1994–2001 CHRYSLER LHS

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden rod knock or complete engine seizure with no warning, Low oil pressure warning light followed immediately by mechanical death rattle, Metal debris in oil, milky oil from coolant contamination in later stages, Engine runs fine until it doesn't—catastrophic failure happens in minutes

Fix: The 3.5L V6 has inadequate oil circulation to the cam bearings and poorly designed PCV system that promotes sludge buildup. Once damage occurs, you're looking at complete engine replacement or rebuild—minimum 18-25 labor hours for used engine swap, 35-45 hours for proper rebuild with updated components.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid appears milky pink or strawberry milkshake consistency, Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or complete failure to move, Coolant level drops with no external leaks visible, Overheating transmission and engine simultaneously

Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to cross-contaminate. This destroys the 42LE transmission within days if not caught immediately. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush or rebuild, and all cooler lines. If contamination reached transmission: 12-16 hours for rebuild; if caught early: 4-6 hours for radiator and flush.

Estimated cost: $800-3,800

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: No overdrive or stuck in second gear (limp mode), Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping between gears, Check engine light with transmission codes P0700, P0731-P0734, Delayed engagement from park to drive, especially when cold

Fix: The solenoid pack and overdrive clutches in the 42LE are weak points. Solenoid pack replacement requires dropping the pan—3-4 hours labor. If overdrive clutches are burnt, you need full rebuild at 12-16 hours. Always replace speed sensors while you're in there.

Estimated cost: $600-2,800

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fire, Stalling at operating temperature, restarts when cool, Intermittent stalling while driving—extremely dangerous, Check engine light with P0320 code (often doesn't set until failure is complete)

Fix: Located on the bellhousing near the starter, this sensor fails from heat cycling. When it goes, the engine dies instantly with no warning. Replacement is 1.5-2 hours due to tight access. Always replace the camshaft position sensor at the same time—it's next to fail.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle and loss of power under acceleration, Whistling or hissing noise from engine bay at idle, Check engine light with lean codes P0171/P0174, Failed emissions test due to high NOx

Fix: The upper intake plenum gasket deteriorates and creates vacuum leaks. Requires removing the upper plenum—4-5 hours labor. While you're in there, replace the EGR tube and PCV valve. Use updated Mopar gasket, not aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle that smooths out at higher RPM, Visible engine movement when revving in park, Driveline shudder during acceleration

Fix: The hydraulic engine mounts fail and allow excessive engine movement, which accelerates wear on CV axles and shift linkage. Front mount replacement is 2-3 hours; transmission mount is another 2 hours. Replace both at once.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: Any mileage

Symptoms: Check engine light with P0440, P0442, P0455 codes, Fuel smell around vehicle, especially after filling tank, Hissing sound when removing gas cap, Failed emissions test

Fix: The EVAP canister, purge solenoid, and vacuum lines become brittle. Smoke test required to pinpoint leak—1 hour diagnostic, then 1-3 hours repair depending on location. Gas cap is often the culprit (15 minutes), but cracked canister requires 2-3 hours.

Estimated cost: $150-600