🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Spirit

Model Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Platform:

K Platform (Extended Body)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Spirit was an economy-focused compact car, a practical and affordable option within the Dodge lineup during its production run. It catered to budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable transportation.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other compact sedans and hatchbacks of its era, such as the Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Cavalier, and various Japanese imports. Its strength lay in its practicality and often competitive pricing.

Key Features:

Front-wheel drive, spacious interior for its class, economical operation, and a range of engine options. The availability of a wagon body style (Plymouth Acclaim/Chrysler LeBaron) offered versatility.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General information, Engine, Clutch, Gearbox, Propeller shafts, Rear axles, Front axle, Front and rear suspensions, Wheels and Tyres, Steering system, Brakes, Bodywork and chassis frame, Maintenance, Electric/Electronic System

Page Count:

Unknown (Digital PDF, content density varies)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanicals, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Clutch operation, Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Driveshafts, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering column and linkage, Power steering, Hydraulic brake system, Parking brake, Body panels, Frame structure, Routine maintenance procedures, Electrical systems (including wiring diagrams), Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair instructions, Diagnostic procedures, Troubleshooting guides, Maintenance schedules, Component removal and installation, Adjustments and calibrations, Electrical system troubleshooting, Wiring schematics interpretation

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic upkeep to complex component overhauls and diagnostics, suitable for professional mechanics and ambitious DIY owners.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High quality, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Images and schematics are expected to display clearly.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L (153 cu in) Inline-4 (Turbocharged and naturally aspirated variants existed across the platform)

Engine Options:

Likely included the Chrysler 2.2L and 2.5L Turbo I4 engines, common across the K-car derivatives. Specific Spirit engine codes and detailed specifications would be detailed within the manual.

Performance:

Naturally aspirated 2.5L engines typically produced around 100-105 horsepower. Turbocharged variants (e.g., Turbo I) could reach 140-150 horsepower. Torque figures varied accordingly. Specifics depend on the exact engine variant covered.

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for most models, some earlier or base models might have featured Carburetion for specific markets/years, but EFI was dominant.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

Likely a 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., A525) was standard on lower trims.

Optional:

3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., Torqueflite A413) was widely available and likely the more common option.

Features:

Front-wheel drive transaxle design for both manual and automatic transmissions. Clutch types would be single dry plate for manual. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications would be detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Approximate dimensions for the Spirit sedan: Length: ~175-180 inches, Width: ~67 inches, Height: ~53-55 inches. Wheelbase: ~100 inches. Specific dimensions may vary slightly by year and body style (sedan/coupe). Consult manual for precise figures.

Interior Dimensions:

Designed for compact class, offering reasonable passenger volume. Specific interior dimensions (headroom, legroom, shoulder room) would be available in detailed specifications, likely within the 'Bodywork' section.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2600-2900 lbs depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

As this vehicle predates stringent modern safety rating systems (like NHTSA 5-star), specific crash test scores may not be readily available or comparable to current standards. Manual will cover braking systems and structural integrity.

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assisted steering was optional/standard on higher trims. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may have been an option on later models or specific trims.

Passive Features:

Seat belts (likely 3-point front, lap rear on some configurations), padded dashboard, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems were available. Digital displays were not standard.

Driver Assistance:

Limited by era. Cruise control was a common option. ABS was an optional feature on some models.

Connectivity:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB ports. Vehicle systems were purely mechanical and basic electrical.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Refer to the manual for specific intervals. Typical intervals include: Oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles, air filter replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles, spark plug replacement every 30,000-60,000 miles, coolant flushes every 30,000-50,000 miles, transmission fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH service category. Viscosity grades commonly 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on ambient temperature. Check manual for exact recommendations.

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic: Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent. Manual: Gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 GL-4.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar OAT or HOAT antifreeze for later model compatibility, but consult manual for specific requirements for this generation.

Known Issues:

Common issues on K-car derivatives can include: Head gasket leaks (especially on 2.2/2.5L engines), transmission cooler line leaks, rust on body panels and suspension components, AC system leaks, power window regulator failures, and electrical gremlins due to aging wiring harness.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to trucks and family sedans. The Spirit represents Chrysler's response to the fuel-efficient compact car market.

Model Evolution:

The Dodge Spirit was part of the Chrysler Corporation's J-body platform, which was an extended version of the K-car platform. It shared mechanicals and styling cues with its Plymouth (Acclaim) and Chrysler (LeBaron Coupe/Convertible) stablemates. The Spirit was introduced as a successor to the Dodge Aries and evolved through styling updates and powertrain refinements.

Production Years:

1984-1988 (as Dodge Aries/Reliant, with Spirit name used later on expanded versions or different models depending on market interpretation. The manual covers the 1988-1994 timeframe specifically for the Spirit designation).

Manufacturing Locations:

Chrysler Corporation assembly plants in North America, primarily in the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

As an economy car, the Spirit and its platform derivatives were more focused on value and practicality than winning awards for performance or luxury. They were often recognized for their fuel efficiency and affordability during their production run.