Following is the latest revision of the main part of the FAQ. To
revisit, part I = the group, part III = computer codes and engine/body
types, and part IV = troubleshooting.
version 1.2 – revised 11/23/94
FAQ For Rec.Autos.Makers.Chrysler
Related FAQs: TBI (2.2/2.5 liter), Shadow/Sundance/Duster, Neon.
PART II – THE CARS
Thanks to Gene Fusco for writing the Mopar Mailing List’s FAQ, which
this is based on, and to Jarvis Smallfield of the MML for forwarding it
to us!
MML-based items (edited for this group) are marked with a -. Newer items
are marked with a *. Thanks to Lloyd R. Parker and Wayne Toy for their
additions and help in the engines and oil sections.
*************************CONTENTS*****************************
What CC means
Is this good for my engine?
Do I have a Chrysler or Mitsubishi engine?
What is Chrysler’s USA customer service number? (toll-free)
1-800-992-1997
What is Chrysler’s e-mail address? 0005582…@mcimail.com
What is Chrysler’s Five-Star Dealers number? 1-800-677-5782.
How do I get a free catalog of service bulletins? 1-800-626-1523.
What should my tire pressure be? (FWD only)
What does SOHC, SMPI, etc mean? What do I have?
What kind of oil filter should I use?
What kind of oil should I use in my 2.2 or 2.5 liter engine?
What kind of engine do I have?
What is a Mopar? Do I have one?
Which are the Diamond Star models?
What is a K-car?
How do I find the fault codes stored in my engine computer?
What is an x body? (Where x=A,B,C,E,F….)
Doesn’t Chrysler ever sell engines to Mitsubishi?
How can I increase the power of my engine?
Is there a used parts finder on the Internet?
Is there a new car price service on the ‘Net?
All other questions.
————————————————————————
* What does CC mean? Chrysler Corporation.
- Is X good for my engine?
This is a topic that elicits debate on the scale of many religious wars.
50% of the people asked will say yes, and the rest will say no.
* Do I have a Chrysler (CC) or Mitsibushi (MMC) engine?
(The following applies to most CC vehicles *after* 1960. You may also
want to reference Part 4, which goes into more detail).
FOUR CYLINDERS: The 2.2 and 2.5 are CC (note that the 2.5 Jeep engine is
not the same as the 2.5 Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge engine), the 2.6 is a
MMC. MMC engines were used in joint ventures such as the Talon and
Stealth, until the 2.0 Neon engine came out in 1994 (model year 1995).
MMC also made a 2.0 engine. Most new CC cars use CC engines,
the exception being the 2.5 MMC V-6.
The L-bodies (Omni/Horizon) used a 1.7 SOHC IL-4 by VW at first (manual
trans only) and then switched to a 1.6 SOHC IL-4 by Peugeot (manual
trans). They also later used CC’s 2.2. Some Reliant/Aries used a MMC
2.6. The Premier/Monaco used a Renault 3.0 SOHC V-6 (the Premier at
first also used the Jeep 2.5 I-4). The 1996 Dodge Dakota will, as the
standard engine, use the Jeep 2.5 L instead of the CC 2.5.
SIX CYLINDERS: the 3.0 (except Premier/Monaco Renault V6) and 2.5 are
from MMC, the 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.9 are all CC. The 3.9 is derived from
the 318 V-8 (5.2 liter) of old. Many Jeeps also use the straight-six
(4.0 liter) developed by Jeep. The "slant-six" (170, 198, and 225 cid)
are authentic Chrysler engines – and legendary ones at that.
OTHERS: V-8s & V-10 are all Chrysler. 5.2=318, 5.9=360.
EXCEPTIONS: The Colt, Summit, and some other small models
were Mitsubishis. MMC engines include the 1.5, 1.6, 2.0 (pre-1994), and
3.0. Jeep had its own 2.5 liter engine which is not the car 2.5.
There is a new 2.5 V-6 based on the MMC 3.0 V6.
JEEPS & AMCs seem to have been built by a kit car philosophy before CC
bought AMC from the French (long story). Engines, carbs, transmissions,
and other parts were bought from Chrysler, GM, and the F-word. (Hence
carb trouble on many CJs from the Motorcrap carburetors).
(Courtesy of Lloyd Parker, some additions/corrections by Daniel J.
Stern)
1.5 in Colt: MMC
1.6 in Horizons too: Peugeot built
1.7 in Horizons: Volkswagen built and designed from Rabbit’s (Golf’s).
1.8 from Mitsu in Laser/Talon too.
2.0 in 1st generation (90-94) diamond star coupes: MMC, same as in
galant
2.0 (95 and afterwards): Chrysler designed & built
2.2 Chrysler designed/built. Workhorse.
2.4 Larger displacement neon engine with balance shafts
2.5 Chrysler designed/built, long stroke 2.2 with balance shafts
2.6 mitsu engine available in early/mid 80′s (MMC hemi!)
3.0 V6: MMC designed, in many cars/minivans
3.3 V6: chrysler designed/built PUSHROD engine.
NO 3.3 WAS MMC!
3.5 V6: 24 valve SOHC derivative of the 3.3L
3.8 V6: bigger displacement 3.3 used in vans/imperial/new yorker(?)
2.5 v6: mitsu engine in avenger/sebring/cirrus/stratus
3.9 V6: used in trucks, 318 V8 with 2 cylinders missing, basically
5.2 V8: 318ci V8
5.9 V8: 360ci V8
older Jeeps
2.5L I4: GM
2.5L I4: in 85? & up AMC designed
2.8 V-6: GM
4.2L I6: 258 six
4.0L I6: Based on the AMC 2.5L with 2 more cylinders and other mods?
AMC.
5.2l V8: CC 318, mod from the old days for new CC trucks/Jeeps
5.9l V8: AMC V8 part of the 290/304/343/360/390/401 family–NOT CC 360!
Older engines:
"A" engine family (actually LA): 273/318/340/360 V8 (small block)
common bore centers, common stroke an all except 360
"B" engine family: 350 (57 plymouth) 361, later (most) 383, 400
Big Block, common bore spacings, etc. common 3.38" stroke I believe
"G" engine family (slant six, or /6): 170, 198, 225. some of the
reasons for the slant include a lower hoodline and room for a nice,
long, efficient manifold system. It also makes the engine easier to work
on.
"RB" engine family: (raised "B"): early 383, 413, 426 wedge, 440
same as "B", except taller deck height and common 3.75" stroke
* What is Chrysler’s toll-free customer service number?
** 800-992-1997**
* What is Chrysler Five-Star Dealers number? 1-800-677-5782.
* How do I get a free catalog of service bulletins? 1-800-626-1523
* What is Chrysler’s e-mail address? 0005582…@mcimail.com
* What should my tire pressure be? (FWD)
For front wheel drive, try maximum pressure in the front (for handling)
with recommended pressure in the rear (for ride and to even out wear).
This gave me great results with my Shadow (35 / 32). Experiment. (Neons
take much higher tire pressures, it seems).
* What does SOHC, SMPI, etc mean? What do I have?
EFI, TBI, etc refer to the fuel injection system. EFI means electronic
fuel injection, and can apply to any of the following systems. TBI is
throttle body injection; a single fuel injector (sometimes two) sprays
atomized fuel into the air as it heads out to the cylinders. It is
somewhat more efficient than a carburetor because it rarely needs
adjustment, is better at metering fuel, may be electronically controlled
more easily, and does a better job of mixing fuel and air.
MPI is multiple-point injection; it sprays the fuel directly into
each cylinder, using one injector per cylinder. The fuel is mixed better
with the air than with TBI, and doesn’t have a chance to fall out of
suspension (as it does with TBI). The fuel may also be mixed even more
precisely. MPI systems are usually much smoother than TBI systems, and
often have better low-end torque.
SMPI is sequential multiple-point injection; whereas MPI systems
sometimes fire fuel against a closed intake valve, SMPI systems only
fire a fuel injector when the fuel can go straight into the cylinder
(when it’s needed, in other words). This is the best system; it
generates the most power and the most gas mileage.
DIS means distributorless ignition system. A new system for any
model or make, this eliminates the distributor like electronic ignition
did without the points. The savings are in maintenance (no distributor,
no distributor cap, no rotor) and in power (a better and more consistent
spark). It is standard on all NEW CC cars (Neon, LH, etc) and trucks
(1500, 2500, 3500).
SOHC and DOHC refer to the number of camshafts – Single or Dual
OverHead Cam means that the camshaft(s) are over the
cylinders rather than underneath them. In 4-cylinder engines
one camshaft is reputed to be more reliable, two more powerful.
*** IF you have a TBI engine, refer to the TBI FAQ ***
* What kind of oil filter should I use?
An OLD Consumer Reports article rates Mopar as the best
and Fram as a close second. Recent discussions in rec.autos.tech
suggest that Fram is the best general-purpose oil filter. Rumor
suggests that Mopar filters are built by Fram. They still seem
to be the best. Comments are solicited on this subject.
* What kind of oil should I use in my 2.2 or 2.5 liter engine?
10W30, according to CC (although they originally recommended 5W30,
internal studies have caused them to change their mind). Use Energy
Conserving II, it’s more slippery. SG grade is good unless you can find
SH grade (the letters go up as the oil gets better). If you choose a
synthetic, change it as frequently, because pollutants still build up.
Turbo 2.2 and 2.5 definitely use 10W30. With the nonturbo models, there
is some discussion still going on, and no definite word from CC yet.
- What kind of engine do I have ???
Raise the hood and check the emissions stickers. You can decode your
vehicle ID number (VIN) using most car manuals (it takes so little time
you can do it in a bookstore while browsing).
* What is a Mopar? Do I have one?
A Mopar is slant 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 may be applied to Diamond-Star cars (including
the Talon/Eclipse/Laser).
* 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
MMC vehicles sold by CC.
* What are the K-cars?
K-cars, strictly speaking, were the Reliant and Aries. However, many
people include the "extended K-cars" (Caravelle, 600, some LeBarons,
some New Yorkers, E-Class). Most of CC’s products, for a time, were
based on the K-car platform, as a Lincoln and the Mustang are based on
the Ford Fairmont platform (except that the K platform was good). Some
believe that calling a related car a "K-car" is a flame; others see it
as a compliment. It depends on whether you believe in bashing the
K-cars, which are old now, or praising them for their longevity (how
many first-generation Escorts are still around to be creaky?). - thanks
for clarification to Mike <mike.k…@canrem.com>
* How do I find the fault codes stored in my engine computer?
Turn the ignition key to on (not start) three times (off on off on off
on) and leave it in the on (not start) position. The check engine light
will blink. Count the blinks; fault codes are two digits long (e.g. 21).
When it is finished, it will blink a 55; if there are no fault codes
stored, it will only blink 55. A list is in the FSM and Part 3 of this
FAQ. (Some cars do not have this type of computer).
- What is an x body? (Where x=A,B,C,E,F….)
Chrysler used a letter designation to identify various body styles –
e.g. a-bodies included Valiant, Dart, Duster, Swinger, Demon, and some
Barracudas. Most of the mechanical components will fit between
different members of the same body type. Body elements most usually
don’t.
(Below list courtesy Lloyd R. Parker)
A — Valiant, Dart, Barracuda, Spirit, Acclaim, LeBaron (sedan), Scamp,
Duster
B — Coronet, Charger, Magnum, Monaco, Premier, Belvedere, Satellite,
GTX, Road Runner, Fury, Cordoba
C — Polara, Monaco, Fury, VIP, Gran Fury, Newport, 300, Town & Country,
New Yorker, Imperial, Dynasty
D — Talon, (Plymouth) Laser
E — Barracuda, Challenger, 600, Caravelle, E-Class, New Yorker
F — Aspen, Volare
G — Daytona, (Chrysler) Laser
H — Lancer, LeBaron (hatchback)
J — LeBaron (coupe/convertible), Cordoba, Imperial, Mirada
K — LeBaron, Executive, Limousine, Aries, Reliant, 400, 600
L — Omni, 024, Charger, Horizon, TC3, Turismo
M — Diplomat, LeBaron, New Yorker, Fifth Avenue, Gran Fury
P — Shadow, Sundance, Duster
Q — TC by Maserati
R — St. Regis, Gran Fury, Newport, New Yorker
S — Town & Country, Caravan, Voyager
Y — New Yorker Fifth Avenue, Imperial
LH — Concorde, New Yorker, LHS, Intrepid, Vision
PL — Neon
JA — Cirrus, Stratus
FJ — Sebring, Avenger
SR — Viper
XJ — Cherokee, Wagoneer
YJ — Wrangler
ZJ — Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer
SJ — Grand Wagoneer
PJ — Talon
* Doesn’t Chrysler ever sell engines to Mitsubishi?
Yes, in the base Eclipse.
* How can I increase the power of my engine?
Lambros Racing out of St. Louis has many, many interesting Chrysler
upgrades and mods. You can reach Lambros Racing at 314-725-7181 or
314-725-5585 the address is 6603 Olive Rd, St Louis, Mo 63130-2645.
They should send you a catalog if you ask, and give you some
recommendations on what to do. (Thanks, Tom <t…@po.cwru.edu>).
== And don’t forget Mopar Performance!
* Is there a used parts finder on the Internet?
http://www.teleport.com/~carparts or e-mail carpa…@teleport.com with
your request; this service is NOT affiliated with Chrysler or r.a.m.c.
or the MML.
* How about a new car price service?
gopher://gopher.enews.com:1200/11/showroom/edmunds/dealers
(Thanks, TJ…@MANSCI.watstar.uwaterloo.ca).
- All other questions.
Check the ballast resistor and the vacuum hoses.
–
MacSOUP is available via ftp from ftp.gte.com.