I bought a clean 77K mile CA auto trans car last yesterday.

I have questions about 4 issues, please (and any othet advice for a car with this milage is welcome!).

1) The alternator has a rhythmic 'grumble" when hot, normal or failing?

2) Chrysler says at 80K change auto trans fluid with "Shell 3403 fluid only" Is this the same fluid a 2004 5-speed auto Mercedes Benz would use (so my local M-B guy will be OK)? Is the trans made by M-B or in the Chrysler plan that makes copies of the design (and shipped to Karman)? I am worried that Chrysler would use a differen friction lining material or someting that requires a different fluid. Any other suggestions on the subject?

3) Should I use the recommended Mobil-1 0-40 and a M-B filter for the engine? Does anybody have the M-B filer P/N handy?

4) Is the key and remote control fob a M-B or Chrysler item? Is the key available with the trandsponder chip but without the fob if I just want a spare key only? What do they cost with and without the fob?

Thanks for the help!

 

~ congrats on your crossfire purchase!

 

Welcome to the Forum and Congrats on the ride.
Can't help you on the alternator...
Yes, you can use your local M-B guy...it's all the same under the hood
I only use the recommended Mobil1 0-W40, you can find direct factory oil filter buys on e-bay. Look for the Mann FLEECE filters..they're rated for the full 7K mileage these cars can get from the FSS system. That's the oil monitoring system built in.
Sorry again, don't know about the key/fob transponder. But, it being sold as a Chrysler you'll have to go to a stealership for replacements....but not 100% sure you couldn't find them cheaper someplace else.
Hope this helps...

 

0W-40 is correct. I don't know what the MB filter # is but the fleece one that you want is the WIX 57078. Don't think i can help with any of the other stuff.

 

Thanks for the WIX P/N, you call it a "fleece". Is it the same Mann Fleece filter that people seem to recommend?

 

I believe it's the same thing, yes. Fleece really refers to the material, not the brand. it's the alternative to a paper type filter which tends to degrade much more quickly. Someone else will have to confirm that part number is the same as the Mann filter.

 

Last I knew, the laser cut keyfob had to be special ordered by Chrysler. I had to get a couple since my SRT6 and my son's coupe only came with one key. They require the VIN and proof of ownership, and the keys were about $140/each at the time -- 2-3 years ago. I don't know if a key without the remote transmitter is even an option.