Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with chrysler

How to stop declining gas mileage?

unclemike — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:24:09 -0800

Gas mileage dropping on my 2003 Chrysler mini-van with V6. Used to get 17city/21hwy. Last couple years has slowly but steadily declined to now getting about 15/18. Tune-up didn't help, at all, and "scoping" engine indicates no problems. Would like suggestions on what, if anything, can be done to get the old mileage back?

The Chrysler Ratchet

jmsta — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:49:26 -0800

Why do early to late 90s Chrysler/Dodge vehicles with an automatic transmission make a very distinctive ratcheting sound when slowing down? This has been driving me crazy for years... I first remember hearing it when I was a freshman in high school. and still to this day when i'm walking through a parking lot and hear that sound I immediately know there is some dodge type vehicle near me. I've noticed it on Lebarons, New Yorkers, Dynastys, Caravans, Basicaly every dodge/chry that is not a truck... to my knowledge no other make of vehicle makes this sound. What is this sound and why is it there?
I hear it much less now days and I have an 07 Caravan and it doesn't make the sound.

hood problems

Kudos — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:26:29 -0800

1988 Chrysler Le baron - can't get hood open! I can't open the hood on my Le Baron. It is a 1988 Convertible, premium. To the left of the seat, there are two levers, one for the gas cap, and the other is horribly mangled and inoperative. There is also a chunk of plastic with the word HOOD on it, but it is only hooked up to a cable leading to the front of the car. If this is the hood release, I'm in trouble, because my battery is dead. How can I open it?

Why are car dealerships closing?

DrGail — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:00:42 -0800

What is the financial gain to GM and Chrysler from forcing many of their dealerships to close? I always thought that car dealerships were independent franchises and therefore cost the parent company very little except for the complexity of delivering cars to so many locations.

Whither Pacifica?

Mr. Anthropomorphism — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:16:48 -0800

Does anyone have anything to say about the Chrysler Pacifica? It seems to be a really good fit for our growing family's needs, but searching online for reviews has turned up polarized opinions. It seems they either last forever or fall apart as you drive off the lot.

We're looking at 2006 AWD Touring models with low miles.

I am aware there was a recall on some during this model year, and also see a lot of complaints about ABS sensors breaking.

What have been the experiences of the hivemind?

Help me choose my new car!

arniec — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:34:16 -0800

Help me decide between two vehicles--both 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles, same price. One's a Touring (V6) with 15k miles; one's a LX (V4) with 5k miles. Leaning towards the LX but the dealer is telling me I'll enjoy the V6 more that comes with the Touring. I plan to keep this car for quite a while and put quite a few miles on it over its life, but what's appealing to me about the 5k car is the amount of warranty remaining due to the low mileage, and also honestly the color is a lot nicer.

The features on the 2 are almost identical; both are just under $16k before my trade-in. I think I want the V4...any reasons I should go with the V6?

GPS Connection + Car Stereo

mccarty.tim — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:11:20 -0800

My PT Cruiser has a satellite radio receiver installed. I don't care for it. Can I make the antenna more useful? I bought a 2007 PT Cruiser Limited (Non-Turbo) used. It has a satellite radio receiver installed, which came with a year of free service when it was new. Of course, I bought the car after the year. So, my car has a radio receiver on the roof I can't afford service for.

I have a GPS, but I tend to park in a parking garage on a college campus. When my GPS (A Tom-Tom) loses signal, it takes a while to get it back. It usually comes back while driving, but it's a bit unnerving when I'm running late for something. Could I possibly take out the radio, get the cable for the satellite receiver, plug that into the external antenna port on my TomTom and put the radio back in without too much fuss? If the cable could be rerouted so it doesn't look too awkward, say through a vent for the windshield blower, that'd be a plus.

Also, while I have the stock radio out, could I install a new radio built for the odd shape in the PT Cruiser with a better iPod interface? I'm only asking because I'm curious. The AUX port is perfectly fine (Save for having a lose grip of the jack), I'd just like something to make it easier to change songs while driving with the bigger screen with an integrated charging option (I currently use a cigarette-lighter to USB adapter). If it's relevant, I use a 20 GB iPod 4G Clickwheel in the car, but I could also use a second generation 4GB Nano, and I'm planning on getting an iPod touch as soon as one of those two iPods dies. Failing that, is it possible to install an aftermarket radio in the car without it looking too funny? The two knobs that stick out from the side worry me.

Other specs I would like in the radio, aside from iPod docking, include AM/FM with at least 4 presets per band, MP3/WMA playback from a burned CD, and the ability to remember what station you were playing last when changing sources (A minor annoyance on mine, because when I switch from AUX to radio, it automatically gives me satellite, and I have to fiddle to get the FM stations again). Being able to see the song playing or selected on the iPod would be nice, too. If it's affordable, HD radio would be great but not essential. I have no need for satellite radio, because I like my local stations and my iPod tracks. If I could buy that for under or around $100, I'd be interested.

As for technical aptitude, I'm a pre-engineering education major. I'm comfortable with some minor electronics, and wouldn't mind crimping a cable or two if I don't need to buy too many tools to get the job done. I'd prefer to install these tweaks myself, but I could look into an honest person to install them. If it's not obvious yet, I know very little about cars.

Sorry if Travel/Transportation isn't appropriate. If you think I should re-categorize this, let me know. Thanks!

My PT Cruiser will help us reach peak oil...

mccarty.tim — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:27:49 -0800

Is there a way I can cost-effectively add more horsepower and/or fuel efficiency to my non-turbo PT Cruiser? My mom just helped me buy a non-turbo automatic 2007 PT Cruiser through a car auction proxy (it's got 28,000 miles). It's my first car, and I got it for $9,000 when it sells for $15,000 new (Way more money than that $3 gas deal would save me), so I have to say I'm pretty happy. However, the fuel efficiency hasn't been so great. I get around 20 MPG doing my suburban driving with some highway driving peppered in. I typically go around 45-50 MPH. I used to drive my mom's Prius, so I'm a bit spoiled, milagewise. Also, I'm liking that there's more pickup to begin with on my car compared to the Prius, but I find that I sometimes have to floor it when I go uphill to get the car back to speed. I guess the Prius, with two engines and the battery, has more inertia. I should note that I tend to drive without heat/air conditioning, but I might open the windows a crack if they start fog up.

In the car reviews, I'm reading that the turbo version has great acceleration and slightly better fuel efficiency. Could I add a turbo at a price low enough that it'd be cost effective? (I'm thinking under $300?) And is it expensive to have a mechanic install it? Or is it easy enough for me to do it myself? I'm a pre-engineering education student (read:shop teacher) who just completed his freshman year, so I have some basic technical knowledge.

Or is there another tweak that could help me out? I'm debating taking out the rear seats when I drive alone (They slide out tool-lessly) and the spare tire (I have Triple A, so I'd assume they'd be equipped to deal with a flat).

Are my ideas any good? Am I overlooking any really simple option to get better milage?

NYC filter: How to visit the Chrysler building beyond the lobby?

beautiful — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:03:44 -0800

To go beyond the lobby of the Chrysler building, one must have an appointment on one of the floors. Does anyone know of a doctor or another health practitioner in the Chrysler building? What other kinds of appointments may I have in it? Job interviews? Other professional appointments with a lawyer or accountant, for example (although I have no need of either)?

Any other ideas out there about how to get inside for a look?