The 1999-2003 Chrysler Concorde/Dodge Intrepid Safety, Service, and Reliability

Information courtesy of Chrysler. We are not responsible for errors or changes.

Airbags

A next-generation driver air bag is a major element in the supplemental restraint system that includes the steering wheel, steering column, instrument panel knee blocker. These elements combine with seat belts, which are the primary occupant restraint system and must always be worn properly, to provide the driver with significant crash protection.

Next-generation air bags incorporate a new hybrid inflator module that uses a small amount of pyrotechnic material with compressed argon gas. A new igniter triggers combustion of the pyrotechnic material and a consistent, controlled release and expansion of the compressed gas that takes takes a few milliseconds longer than before to fill the air bag. A small amount of pyrotechnic produces few particulates. An SRS logo molded into the trim cover denotes the presence of the air bag and that next-generation air bags are still supplemental restraints.

When the driver contacts the next-generation air bag, the steering wheel absorbs and distributes the load to the steering column. Subtle variations in cross-sectional shape and material thickness of the new Concorde and Intrepid wheel's die-cast magnesium armature, developed through the use of computerized finite element analysis, ensure efficient load distribution in milliseconds. The steering column reacts with the body structure, deforming to absorb some energy and transferring some. The die-cast magnesium column assembly and steel lower mounting bracket provide a combination of strength and deformability to help control driver impact loads. A telescoping intermediate steering shaft assembly collapses during impact to help avoid transmitting impact forces from the body structure to the steering column.

Further, the steel knee bolster behind the steering column lower cover deforms and also transfers loads to the body structure through brackets and struts to help manage impact energy for driver protection.

Passenger Air Bag

A next-generation passenger air bag is standard on Concorde and Intrepid. As with the driver air bag, it is certified to comply with the recently revised FMVSS 208. Passenger air bag inflators use a small amount of liquid fuel to trigger a consistent, controlled release of compressed argon gas stored in a pressure cylinder that takes a few milli-seconds longer than before to fill the air bag. The new Concorde and Intrepid are the first domestic US vehicles to use liquid fuel for the passenger air bag. Benefits of this liquid-fuel inflator include:

• Lower air bag surface temperature
• Simpler, more cost effective construction
• Smokeless deployment-no dust in the air during deployment and none to clean up later
• Environmentally friendly-combustion products occur naturally in the atmosphere

The next-generation passenger air bag, seat belts, the instrument panel knee bolster in the glove compartment door, and the body structure manage crash energy for milli-seconds to provide significant crash protection in frontal impacts.

The passenger air bag module is mounted directly on the instrument panel's structural retainer, concealed by the padded instrument panel's seamless outer surface. A concealed air bag door, also attached to the retainer, separates the outer skin of the panel when the air bag deploys. An SRS Air Bag logo molded into the instrument panel cover denotes the presence of the air bag and serves as a reminder that next-generation air bags are still supplemental restraints.

Air Bag Control Module

The air bag control module (ACM) provides the following new features:

• A single-point sensing system, similar to that used on other Chrysler vehicles, activates the driver and passenger air bags
• An energy-reserve system ensures proper deployment in the unlikely event of a loss of battery power
• Diagnostic software verifies functionality of the accelerometer that detects vehicle impacts. The software sends an electrical pulse to the sensor and tests the response to determine if the sensor is functioning properly. As on prior air bag systems, the driver is alerted to any malfunction by an air bag warning lamp in the cluster
• Simplified construction uses ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits)

Seat belts

• New low-friction shoulder belt turning loop material to facilitate proper webbing adjustment and smooth retraction on removal
• End-release buckles at all seating positions with new rounded outer contours that customers can slide over without discomfort
• Cinching latch plates on outboard passenger three-point belts to facilitate the use of child seats
• Manually adjustable lap belts for center front and center rear seat occupants

Head Impact Protection

A more stringent, extended head impact safety standard (FMVSS 201) is being phased in between the 1999 and 2003 model years. The 1998 Concorde and Intrepid will comply in advance partly through trim refinements:

• Windshield and center pillar trim covers offset from the body structure have concealed ribs to absorb impact
• Molded, impact-absorbing polyurethane foam is inserted between headliner and roof side rails. Front and rear roof headers, passenger assist handles and sun visors meet injury protection criteria without modification
• Shoulder belt turning loop trim covers molded integral with the turning loops extend inboard and have ribs to absorb impact. A flexible hinge allows the cover to fold over its mounting bolt and snap positively into place

Collision Resistant Structures

Dynamic Side Impact Protection

The ability of the new Concorde and Intrepid body structures to protect passengers in a side impact collision, as required by the US Government, is integrated into the body structure with a minimum of additional weight. The ability to absorb impact energy and minimize intrusion is efficiently distributed around the periphery of the passenger compartment structure:

• Tubular, ultra-high tensile strength steel (200,000 pounds-per-square-inch ultimate) beams are installed in the front and rear doors
• Deep-section high-strength steel reinforcements are placed inside the center pillars
• Center pillar-to-sill weld joint is stiffer laterally and longitudinally than in 1997 to resist deformation. The sill has no styled surface, allowing more welding between pillar and sill than possible with conventional sill structure with a styled surface
• Raised sill area adjacent to each rear seat minimize impact barrier intrusion. The raised sills replace secondary door strikers used on prior models that had the potential to snag passenger's clothing.
  The design of this sill structure is patented
• High-strength steel cross members beneath the seats connect the raised sill sections with the rear longitudinal rails to distribute impact loads to other parts of the structure. This system is lighter, less costly and more space efficient than the add-on tubular beam used previously

Steering Wheel and Steering Column

The ductility of the magnesium steering wheel allows it to deform effectively during impact for driver protection. The steering column provides effective support for the driver air bag. Column mounting is sturdy to ensure consistent air bag positioning during frontal impact.

Rear Impact-Resistant Front Seats

All new Concorde and Intrepid front seats are designed to absorb energy from rear impacts for occupant protection. This protection is provided over and above the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Structural strength is distributed throughout the seats, including tracks, frames and recliner mechanisms on both sides of each back. Head restraints are also larger, farther forward andhave a maximum adjustable height 0.87 in. (22 mm) higher than in 1997. The new head restraints also have positive latches to prevent downward pressure from lowering them, and are not removable.

Security Systems

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system is operated by a new control module that plugs directly onto the BCM (Body Control Module), simplifying assembly and increasing reliability. The new module allows the use of up to four transmitters per vehicle. It also allows an owner to have RKE installed on the car by a dealer. An external antenna added to the receiver provides increased range, enabling it to receive signals from transmitters at a distance of at least 40 feet (12 m).

New transmitters send a unique coded signal that changes in an indecipherable manner each time a button on the transmitter is pressed. Rolling code thwarts would-be thieves who would attempt to unlock the vehicle by capturing and reproducing the code with a scanner or by transmitting a massive number of codes from a random signal alternator among which one would duplicate the code of a valid transmitter.

A vehicle theft security alarm (VTSA) is optional. It deters vandalism and non-professional theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums, by monitoring door ajar switches, the ignition circuit, power door lock and unlock circuits and a trunk lid lock sensor. If a switch or sensor is triggered, the horn blows intermittently, exterior lights flash and the ignition is disabled to prevent theft of the vehicle. The VTSA is automatically armed by locking the doors with any power lock switch or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. A warning lamp on top if the instrument panel flashes.

To discourage theft and illegal entry, new lock cylinders each have an additional tumbler. In addition, a side-bar alignment notch reduces the possibility of theft through the use of substitute keys and the possibility of accidentally unlocking the wrong car by a key with a tumbler sequence nearly identical to the correct one. A new, longer key has an oval, molded head.

HomeLink Universal Transmitter Refinements

HomeLink will operate home security systems that use specially coded signals, known generically as rolling codes, to increase security.

Serviceability

Powertrain

• The 2.7-liter engine oil filter base is integral with the oil pan, preventing spillage during filter changes, and minimizing residual left in the block
• The oil filter on the 2.7-liter engines is more accessible than on prior engines
• The 2.7-liter engine includes a trough in the valve cover around the oil filler cap nipple that keeps spilled oil (during filling) from running down the side of the block
• Increased accessibility to upper bell housing bolts makes transaxle removal easier
• A new rear transmission mount simplifies mount replacement and improves transaxle removal
• Coil-on-plug ignition eliminates spark plug wires and simplifies tune-ups
• Platinum-tipped spark plugs provide 100,000 mile tune-up intervals under normal operating conditions
• New exhaust system clamps do not crush pipes together, making pipe separation simple.

Suspension And Steering

• New steering tie rod ends make toe adjustment easier
• New rear suspension design and fuel tank placement simplifies tank removal
• Front stabilizer bar service no longer requires the removal of engine cradle from vehicle
• Removal of rear stabilizer bar no longer requires removal of the gas tank
• A translucent power steering fluid reservoir allows the fluid level to be checked without removing the cap

Brakes

• The modular anti-lock brake system, which places both electronic controls and the valve unit in the same location, is both easier to diagnose and service
• New parking brake cable routing along the door sill makes replacement easier

Engine Cooling

• A carbon seal on the water pump provides life-of-the-vehicle endurance
• Long life engine coolant thermostat designed to last 7 years or 100,000 miles
• Long-life engine coolant extends the change interval to 5 years or 100,000 miles under normal operating conditions

Body

• A new steering column mounting system requires removal of only the steering column cover needs to access the column

Diagnostics

• Diagnostic communications use the new industry standard J1850 data bus, providing access to on-board diagnostic information by aftermarket scan tools
• Odometer readings display briefly when any door is opened to facilitate checking by service attendants

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