATE 1. What does DCX mean? DaimlerChrysler (CC used to mean Chrysler Corp, DC used to mean Direct Connection, precursor to Mopar Performance) DCX is DaimlerChrysler's stock symbol. The X was rumored to stand for Honda at one point (as in DCH) and then rumors said Mitsubishi. 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. However, you can ask questions at http://www.dcanswers.com/ 4. What about the merger / takeover? Motivation: Chrysler execs got about $60 million in personal profit. Daimler bought Chrysler, doubling their profits (temporarily). They reportedly siphoned off Chrysler profits via accounting tricks in order to make Mercedes look more profitable. Daimler got Chrysler's $8-10 billion war chest. One UAW and one German union rep on the new board. Only one Chrysler rep on the board left from original four. Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Mercedes all being fused into one big unit. Many plants were sold. 7. What's the deal with Chrysler still using Mitsubishis? Just after Chrysler phased out the last Mitsubishi engine, Daimler announced that Chrysler would phase out all Chrysler four cylinders in favor of jointly designed fours. A joint small V6 is rumored now as well. The new engine is said to be quite a powerhouse, but it's not a Hyundai or Mitsubishi engine, it's a true joint venture. As far as the next-generation Neons and Stratuses, they are also being jointly developed - we understand Chrylser is actually in the lead on both, though they are using newer Mitsubishi basic platforms to save money. You can read about Mitsubishi's current efforts at http://www.acarplace.com/ 8. What's the deal with Chrysler's names in Canada and elsewhere? Same names, different cars. Different names, same cars. For the history, see http://www.valiant.org/canada.html and http://www.allpar.com/world/ Dodge and Plymouth cars were both ended in Canada, but Dodge was later restored and is set to debut in Europe after many decades. 9. How reliable are Consumer Reports' ratings? See the discussion at http://www.allpar.com/cr.html 10. How can I get help for problems Chrysler won't fix? See the discussion at http://www.allpar.com/trouble.html. Keep trying the Chrysler Customer Center. Know the TSBs. Visit http://www.nhtsa.gov ... keep trying and keep your cool. 11. What's the deal with Chrysler Europe, Simca, and Talbot? Chrysler owned Simca and Rootes/Sunbeam until the late 70s, but sales kept going up and down (usually down). Peugeot bought them and sold the Omni as the Talbot. They had Simca/Sunbeam engines (Lloyd Parker). The Centura sold in Australia was a Simca (Dan Stern). For more Simca info write to US.SIMCA.CarClub@centuryinter.net See http://www.allpar.com/world/ for many details. 12. Why are so many Chrysler dealers so awful? Perpetual contracts. Organizational culture. Incorrect assumptions at all levels. Zone officials who think all customers are whiners and all dealers are honest. 13. What is Chrysler doing about it? Five Star program which requires better processes to be in place and does not rely solely on survey ratings should help SOME Chrysler dealers. However, it may be circumvented by less scrupulous dealers with less dedicated zone reps. ******** 14. Should I use high octane gas? Only if your car was designed for it (see your owner's manual) or if you've advanced the timing or your engine is knocking. According to Chrysler and others, many high-octane gasolines have a low driveability index, which can cause long cold start times, warm-up sags, hesitations, and driveway die outs. Under the law, ALL gasolines sold in the US must meet certain standards for detergent; if you really need to "drive your engine clean" get a bottle of Techron or Mopar engine cleaner. Turbo engines are usually designed to use either regular or premium. Use of premium adds power. 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. Others have weighed in on that score, and DuPont sued to prevent Slick 50 from using Teflon (unsuccessfully). For more details: http://www.tfb.com/sdmc/oil.html 21. Do I have a Chrysler or Mitsubishi (MMC) engine? See part 2. 22. Does the Mini really use a modified Neon engine? Yes, it's a smaller version of the Neon engine designed for European Neons and a small Chrysler that never materialized. The factory was a joint venture with Rover. 23. What does SOHC, SMPI, etc mean? What do I have? Note: No current Chrysler has a distributor or throttle body injection. * DIS means distributorless ignition system. No rotor! - Chrysler is moving past DIS to a coil-on-plug system * 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!) -- Note: all current Chrysler products use DIS and returnless SMPI. Mitsubishi is pioneering direct injection for gas engines. 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! - In 1993 and 1998 Chrysler said 5W30 was best for all its cars. - Dan Stern says synthetic 10W30 is better than natural 5W30. - The benefits of 5W30 or synthetics seem greatest in cold weather when oil is most viscous (before the engine warms). - Even GM recommends 5W30 on their Vortec V8s. 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. GM says many owners do not need to change oil until 10,000 miles! If you are concerned, use synthetic and change at 6,000. ** 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. Be careful to thoroughly purge the system of air bubbles - or invest in head gaskets. This is VERY important. 5W30 is generally recommended for the 2.0 and 2.4 liter engines, too. 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 DC; and some restrict it to high performance only. It is the name of Chrysler's parts division. Mopar stands for MOtor PARts. MoPar is a registered trademark. 28. Which are the Diamond Star models? Diamond Star models are those built by the Diamond Star (DSM) plant in Illinois. This was a joint venture but is now 100% MMC. The Stratus/Sebring/Avenger Coupes and Eclipse are the only DSM models. The Stealth used some Chrysler technology but was mostly Mitsubishi - and was all Japanese. The Colt, Sapparo, FWD Challenger, and Ram 50 were re-badged Mitsubishis. 29. What are the K-cars? Herb DaSilva: ... Chrysler 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 (AA). Each derivative has a different wheelbase and floor pan. The minivan is only loosely based on the K platform. (Executive and Limousine were low-production extended-Ks, and the CSX was a performance Sundance/Shadow). These cars are collectively referred to as EEKs. There is a mailing list for them at http://www.eekcars.com/ 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. Mopar 3-speed automatic transmissions need to have 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. (Mostly from Robert Muir). 4-speed automatic transmissions should have their ATF changed every three years or so. It MUST be replaced with ATF+4, NOT Dexron. (Newer automatics require ATF+5). MODERN CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS WILL BE DESTROYED IF YOU USE THE WRONG FLUID. See http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html Even some 3-speed DC transmissions are NOT compatible with Dexron - read your manual !!! Or just use ATF+4 (ATF+5 for some newer models) 34. What kind of gas should I use? Use the octane level your owner's manual recommends and the brand you have had good luck with. If your engine knocks adjust the timing. 35. No longer relevant; deleted. 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. K&N filters change your engine sound, 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. There has been debate over the actual filtering ability of these filters; the power boost on TBI cars is negligible. 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! ATF+4 is usually the best one to use with automatic transmissions before 2001, ATF+5 after. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT and very misunderstood issue. You should really visit http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html if you have a four-speed or five-speed Chrysler automatic. Even most three-speed automatics are required to use ATF+4. 40. Are Chrysler transmissions still junk? Not if you use the right transmission fluid. 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 42. Aren't Chryslers junk? / Has Mercedes improved Chrysler quality? Chrysler was working on quality before the takeover, yielding the PT Cruiser - which seems to be beating the Honda Civic on quality surveys - and the Jeep Liberty, which is also doing very well. Chrysler has been making great strides in quality. Mercedes is, if anything, damaging those efforts by emphasizing an "expert" approach rather than a Toyota-style inclusive/participatory approach to quality. Look at Mercedes' quality reports, then at Chrysler's. Generally, Chrysler quality TROUNCES Mercedes. Now tell me that Mercedes is helping. 86. All other questions. Check the computer codes. ******************* UP AND COMING ****************** This section has been replaced by http://www.allpar.com/news/ and http://www.allpar.com/model/upcoming.html *********************** AUTOMATIC TRANS FLUID ********************** The FAQ maintainer notes that many people have destroyed their transmissions by using the wrong fluid. Some people have had bad transmission problems go away when they changed the fluid. Follow Chrysler's recommendations to the letter. Ignore the alternative fluid (as in "if Mopar is unavailable, use..."). See http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html for details. *********************** NEWSGROUP CHARTER *********** - The Newsgroup Rec.Autos.Makers.Chrysler -- CHARTER (Unchanged since the newsgroup was created in the mid-1990s.) 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. *********************** IMPORTANT DC FOLK *********** DaimlerChrysler, 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766 This list was provided by a customer, not a staffer. Names may have changed. This list is from 2001. Dieter Zetsche, President, CIMS 485-15-62 Thomas G. Denomme, Vice Chairman and CAO, CIMS 485-15-10 Bob Johanas, National Customer Relations Director Caron Meako, Admin to Bob Johanas Joan Smith, Supervisor and Manager to Call Center Dionne Hopkins, Senior Staff (Customer Complaint Department) Lori Johnson, Senior Staff (Customer Complaint Department) Chrysler Customer Center, CIMS 429-03-03 FAQ maintained by David Zatz who works at http://www.toolpack.com/ and may sometimes be seen at http://www.ptcruizer.com/ (end of FAQ part 1)