Market Niche:
Affordable and practical compact hatchback and coupe, targeting a wide demographic.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Design:
Aerodynamic styling, available hatchback and coupe body styles, spacious interior for its class.
Powertrain Options:
Versatile range of engines, including fuel-efficient naturally aspirated and powerful turbocharged options.
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of performance, practicality, and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Engine Mechanical:
2.2L Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 2.2L Turbocharged (all variants), 3.0L V6 Mitsubishi Engine
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection (EFI), Ignition Systems, Emission Controls, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I)
Transmission:
Manual Transaxle (5-Speed), Automatic Transaxle (3-Speed)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Axles, Differentials
Suspension:
Front Independent Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Torsion Beam Axle
Steering:
Rack and Pinion, Power Steering System
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS (Optional on some models)
Electrical System:
12V Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuses, Relays, Lighting, Ignition Switch
Body And Chassis:
Unibody Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (A/C) System
Interior:
Seats, Dashboard, Instrumentation, Upholstery
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard layout, gauges, warning lights, switches, and controls.
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for all major components and systems, including intermittent faults
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting, emissions testing, and fault code interpretation
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, essential for diagnosing electrical issues
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data
Body Repair:
Procedures for dent removal, panel replacement, rust repair, and collision damage repair.
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant handling, system diagnostics, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).
Fuel System Service:
Fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel filter service, injector cleaning and replacement.
Exhaust System Repair:
Muffler, catalytic converter, and pipe replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and component-level repairs.
2.2L Sohc Inline-4:
Displacement: 2213 cc; Bore x Stroke: 87.5 mm x 92 mm; Compression Ratio: 8.8:1; Horsepower: ~93-96 hp @ 4800 rpm; Torque: ~125-130 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
2.2L Turbocharged Sohc Inline-4:
Displacement: 2213 cc; Compression Ratio: 8.1:1; Horsepower: ~105-146 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm (depending on boost level); Torque: ~135-170 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger
2.5L Sohc Inline-4:
Displacement: 2495 cc; Bore x Stroke: 91.1 mm x 95 mm; Compression Ratio: 8.5:1; Horsepower: ~100-105 hp @ 4400 rpm; Torque: ~145-150 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
3.0L Sohc V6 (Mitsubishi 6G71):
Displacement: 2972 cc; Bore x Stroke: 84.5 mm x 89 mm; Compression Ratio: 8.9:1; Horsepower: ~141-144 hp @ 5000 rpm; Torque: ~170-175 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Performance Notes:
Turbocharged models, particularly the 'Shelby' variants, offered significantly enhanced performance. V6 models provided smoother power delivery.
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) across all engine options. Turbocharged models featured more robust EFI systems.
Length:
Approx. 170-174 inches (4318-4420 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.5-67 inches (1690-1702 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52-53 inches (1321-1346 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 96.6 inches (2454 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 90-95 cubic feet (2550-2690 L)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 15-20 cubic feet (425-566 L) with rear seats up
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2500-2800 lbs (1134-1270 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and engine, typically around 3600-3800 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact:
Driver: 4/5 stars, Passenger: 4/5 stars (for some configurations)
IIHS Ratings:
Moderate ratings for its era; structural integrity varied across impact tests.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models, primarily late production.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards; passenger airbag not widely available during this period.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts in the rear. Shoulder belts in the front, often with height adjustment.
Crash Structure:
Designed with crumple zones in the front and rear, and reinforced side structures common for the period.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles; Manual: Inspect and change as needed.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
20,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (platinum or standard).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG service classification. Viscosity grade typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for precise recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (green ethylene glycol based).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+2 or Dexron II (consult manual for exact specification).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
Engine mounts, exhaust manifold cracks (especially on turbo models), cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), starter motor failures, alternator issues, interior trim wear, window regulator problems.
Turbo Specific Issues:
Turbocharger seal leaks, intercooler clogging, boost hose failures are common on turbocharged variants.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, known for performance and value.
Shadow Development:
The Dodge Shadow was a derivative of the Plymouth Sundance, both based on Chrysler's highly successful K-car platform. It was designed to be a sporty and affordable compact.
Key Updates:
Minor styling refreshes occurred throughout its production run, including grille and lighting updates. Powertrain options evolved to meet emissions standards and customer demand.
Production Years:
1988-1994 (though this manual covers up to 1993 models)
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan)
