Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan (often considered a 'K-car' derivative)
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain their vehicle affordably
Key Competitors:
Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Manual Advantage:
Factory-level detail, step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, cost savings on repairs
Vehicle Advantage:
Affordable transportation, fuel-efficient (for its time), spacious interior for its class
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, diagnostics, overhaul
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (OBD-I)
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, and overhaul of manual transmissions
Transmission Automatic:
Service, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions (e.g., A604 Ultradrive)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive systems, CV joints, axles
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc/drum brake service, parking brake
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, springs, wheel alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, rust repair, collision repair basics
Chassis:
Frame, unibody structure
Body Control Modules:
Power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, etc.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common problems
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), sensor testing, component testing
Special Tools:
Identification of and procedures using specialized tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Quality:
Professional Quality (implied high resolution, clear text, and diagrams)
Binding:
Digital (N/A for PDF format, but implies printable)
Paper:
Digital (N/A for PDF format, but implies printable on standard paper)
Engine Type 1:
2.5L Inline-4 (Turbocharged)
Engine Code 1:
G-series / Turbo (e.g., TC3)
Horsepower 1:
Approximately 150-170 hp (depending on year/tune)
Torque 1:
Approximately 170-190 lb-ft
Fuel System 1:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Type 2:
2.5L Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code 2:
G-series (e.g., G5)
Horsepower 2:
Approximately 100-108 hp
Torque 2:
Approximately 136-140 lb-ft
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Type 3:
3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code 3:
Mitsubishi 6G72
Horsepower 3:
Approximately 140-150 hp
Torque 3:
Approximately 160-170 lb-ft
Fuel System 3:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
0-60 Mph Approx:
9-12 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (less common)
Optional Transmission 1:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., Torqueflite A413)
Optional Transmission 2:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to specific year/manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
NHTSA Rollover Rating Approx:
Likely 3 or 4 stars (based on typical vehicles of this era and platform)
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure, potentially driver-side airbag (introduced later in the model run, optional)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (later models), basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, optional power windows/locks/mirrors, optional ABS.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic features; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles for 4-cylinder engines (critical preventative maintenance)
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ rating; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler 'Type A' or equivalent (long-life ethylene glycol coolant)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, tie rod ends, ball joints, exhaust systems, radiator, water pump, alternator
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness issues, faulty sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), module failures can occur over time.
Transmission Issues:
Ultradrive (A604) can be prone to solenoids, torque converter issues, and fluid leaks if not maintained.
Engine Performance Issues:
Carbon buildup in older engines, potential head gasket issues with the 3.0L V6, turbocharger reliability on performance models.
Brand Context:
Plymouth was Chrysler's entry-level brand, known for affordable and practical vehicles.
Platform Basis:
Based on Chrysler's highly successful 'K-car' architecture, specifically the J platform, sharing components with the Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron sedan.
Styling:
Aerodynamic styling for its era, aimed at a family sedan market.
Trim Levels:
Available in various trims, including base models and sportier 'ES' or 'Turbo' versions.
Production Location:
United States (primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan)
Production Years:
1989-1995 (discontinued as Plymouth brand was phased out)
Critical Reception:
Generally received mixed reviews, often praised for affordability and interior space, but criticized for ride quality, handling, and some powertrain reliability concerns compared to Japanese competitors.
Consumer Reports Rankings:
Likely ranked average to below average in reliability for its segment during its production run.
