Segment:
Compact to mid-size segment, targeting affordability and practicality with a focus on coupe, convertible, and sedan body styles.
Key Competitors 1992:
Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform (Chrysler AA/AC/AS) across multiple brands and models, indicating commonality in chassis, powertrain, and suspension design.
Body Styles:
Offered in coupe, sedan, convertible, and wagon (Acclaim) variants, catering to diverse consumer needs.
Value Proposition:
Positioned as budget-friendly and accessible vehicles, often featuring a good balance of features and price.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition timing, emissions control systems.
Engine Performance:
Engine diagnostics, performance tuning, troubleshooting engine related issues.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shift linkage, fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid specifications, diagnostic procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, power assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear/rack and pinion, tie rods, power steering fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, ignition system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seat adjustments, convertible top operation (if applicable).
Heating Ventilation Ac:
HVAC system components, refrigerant R-12, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, controls, charging procedures.
Emissions Control:
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, fluid level checks and top-offs.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including electrical troubleshooting with wiring diagrams.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) for engine control module (ECM) fault codes.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing individual components within various systems.
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostics with symptom-based troubleshooting charts and wiring diagrams.
Repair Depth:
Complete disassembly, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Specification Detail:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.
Engine Code 1:
2.5L (153 cu in) 4-Cylinder (G54B, Mitsubishi/Chrysler Astron)
Bore X Stroke 1:
91.1 mm x 95.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
8.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower 1:
100-107 hp @ 4000-4400 rpm (depending on application and tuning)
Torque 1:
130-137 lb-ft @ 2400-2800 rpm (depending on application and tuning)
Engine Code 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) V6 (6G72, Mitsubishi Cyclone)
Bore X Stroke 2:
91.1 mm x 76.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
8.9:1 (typical)
Horsepower 2:
141-146 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm (depending on application)
Torque 2:
170-173 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (depending on application)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for V6, Electronic Ignition with Distributor for 4-cyl.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic transmission (A404, A413, A418)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+3 (MS-7176) or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Driver:
Not available for this model year.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating Driver:
Not available for this model year.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on some models, passenger airbag generally not available.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (consult manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 4-cyl, 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) for V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (Chrysler Recommended or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5948) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid.
Common Problems 1:
Head gasket failures (especially on early 2.5L engines), intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump leaks, AC system leaks (R-12 refrigerant).
Common Problems 2:
Door lock actuator failures, window regulator issues, rust on body panels (especially wheel wells and rocker panels), dashboard cracking.
Common Problems 3:
Electrical gremlins, particularly related to grounds and aging wiring harnesses. Fuel pump failures.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Fram PH3506, Wix 51515, AC-Delco PF2057 (example - consult manual for definitive numbers).
Air Filter Part Number:
Fram CA3323, Wix 42010, AC-Delco A301C (example - consult manual for definitive numbers).
Chrysler Legacy:
Chrysler, as part of Chrysler Corporation, had a history of developing front-wheel-drive vehicles and popularizing the K-car platform derivatives.
Lebaron Heritage:
The LeBaron nameplate was used across several generations and vehicle types, with the 1992 model being part of the J-body platform derived from the K-car.
Dodge Shadow Heritage:
The Dodge Shadow was a sportier, more budget-oriented compact car, sharing its platform and many components with the Plymouth Sundance and Chrysler LeBaron coupe/convertible.
Production Period:
1987-1994 (for this generation of LeBaron, Shadow/Sundance).
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan; Toluca, Mexico.