This manual covers the Dodge Spirit, produced from 1989 to 1995. The Spirit was a compact sedan and coupe designed as affordable transportation, competing in the economy to mid-range market segment. It was built on the front-wheel-drive J-body platform, a derivative of the Chrysler A platform. The vehicle offered practical features and accessible maintenance, making it a sensible choice for daily use. Key features included available 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines, coupled with automatic transmissions, and offered in both sedan and coupe body styles.
This comprehensive workshop manual provides detailed information for the service, repair, maintenance, and restoration of your Dodge Spirit. It covers all essential vehicle systems, including powertrain components such as the engine, fuel, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, and transmission. The manual also details chassis systems like suspension, steering, and brakes, as well as electrical systems, wiring diagrams, and body components. Included are troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, and step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustments, empowering owners and technicians to effectively maintain and repair the vehicle.
Platform Code:
J-body (Chrysler A platform derivative)
Market Segment:
Compact Sedan/Coupe, economy to mid-range segment
Competitors:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Tempo, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Value Proposition:
Affordable transportation with practical features and accessible maintenance
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbishment, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a complete workshop manual covering multiple years)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.0L V6), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Ignition System, Starting & Charging System, Power Accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC Controls, Radio/Audio System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic codes, component testing procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures for major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z), suitable for professional technicians and skilled DIYers
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable diagrams and text
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - Print as needed)
Engine 1:
2.5L (153 cu in) Mitsubishi 4G53 Sirius I4
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 103-116 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 137-140 lb-ft (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 141-150 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 166-170 lb-ft (depending on year and specific configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Options:
Automatic Transmission (3-speed or 4-speed depending on engine and year)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Generally not common or widely available for this model in North America; focus on automatics.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (consult specific year manual for precise recommendation)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.2 inches (2545 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg) depending on configuration
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
Designed to meet FMVSS standards of the era, specific ratings vary by test year and agency.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag typically standard from late 1989 onwards; passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims in later years.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point or 3-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette player; optional CD player on later models. Basic speaker systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as per manual specification.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Conformance Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) - typically green or orange
Common Issues 1:
Electrical connector corrosion, aging rubber hoses and seals, potential for head gasket issues on some engine variants, transmission solenoid failures.
Common Issues 2:
Rust/corrosion on body panels and undercarriage, HVAC system blower motor resistors failing, fuel pump and injector issues over time.
Dodge Brand Focus:
Dodge historically positioned as Chrysler's performance and value-oriented brand.
Platform Origin:
Based on the front-wheel-drive Chrysler J-body platform, derived from the Dodge Lancer/Chrysler LeBaron GTS.
Production Period:
1989-1995
Manufacturing Location:
North America (primarily Mexico)
Historic Awards:
While not a highly awarded vehicle, it served as a practical and affordable option during its production run.
