Chrysler FAQ

What does DCX mean?

DaimlerChrysler (CC used to mean Chrysler Corp, DC used to mean Direct Connection, precursor to Mopar Performance) DaimlerChrysler is the new name for Daimler-Benz AG,which merged with the Chrysler Group, the former Chrysler Corporation..

What is Chrysler's US customer service number?

800-992-1997

What is Chrysler's e-mail address?

They don't have one. However, you can ask questions at http://www.dcanswers.com/

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, and provide an excuse to eliminate Chrysler.Daimler got Chrysler's $8 billion war chest. One UAW and one German union rep on the new board. Only two Chrysler reps on the board left from original four.Mercedes runs the show.Next-generation LH models to use many Mercedes parts. Neon to be replaced by Lancer clone Sebring/Stratus sedan to be replaced by Galant clone. All future four cylinder engines to come from Hyundai

• Chrysler will make future Mitsubishi V6, V8 engines

Next-generation Mercedes SUV to be Grand Cherokee clone. Crossfire is rebadged Mercedes Chrysler plants are being sold left and right

See http://www.chryslertakeover.com for details

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

Just after Chrysler phased out the last Mitsubishi engine, Daimler announced that Chrysler would phase out all Chrysler four cylinders in favor of Mitsubishi/Hyundai fours.

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.

How can I get help for problems Chrysler won't fix?

See the discussion at http://www.allpar.com/trouble.html. Read the Lemon-Aid Guide (by Phil Edmonston). Keep trying the Chrysler Customer Center. Know the TSBs. Visit nhtsa.gov

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.

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.

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. Happy note: many dealers have lost their certification!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.allpar.com/eek/

How often should I change my trans fluid?

PLEASE - 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.

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+4® is approved for use in older transmissions and is currently utilized in newer Chrysler®, Jeep® and Dodge® vehicles. The previous MOPAR ATF+3® formulation was discontinued in 2005 and ATF+4® is recommended for all transmissions filled with ATF+3®. Only certified ATF+4® is recommended for service of Chrysler LLC vehicles. The use of automatic transmission fluids other than ATF+4®, including those claiming to be like ATF+4®, could result in lower levels of performance, jeopardize transmission life and void warranties.

For a list of approved Chrysler ATF+4 brands see the Chrysler ATF+4 Information Center at http://www.centerforqa.com . This website has information on all brands of transmission fluid approved by Chrysler for use in Chrysler vehicles.

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.

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.

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. Please see the discussion at the end of this part of the FAQ.

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

Good luck getting Chrysler to do anything years latter.

Should I buy a Chrysler in its first three months of production?

Only if you're a mechanic with a sense of adventure. (They *are* getting better!)