Hey Everyone,
I cringed this morning while my 2004 Limited turned 70,000 miles but I've been wondering if anyone has any maintenance suggestions. I've been searching for similars threads but largely came up empty handed.
To start, I change my oil and filter regularly, I replaced the steering stabilizer recently, air filters are cleaned regularly and the cabin filter changed every so often. I have plans to change the fuel filter, spark plugs and wires in the near future. So do any of the veterans and those that have been here before have any suggestions to keep my Crossfire running well. Thanks guys.

 

One thing that's often forgotten is to lubricate hinges and latches, when they stiffen up some damage has been done already sometimes.

 

What I've typically done on my other cars is to perform some of the long term suggested maintenance at the half way mark.

For example, on the Manual tranny, it's suggested that a fluid Service occur at 100,000 miles, so I'll go there at 50,000.

Brake and Steering fluid at five (5) year intervals, so I go there at around three (3).

Not sure what's recommended for a coolant flush, but I'll probably go there every couple of years.

And oil, I'll typically change that around twice a year, come hell or high water.

As usual, adjust this schedule depending on your driving habits and mileage...

 

I don't know if many people with automatics know this but MB now reccomends a trans service, flush and filter at 60,000 miles. When our cars were new MB stated that the trans was sealed and had liftetime fluid in it. They have since backed off that claim. If you get this done be sure to have them drain the torque conveter. Most of our cars do not have a drain plug on the TC. If so it takes a special machine to completely flush the trans. If the TC has a drain plug, you are looking at about 8.5 quarts/liters. If not expect to be charged for about 10-11 quarts. You also don't have to use the super expensive MB fluid. I renceltly did my own service on my 92K mile trans (that has been holing up to the V8 for the past 20K miles). I used Valvoline Max Life which meets the standards for the MB fluid. if you search around you will find that the newest MB fluid that is used in the 7 speed auto is reccomended for our trans. I don't reccomend this as some have used it and didn't like the shifting. The newer fluid is lower viscosity. You cannot use the original fluid we have in the new 7 speed. Chrysler + 4 is also used in our trans and much cheaper than the MB stuff. I am very happy with the Maxlife fluid and it has some additives to extend the life of older transmissions.

 

I did my rear differential on my 2004 along with most of the maintenance listed here around 45K miles this summer and most of the maintenance was needed at that point.

Especially with the diff, I felt a small difference is ease of driving after it was done...

 

I am doing my diff in the next few days to a week or so because of the pinion seal starting to leak.

 

All very good advise Gentlemen. Guess I better get busy!

 

My 07 owner's manual says you never have to do anything to the manual transmission.

My 08 owner's manual says at 80,000 miles you change the automatic transmission fluid & filter.....then you never have to do it again.

I guess as long as I follow these recommendations my LPW stays in effect.

 

Yes the Manual does state no maintenance and lifetime fluid for the manual tranny.

I don't recall if it states a 100k fluid service in the Repair documentation, but I read a number of times from the local Forum experts that it's a good idea to perform a 100k fluid service on the manual transmission.

I would also do the Rear Diff at the same time.

At 100k, the tranny and diff would probably welcome a clean batch of fluids, and new spec fluids certainly couldn't hurt...

 

I would replace the serpentine belt, regardless of how it looks. Others have already suggested the fluids. Flushing the cooling system would be on my list and has already been suggested along with other good advice. Something often overlooked is the interior, specifically the leather. If not done ever, I would apply some leather conditioner to the upholstery...

 

In my earlier life, I would routinely install a new waterpump, serpentine belt, and timing belt at 80-85 K miles. I know we have a timing chain, so that's in our favor.

Would it be cost prohibitive to install a new water pump and belt?

Water pumps have a tendency to fail at the most inopertune times.

Don

 

Changing the water pump at 100K miles would be good I think. Don't forget the brake fluid and power steering fluid. They can be replaced as needed, but I would do them at 6-7 years if you don't get 50K miles by then. The adsorb water, so replacement is always a good thing when they get old.

 

Ditto.
I've changed all my fluids between 45-65k and the only fluids that looked OK were the trans and power steering... key word being OK. The worst fluids were the coolant and the diff... the coolant had some stuff floating on top and the diff smelled burnt. I also just did spark plugs at 65K (not as hard as everyone says it is) and they were a bit to corroded for my taste. The belt look pretty good but it is nearly 9 yrs old now and has had a bit of oil leak on to it so I'll be changing that out soon as well.
It definitely runs smoother with all new fluids in it and a tune up.

 

My 2 cents. As a pilot, I practice aircraft-type preventative maintenenace on my cars. I do this for two reasons: one, I want total dependability from my vehicles, and two, I enjoy doing it. What I basically do, in addition to 5,000 mile (or twice a year) Mobil 1 oil and filter changes, is brake fluid and coolant replacement every two years, belts and plugs at 20,000 miles, auto trans fluid at 30,000 miles, and water pump, ignition wire, coolant hose, and brake hose replacement at 50,000 miles. I keep an eye on the brake pads, tires and shocks and replace when necessary as they are not prone to sudden failure. Don't tell me that I'm a maniac. I know it. Did this with my '90 Dodge Spirit Turbo and had no significant problems for 20 years and 180,000 miles.

 

Definitely not a maniac, but if you truly enjoy doing it, I will give you my address, keys, and fluids

 

Your fluids? Sounds like you just tried to hire someone off of Craigslist for something other than car work.

 

The rear diff can get pretty nasty LOL