Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sedan/Coupe
Competitors:
Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Oldsmobile Achieva, Pontiac Sunbird, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla
Platform Basis:
Based on the Chrysler J platform, an extension of the successful K-Car architecture, offering improved interior space and refinement over earlier models.
Target Audience:
Family-oriented compact car, appealing to value-conscious buyers.
User Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, step-by-step instructions to maintain and repair the Dodge Spirit, saving time and money on professional services.
Engine:
2.5L I4 (4-cylinder) naturally aspirated and turbocharged, 3.0L V6 Mitsubishi 6G72
Transmission:
3-speed automatic (A413, A670), 5-speed manual
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum (with optional ABS)
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear trailing arm with coil springs
Electrical:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instruments, power accessories
Body:
Body and chassis, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, HVAC system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (MPI), fuel pump, fuel tank, fuel lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes
Climate Control:
HVAC system, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant charging
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, brake inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based diagnosis, electrical troubleshooting
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and disassembling components
Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for reassembling components
Cleaning:
Procedures for cleaning parts during overhaul
Reinstalling:
Instructions for reinstalling components
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, dimensions, resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers diagnostics, repairs, and component overhauls.
Printability:
Full Printable
Zoom Capability:
Yes, allows for zooming in and out of diagrams and text.
Binding:
Digital Download (no physical binding)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential archive extraction)
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine 1:
2.5L (153 cu in) I4 (4G63 based Mitsubishi Astron)
Engine 1 Variants:
Naturally Aspirated (NA) and Turbocharged (TC)
Engine 1 Hp Na:
Approximately 100-107 hp
Engine 1 Torque Na:
Approximately 130-135 lb-ft
Engine 1 Hp Tc:
Approximately 150-156 hp
Engine 1 Torque Tc:
Approximately 175-185 lb-ft
Engine 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC)
Engine 2 Hp:
Approximately 135-143 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approximately 170-178 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition with Distributor (later models may have Coil-on-Plug or Distributorless Ignition System - DIS)
Transmission Type Standard:
3-speed Automatic (Chrysler A413 or A670)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or equivalent (refer to specific year for exact spec)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.7 inches
Length:
Approximately 177.1 - 179.4 inches (depending on year/trim)
Width:
Approximately 67.1 - 67.3 inches
Height:
Approximately 52.7 - 53.6 inches
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 2650 lbs
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 3000 lbs (depending on engine and options)
NHTSA Side Impact:
Refer to specific model year NHTSA reports. Generally, older vehicles may not have ratings comparable to modern standards.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models, particularly later years.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on later models (post-1990 in the US). Passenger airbag generally not available.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with manual front shoulder belt adjustment.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specifics.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as recommended by the manual. Crucial for automatic transmission longevity.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years. Use appropriate coolant blend.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by spark plug type (copper, platinum). Typically 30,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature). API Service SG or higher.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on V6), timing belt issues (on some Mitsubishi engines if not maintained), oil leaks, lifter tick.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, torque converter shudder, synchro issues in manuals.
Electrical Issues:
Faulty window regulators, door lock actuators, alternator failures, intermittent sensor issues.
Body Rust:
Susceptible to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and near the rear window seals.
Suspension Components:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, and bushings due to wear and tear.
Dodge Identity:
Part of Chrysler's lineup, positioned as a more upscale and sportier alternative to the Plymouth Acclaim.
Spirit Introduction:
Introduced for the 1989 model year as part of Chrysler's sedan lineup based on the A-body platform, designed to offer aerodynamic styling and improved performance.
Facelifts:
Received minor cosmetic updates throughout its production run, including revised grilles, headlamps, and interior trim.
Manufacturing Location:
Likely Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA (Chrysler Assembly Plant)
Production Years:
1989-1995
