🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Spirit

Year:

1992

Platform Code:

A-body (Chrysler's internal designation, though Spirit was part of the extended K-car family)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sedan/Hatchback.

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent technicians to perform high-quality repairs and maintenance, saving money and ensuring longevity of the vehicle through expert guidance.

Vehicle Appeal:

Practical, affordable, and relatively reliable transportation, often appreciated for its fuel efficiency and straightforward mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All aspects of service, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 1992 Dodge Spirit.

Estimated Page Count:

800-1200 (typical for comprehensive factory-style repair manuals)

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Detailed instructions for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems, and lubrication.

Transmission Service:

Covers both automatic (e.g., A604, TorqueFlite variants) and manual transmissions, including service procedures, component identification, and repair for shifting mechanisms and internal components.

Brake System:

Diagnosis and repair of front and rear disc/drum brakes, hydraulic systems, parking brake, and related components.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and accessories.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits, allowing for precise diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.

Suspension System:

Service and repair procedures for front MacPherson struts, rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Repair and adjustment of power steering system, steering column, tie rods, and steering gear.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair of radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications.

Fuel System:

Service and troubleshooting for fuel injection (EFI) systems, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel tank.

Emission Control System:

Diagnosis and repair of emission control components, including catalytic converter, EGR system, and oxygen sensors, with emphasis on meeting emissions standards.

Engine Control System:

Details on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sensors, actuators, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine management.

Chassis Body:

Information on frame construction, body panels, doors, windows, seals, and interior trim for repair and refurbishment.

Restraint System:

Information on seat belts and any associated passive restraint systems typical for the era.

Axle Assembly:

Service and repair of front and rear axle components, including CV joints, differentials (if applicable), and drive shafts.

General Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, and inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts to identify and resolve common and complex vehicle problems.

Periodic Lubrication:

Detailed lubrication schedule and specifications for all chassis and powertrain components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and carburetors/fuel injection systems.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Techniques for diagnosing electrical issues using multimeters, test lights, and wiring diagrams.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, and component specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Adobe PDF, compatible with Adobe PDF Reader. May require WinZip for extraction if delivered in a compressed archive.

Quality:

High-resolution, digitally scanned or created, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams for professional use.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes 2.5L Turbo I4 (GTS model), 2.2L I4, and 3.0L V6 (less common in Spirit, more in Acclaim/LeBaron sibling).

Typical Horsepower 2.2L:

~100-115 hp

Typical Torque 2.2L:

~120-130 lb-ft

Typical Horsepower 2.5L Turbo:

~140-150 hp

Typical Torque 2.5L Turbo:

~160-170 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) depending on engine.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Typically a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Torqueflite A-904).

Transmission Type:

Could include Chrysler's 4-speed Ultradrive automatic (A604) on some engine variants.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+3 (or equivalent for automatic) or Manual Transmission Fluid (MT-1 or GL-4 for manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 100.3 inches (2548 mm)

Length:

Approximately 175.9 inches (4468 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 2600 - 3000 lbs (1179 - 1361 kg) depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Notes:

Vehicles from this era generally had lower safety ratings compared to modern standards. The manual will detail any specific safety features and potential areas of concern.

Active Safety:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power steering, anti-lock brakes (ABS) might be optional on certain trims.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, reinforced passenger compartment.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Manual will detail removal and installation of these units.

Assistance Features:

Limited to features like power steering and potentially optional ABS. No modern driver-assistance systems.

Connectivity Features:

None beyond basic vehicle electrical systems. Aftermarket solutions would be necessary for modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era). Consult manual for specific oil viscosity.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months for automatic transmissions. Manuals vary.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil Spec:

Likely SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API SF or SG rated. Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically green), 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Problems:

Rattling exhaust manifolds, AC system leaks, door lock actuator failure, interior trim degradation, electrical component failures (e.g., power windows, instrument cluster).

Turbocharger Care:

For turbo models (2.5L), proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are critical to turbocharger longevity; oil changes are paramount.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to performance cars, known for value and capability.

Spirit Positioning:

The Dodge Spirit was part of Chrysler's A-body platform, derived from the K-car, designed to offer economical and practical transportation. It was a badge-engineered version of the Plymouth Acclaim and shared many components with the Chrysler LeBaron.

Production Years:

1989-1994

Manufacturing Location:

Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Notes:

The Dodge Spirit and its platform siblings were generally positioned as value-oriented transportation and did not typically receive prestigious automotive awards. Their success was measured in sales volume and affordability.