My wife's elderly mother is asking whether her 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring has a timing belt or chain.
Car was bought new December 2012. 55,000 original miles.
If it has a belt, should we change it now? Is it an interference engine?
4- cylinder, 2.4 liter
It has a timing chain.
Step 1 - head over to wikipedia.org, look up "Chrysler 200", and find out what engine it has (Gen 1 section, Powertrain)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_200#First_generation_(2011)
Spoiler: It's a 2.4 L World I4
Step 2 - Web search for "2.4 L World I4 engine specifications". You will get a page such as this one:
Scroll down to "Chrysler World Engine specifications: 2.4 liter" and see: "Valve System Chain-driven DOHC, 16 valves"
A quick web search will also show you pages like this one: http://yourcarangel.com/2014/07/interference-engines-complete-list/
Easy. It took less time to find than type out this post.
Timing chains are lubricated by engine oil and don't require special maintenance. If you change the engine oil regularly they should last the lifetime of the engine.
You can also peruse Mopar.com and put in the VIN. Under engine parts, it should give you the option for timing chain (and not a belt). Double check in the "vehicle fitment" tab. Some other mopar websites will give you a "confirm this part fits" option.
Yup. Or nearly any other online parts supplier.
It is a chain and even if it was a belt you have until 80,000 miles until you have to start thinking about changing it
