Vehicle Class:
Compact Sporty Coupe/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, performance-oriented buyers, those seeking affordable sporty vehicles
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-X, Toyota Celica, Mazda MX-3, Nissan 240SX
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive front-end design
Performance:
Available turbocharged engines offered strong performance for its class and era
Drivetrain Options:
Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on performance models enhanced traction and handling
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, expert-level repair and maintenance information for a specialized, performance-oriented vehicle, crucial for owners seeking to maintain or restore these cars.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair
Estimated Page Count:
High (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual, likely 1000+ pages)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, emissions control
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, differentials, driveshafts, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS system (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system, lighting system, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), fluid checks and top-offs
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD-I)
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive fault finding charts and diagnostic trees for various issues
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z, mechanical and electrical)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagnostic procedures
Visual Aids:
Tons of detailed pictures and diagrams included
Engine Code 1:
4G63 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Displacement 1:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Type 1:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 135-145 hp
Torque 1:
Approx. 125-130 lb-ft
Fuel System 1:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 2:
4G63T (Turbocharged)
Engine Displacement 2:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Engine Type 2:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 195 hp
Torque 2:
Approx. 203 lb-ft
Fuel System 2:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Turbocharged
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) for Turbocharged models, Regular Unleaded for naturally aspirated models
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Opt:
4-Speed Automatic
AWD Availability:
Available on Turbo models (Talon TSi AWD, Laser RS Turbo AWD)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent specified by manufacturer)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF SP-III (or equivalent specified by manufacturer)
Body Styles:
2-Door Coupe, 3-Door Hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.8 inches (2510 mm)
Length:
Approx. 170.7 inches (4336 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50.6 inches (1285 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,700 - 3,100 lbs (depending on model and drivetrain)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not readily available for these specific model years and manufacturers.
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on higher trims and performance models
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on these models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (standard on some trims, optional on others).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, front and rear shoulder belts (depending on seating position)
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for impact absorption.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 4G63/4G63T engines. Recommended every 60,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Turbo Failure:
Turbocharger seals and bearings can fail with age and poor maintenance, especially oil starvation.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is common in manual transmission models, particularly with spirited driving.
Rust And Corrosion:
Prone to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and battery trays due to age and climate.
Electronics:
Age-related electrical gremlins, particularly with power accessories and the ECU, can occur.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
The timing belt tensioner can fail, leading to belt slippage and potential engine damage.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler (at the time), focused on performance and sporty vehicles, often leveraging partnerships for specialized models.
Plymouth Heritage:
Plymouth, also a Chrysler brand, offered accessible and sporty vehicles, with models like the Laser targeting a younger demographic.
Platform Sharing:
These vehicles were rebadged versions of Mitsubishi models, specifically the Mitsubishi Eclipse (for the Talon) and the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Galant (for the Laser), sharing powertrains and chassis components.
First Generation:
This generation (1990-1994) marked Chrysler's re-entry into the affordable sports car market through its alliance with Mitsubishi.
Key Differentiators:
Distinctive styling cues, particularly the front fascia and quad headlights, set the Talon and Laser apart from their Mitsubishi counterparts.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Normal, Illinois) by Diamond-Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi.
Production Period:
1989-1994 (for the first generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Mitsubishi Eclipse (platform sibling) was a Car and Driver 10Best winner in 1989, indicating the underlying platform's quality and performance capabilities.
Performance Reputation:
The turbocharged AWD variants, in particular, were highly regarded for their performance and handling, often compared favorably to more expensive sports cars.
