Reprogrammable car computers, using mechanics’ tools (1994)
Recyclable composite intake manifold and air induction system, saving weight and increasing performance (1995 Neon)
Crankshaft timing sensor and camshaft reference sensors for distributorless ignition (DIS) (1990)
Modular clutch-and-flywheel assembly (1993)
Computerized methanol content sensor, for FFVs (1993)
Removable cowl plenum chamber and removable windshield wiper module, to make repairs easier (1996)
Electronic starter override (cannot activate the starter with the engine running; 1996)
Front axle disconnect for all wheel drive setup (2009)
Rear axle disconnect for all wheel drive setup (2013)
Mass-produced car over 700 horsepower / over 800 horsepower?
PHEV minivan
PHEV off-road vehicle? (Maybe not)
Transmissions
Computer-controlled automatic transmission (1989)
Adaptive automatic transmission (1989)
Direct-acting solenoids for controlling shifts in an automatic transmission (1989)
Logic controlled transmission switching valves which let a single solenoid operate two transmission elements, preventing an element from being engaged when it was not supposed to (1989)
PRNDL based on shift lever position but confirmed with hydraulic pressure sensing (1993)
Automatic transaxle with dual timing chains on phased sprockets (1995)
Safety
Rear Cross Path (licensed to others later): sensors in the rear bumper sound an alert if you're backing out of a space (or your driveway) and there is oncoming traffic you may not have been able to see (2008)
Standard driver side airbags (1988)
Standard driver’s-side airbags on all cars in the lineup (1991)
Integrated child seat (1992)
Single-point sensor for air bag (1994)
All-mechanical airbag (1995)
Seamless passenger-side airbag door (1996)
Positive temperature coefficient devices (to protect wiring; 1996)
Obstacle-detecting powered sliding doors (2001)
Factory-installed Bluetooth hands-free calling (first for North America; 2003)
Exhaust braking on class 3-5 trucks (2007)
Cloud-based voice recognition to allow people to have text messages spoken to them, and to reply by voice (2012)
... and the rest
Clear-coat paint system that mixed paints at the spraygun (1989)
Entirely computerized climate control system (1993)
Cast-aluminum front suspension upper shock mount bracket (1994)
Customer programmable automatic door locks (1994)
Molded-in-color fascia with optimum gloss body color (1995)
Computerized evaporator temperature control (air conditioning; 1996)
Long-travel front suspension upper strut mount (1996)
Sliding door on the driver’s side / dual sliding doors (1996)
Diagnostics: using a standard serial port to get powertrain computer information and change settings (Chrysler patent via Kevin Schwanz, David Pruett, and Tracey Stanyer)
Customization: Menu-based preference setting for drivers/passengers for things such as door locking, headlights with wipers on, etc. (1996)
