1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue Repair Manual

The 1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan featuring the 5.2L V8 engine, TorqueFlite automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and premium interior appointments. This repair manual covers comprehensive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for all major systems including engine, transmission, electrical, suspension, brakes, and climate control.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Engine System 3. Transmission 4. Electrical System 5. Braking System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Fuel System 8. Cooling System 9. Exhaust System 10. Interior & Body 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key specifications for the 1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue luxury sedan.

Specification	Details
Engine	5.2L (318 cu in) V8
Horsepower	140 hp @ 3600 RPM
Torque	265 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
Transmission	3-speed TorqueFlite A727 automatic
Fuel System	Electronic feedback carburetor
Fuel Capacity	18 gallons
Wheelbase	112.7 inches
Length	212.7 inches
Curb Weight	3,650 lbs
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with power assist

Engine System

5.2L V8 engine maintenance and repair procedures.

Spark plug replacement: Gap 0.035 inches, torque 25 ft-lbs
Oil change: 5 quarts 10W-30, filter replacement every 3,000 miles
Timing adjustment: Set to 12° BTDC at 750 RPM
Valve adjustment: Hydraulic lifters, no adjustment required
Compression test: 130-150 psi, variation max 20 psi between cylinders

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Transmission

TorqueFlite A727 3-speed automatic transmission service.

Fluid change: Use Dexron II/Mercon, capacity 20 quarts total
Filter replacement: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Band adjustments: Kickdown and low/reverse bands
Shift linkage adjustment: Ensure proper gear selection
Transmission removal: Support engine, remove crossmember

CAUTION! Use proper jack stands when working under vehicle.

Electrical System

Battery: Group 24, 12V 60Ah, negative ground
Alternator: 78 amp output, belt tension 1/2 inch deflection
Starter: Direct drive, 1.4 kW
Ignition: Electronic spark control, 0.035 inch plug gap
Fuses: 12V blade-type fuse panel under dashboard
Lighting: Sealed beam headlights, 1157/1156 bulbs
Wiring: Color-coded harness, bulkhead connectors

Braking System

Power-assisted front disc/rear drum brake system maintenance.

Front Brakes: 10.87 inch rotors, single piston calipers, pad thickness minimum 1/8 inch. Rear Brakes: 9 inch drums, self-adjusting mechanism, shoe thickness minimum 1/16 inch.

Brake fluid: DOT 3, bleed sequence RR-LR-RF-LF. Master cylinder: 1 inch bore, check for leaks at booster. Parking brake: Cable adjustment at equalizer.

Suspension & Steering

Front torsion bar and rear leaf spring suspension with power steering.

Front suspension: Upper/lower control arms, torsion bars
Rear suspension: Leaf springs with load leveling
Steering gear: Recirculating ball, 16:1 ratio
Alignment specs: Camber +1/2°, Caster +2°, Toe-in 1/8 inch
Shock absorbers: Replace in pairs, check bushings

Tip: Check ball joints and tie rod ends for wear during service.

Fuel System

Electronic feedback carburetor and mechanical fuel pump system.

Fuel pump: Mechanical, 4-7 psi pressure
Carburetor: Holley 6280 2-barrel, electronic mixture control
Fuel filter: In-line, replace every 12,000 miles
Tank cleaning: Remove for sediment removal
Fuel lines: 3/8 inch supply, 5/16 inch return
Choke: Electric assist, check heating element

WARNING! No smoking or open flames when working with fuel system.

Cooling System

Pressurized cooling system with mechanical fan.

Radiator: Copper/brass construction, 16 psi cap. Thermostat: 195°F opening temperature. Water pump: Cast iron, replace if bearing noise or leakage. Hoses: Upper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses. Coolant: 50/50 ethylene glycol/water mixture, 13 quart capacity.

Exhaust System

Dual exhaust with catalytic converter.

Manifolds: Cast iron, check for cracks. Pipes: 2 inch diameter, aluminized steel. Mufflers: Dual, replace if rusted or noisy. Catalytic converter: Check for clogging if power loss occurs. Hangers: Rubber insulated, inspect for deterioration.

Interior & Body

Luxury interior features and body maintenance.

Seats: Power bench seats, velour upholstery. Dashboard: Analog gauges, check illumination bulbs. Climate control: Manual A/C and heating system. Windows: Power operated, regulator maintenance. Body: Unibody construction, rust prevention critical. Paint: Acrylic enamel, wax regularly.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine cranks but won't start	Fuel delivery or ignition	Check fuel pump pressure, spark at plugs, ignition coil
Transmission slips	Low fluid or worn bands	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands
Brake pedal goes to floor	Master cylinder or leaks	Inspect for fluid leaks, rebuild master cylinder
Overheating	Cooling system issues	Check thermostat, water pump, radiator flow
Electrical problems	Battery/alternator	Test battery voltage, alternator output, grounds

Tools Required: Basic mechanic's tool set, timing light, compression tester, multimeter.

Service Intervals: Oil change 3,000 miles, tune-up 30,000 miles, coolant 24 months.