chrysler FAQ
Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ about Chrysler vehicles was compiled and written by David
Zatz with numerous contributions by others.
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).
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).
01 What does DCX mean? DaimlerChrysler
02 What is Chrysler's US customer service number?
03 What is Chrysler's e-mail address?
04 What about the merger / takeover?
05 What's the deal with Chrysler still using Mitsubishis?
06 What's the deal with Chrysler's names in Canada and elsewhere?
07 How reliable are Consumer Reports' ratings?
08 How can I get help for problems Chrysler won't fix?
09 What's the deal with Chrysler Europe, Simca, and Talbot?
10 Why are so many Chrysler dealers so awful?
11 What is Chrysler doing about it?
12 Should I use high octane gas?
13 Is X good for my engine? (includes Slick50)
14 Does the Mini really use a modified Neon engine?
15 What does SOHC, SMPI, etc mean? What do I have?
16 What kind of oil should I use in my 2.2 or 2.5 liter engine?
17 What kind of engine do I have ???
18 What is a Mopar? Do I have one?
19 Which are the Diamond Star models?
20 What are the K-cars?
21 How do I find the fault codes stored in my engine computer?
22 How often should I change my trans fluid?
23 What kind of gas should I use?
24 What about lemons?
25 Are K&N filters worth it?
26 Is there anything special I should do if I have ABS?
27 What kind of transmission fluid should I use? Is Dexron OK?
28 Are Chrysler transmissions still junk?
29 Do I have one of those evil ABS systems I heard about?
30 Aren't Chryslers junk? / Has Mercedes improved Chrysler quality?
31 Automatic Trans Fluid
32 Newsgroup Charter
33 Important Dc Folk
34 Before Posting With Complaints/Questions
35 HOW TO DEAL WITH CHRYSLER CORP.
36 Non-Chrysler Solutions
37 What Should I Do If I Have The Following Car/Engine?
38 Consumer Reports Discussions
39 Engines used in Chryslers since 1966:
40 New Transmission Designations
41 Car Body Types
42 Computer Codes
43 Classic Car Troubleshooting
44 Car won't start
45 Anything from pollution to loss of power
46 Stalling ()
47 Windshield wipers won't work ():
48 Water leaks into the car:
49 runs rough cold, seems to improve with heat
50 Lean-Burn (computer-controlled carbureted engine) rough idle
51 Slant Six problems
52 318 V8 troubleshooting
53 Seat belt looseness
54 Low front end
55 Pinging on V-8s
56 Diagnosing Problems In Computer Controlled Carbureted Engines
57 Diagnosis And Setting Idle A/F Mixture
58 Replacing Crankcase Inlet Air Filters
59 Engines: Idling, power, stalling, mileage; transmissions
60 Stall, hesitation, or sag
61 Intermittent Idle Problems: (see also #28, #30)
62 Transmission noise: when shifting/stopping, buzzng/ratcheting
63 Fast idle on startup
64 Knocking
65 Gas mileage / rough running easy fix
66 Engine runs rough - computer shows code 13
67 Cold weather problems
68 Hard to shift into reverse (manual transmissions)
69 2.5 liter knock/idle
70 Other transmission issues
71 Metallic banging during 2-1 downshift when stopping
72 Harsh 2-1 downshifts
73 Rough idle - several cases
74 Power loss, stalling, and/or rough running
75 Power drops dramatically (engines with carb - esp 2.6)
76 Magnum V-6 engine problems
77 Power drop, black smoke, 2.6 liter
78 TBI engine hesitation (2.2/2.5)
79 Power loss/jerky on acceleration
80 Hesitation (also covered elsewhere)
81 3.9 liter (pre-1993) common problem - PREVENT IT
82 Turbo cuts out/power limited/power loss light
83 Jeep 4.0 EFI engine stalls at a stop (Jeep 4.0 stalling).
84 3.0 V-6 hesitation or bogging on acceleration
85 LH transmission clunk / rough downshift
86 3-speed automatic flare-up / slow 1-2 shifts
87 Power loss or gas mileage loss
88 Poor mileage, cold starts
89 Cold start/initial run problem - MMC 2.6
90 Funny noises, oil leaks, temperature stuff
91 Oil loss from 2.5 (maybe 2.2) liter engine
92 Oil loss from 2.2/2.5 revisited
93 Oil seepage from the valve cover or oil pan gaskets
94 Oil leak from manual transmission
95 Oil loss/smoking from 3.0 V-6
96 Oil in air filter area or in air intake
97 Noise happens on left hand turns and some bumps
98 Dakota creak
99 2.5 liter knock/idle
100 Snapping noise on start/stop
101 Daytona rattle
102 Metallic banging during 2-1 downshift when stopping
103 Whining or whistling noises (most 89-94 FWD vehicles)
104 Rattle from back of car
105 Rattles from engine compartment
106 Misc rattles
107 Squeak on acceleration (from gas pedal)
108 Neon rear end noise
109 Doors make grinding noise when opening/closing
110 1996 minivan noises (comprehensive list)
111 1996 minivan sloshing gas tank
112 Grand Cherokee clunking noise
113 Clicking or snapping in the front end
114 Clunking
115 Knocking/metallic clanking
116 Drive belt squeal
117 Inexplicable chime
118 Temperature gauge swings
119 Heater problems:
120 Air blows through the wrong vents
121 Windshield washer nozzle freeze-up
122 Temperature gauge problems
123 Head gasket seems to need replacement / poor temp regulation
124 Air conditioner ineffective OR cycles too often
125 No heat
126 Other Troubleshooting / Quick Fixes
127 Fuel Leaks
128 Water leaks (Rampage, possibly other L bodies)
129 Loose steering
130 Doors freezing shut
131 A/C smell
132 Caravan/Voyager stuck doors:
133 Check Engine light goes on:
134 DING sound when hard cornering
135 Speedometer doesn't work
136 ABS jerky
137 Brake rotor warping
138 Smoky exhaust
139 Water leak in Shadow/Sundance hatch
140 Control/status panel acting funny
141 ABS note
142 Service engine light goes on.
143 Cruise control problems
144 Battery charging problems
145 Hatchback water leaks
146 Car / minivan will not start, CLICK!s instead
147 Spongy / mushy brakes
148 Squeal when a/c is on; adjusting belts
149 Weatherstrip repair
150 Preventing ABS problems
151 Jeep 4.0 noise
152 LH clunk
153 Stratus/Cirrus/Breeze wipers acting funny
154 Misc 4-speed automatic transmission problems
155 Shimmy under acceleration - 35-45 mph
156 Gas gauge acting funny
157 Backfiring
158 3.0 liter PREVENTION
159 CV boot replacement
160 Rear defroster activated by brake lights
161 Odd behavior when starting (e.g. wiper runs)
162 Fluid leaks (inside the car)