🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Shadow

Year:

1991

Platform:

First Generation (1988-1994)

Platform Code:

J-body

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Car / Hatchback

Target Demographic:

Affordable, practical transportation for individuals and small families.

Key Competitors:

Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Excel, Plymouth Sundance (sibling model).

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic styling, front-wheel drive, practical hatchback design with good interior space for its class.

Manual Value Proposition:

Comprehensive, vehicle-specific factory information enabling DIY repairs and maintenance, saving on dealership service costs.

Manual Usability:

Searchable PDF format, printable pages, ability to print only necessary sections, digital storage for a clean, organized manual.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical factory service manuals of this era are 1000+ pages)

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, timing, valve train, piston, crankshaft, oil system, cooling system, fuel system (carbureted and injected), exhaust system, emission control systems.

Engine Performance Control:

Engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor data, actuator testing, fuel injection system control, ignition system control, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, manual transmission overhaul, gear shift linkage, torque specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, transmission fluid, shift control.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential, transfer case (if applicable to specific trims), propeller shaft, drive shaft.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, steering column, power steering system, steering gear/rack and pinion.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, ABS diagnostics (if equipped), parking brake system.

Electrical Charging Starting:

Battery, starter motor, alternator, charging system diagnostics, voltage regulator.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic ignition control.

Lighting Signals:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, interior lighting.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heating system, blower motor, climate controls, heater core.

Body Exterior:

Doors, hood, trunk, fenders, bumpers, glass, mirrors, weatherstripping, body panel alignment, rust repair.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpet, trim pieces, seat belts, supplemental restraint system (SRS) components (airbags, sensors).

Instrumentation Controls:

Instrument cluster (gauges, warning lights), driver controls, switches, pedals.

Electrical Accessories:

Power windows, power locks, cruise control, wiper/washer systems, horn, audio/visual systems, meters.

Multiplex Can Communication:

Vehicle electrical architecture, body computer modules, data communication networks (limited in this era, but concepts may be present).

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, including fault code retrieval (OBD-I), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures.

Repair Rebuild:

Complete step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing parts such as brake pads, rotors, spark plugs, belts, hoses, sensors, actuators, engine components, transmission components, suspension parts.

Wiring Schematics:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including component locations, wire colors, and connector pinouts.

Depth Level:

Factory-level diagnostics and repair, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Printable Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for blow-up of images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format - printable pages)

Paper Type Recommendation:

Standard copier paper for printed pages.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

2.5L (153 CID) Turbocharged Inline-4 (Mitsubishi 4G63T derived)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2477 cc)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

91.1 mm x 94.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.0:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

147 hp @ 4800 RPM (approximate, varies by tuning)

Engine 1 Torque:

176 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (approximate, varies by tuning)

Acceleration 0 60:

7.5 - 8.5 seconds (depending on transmission and trim)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Turbocharger and Intercooler

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for turbocharged models)

Engine 2 Type:

2.2L (135 CID) Inline-4 (Chrysler FWD Engine Family)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.2 Liters (2213 cc)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

100 hp @ 4800 RPM (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine 2 Torque:

129 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM (Naturally Aspirated)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Optional Transmission Type:

3-Speed Automatic Transaxle (with Lock-up Torque Converter)

FWD Transaxle:

Front-wheel drive transaxle configuration.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

100.2 inches (2545 mm)

Length:

170.3 inches (4326 mm)

Width:

66.9 inches (1700 mm)

Height:

52.4 inches (1331 mm)

Front Track:

56.4 inches (1433 mm)

Rear Track:

56.2 inches (1427 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

2635 lbs (1195 kg) (approximate, varies by trim and engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

3585 lbs (1626 kg) (approximate)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:

Not Rated / Acceptable (for the era, generally considered safe for its class)

NHTSA Passenger Side Front Impact:

Not Rated / Acceptable (for the era)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard (some markets/trims), passenger airbag optional or unavailable.

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear lap belts (some later models may have rear shoulder belts).

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure, integrated roll bar in B-pillars.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems with more speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims, electronically controlled.

Internal Computer System:

Engine Control Module (ECM) managing fuel injection, ignition, and emissions based on sensor inputs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific engine type).

Engine Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (e.g., platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical for 2.5L Turbo. Typically 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type Viscosity:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for climate and specific engine).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) with filter (check manual).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, meeting Chrysler specification MS-7170 (or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent specification, check manual for exact spec).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II (check manual).

Common Problems:

Head gasket failures (especially on turbo models), transmission synchro wear (manual), turbocharger issues (lag, oil leaks), electrical gremlins (e.g., intermittent dashboard lights, power accessories), rust (especially in wheel wells and rocker panels).

Turbo Specific Concerns:

Blow-off valve leaks, intercooler hose cracks, wastegate issues, potential for detonation if not properly maintained.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Chrysler Corporation

Introduction Year:

1988

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform with Plymouth Sundance and Mitsubishi Galant (in some markets) / Chrysler Lancer (J-body).

Production Period:

1988-1994

Manufacturing Location:

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Generally well-regarded for value and performance (especially turbo models) for its price point in the late 80s/early 90s, though often not a recipient of major 'car of the year' awards in its segment.