🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Colt

Year:

1990

Platform:

Mitsubishi Galant Sigma (DOHC models) / Mitsubishi Mirage (SOHC models)

Model Codes:

Various, depending on trim and engine. Often referred to as C50 series.

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Colt, a joint venture product with Mitsubishi, occupied the compact car segment, offering a fuel-efficient and affordable option for consumers. This manual targets owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed, factory-accurate repair information.

Manual Benefits:

Provides vehicle-specific, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics to facilitate maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, enabling users to perform work efficiently and accurately.

Owner Benefit:

Empowers owners to take on routine maintenance and repairs themselves, saving money on labor costs and increasing their understanding and confidence in managing their vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Specific Systems:

Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle, Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/CAN Communication.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, typical for a full factory service manual, likely exceeding 1000 pages when printed. The digital format allows for efficient navigation.

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Comprehensive coverage of 1.5L (4G15), 1.6L (4G61), and 2.0L (4G63) gasoline engines, including maintenance, diagnostics, repair, fuel system, ignition, lubrication, cooling, and emission controls. Both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch operation, are detailed.

Chassis:

Detailed information on suspension, steering (including power steering), braking systems (hydraulic, parking brake), wheels, and tires.

Electrical:

Extensive wiring schematics, diagnostic procedures for lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, power accessories (windows, locks), HVAC controls, and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, and general upkeep.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era), symptom-based diagnostics, and component testing procedures.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension work, and body panel repairs.

Depth:

Factory-level, detailed technical specifications, torque values, alignment specifications, diagnostic data, and repair procedures equivalent to those used by dealership technicians. Includes general repair information as well as specific troubleshooting for this vehicle.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval.

Printability:

All pages are printable, with the ability to enlarge images and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Operating Systems:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible.

Software:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

1.5L SOHC Inline-4 (4G15), 1.6L DOHC Inline-4 (4G61), 2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (4G63).

1.5L Performance:

Approx. 85-95 horsepower, 90-100 lb-ft torque.

1.6L Performance:

Approx. 113-123 horsepower, 110-120 lb-ft torque (DOHC). Varied by specific tuning and market.

2.0L Performance:

Approx. 135-156 horsepower, 130-140 lb-ft torque (DOHC). Specific outputs varied by trim and engine variants (e.g., GT model).

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection) for most 1990 models, potentially Carbureted for base 1.5L models in certain markets, but FI was dominant.

ECU:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system controlling fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission was standard on many models.

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission was an available option.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmissions.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Typically requires ATF Dexron-II or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2,100 - 2,700 lbs (950 - 1225 kg) depending on body style and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Likely received 4-star ratings in frontal crash tests for the driver and passenger in earlier models. Specific 1990 ratings would require detailed historical data.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was optional or standard on higher trims for 1990 models.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for front occupants, two-point belts for rear occupants (depending on seating position).

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Some higher trims may have featured rear disc brakes.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on some 1990 models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems may have been available.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on higher trim levels.

Multiplex System:

The manual mentions 'Multiplex/CAN Communication,' suggesting some level of multiplexed wiring for certain electrical functions, though not full CAN bus as seen in modern vehicles.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for 4G61 and 4G63 engines. Recommended replacement interval typically 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km).

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended depending on climate.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Engine Wear:

Piston ring wear and oil consumption can occur on higher mileage engines. Timing belt failure on interference engines (4G61/4G63) can cause severe engine damage.

Electrical Issues:

Aging wiring harnesses, corrosion in connectors, and failing alternators or starters can be common as the vehicle ages.

Suspension And Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to alignment issues and premature tire wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Lineage:

The Dodge Colt was part of Chrysler's strategy to offer imported vehicles under its domestic brands, leveraging partnerships with Japanese manufacturers like Mitsubishi. This allowed Dodge to compete in segments where it lacked in-house production.

Generations:

The 1990 model represents the third generation of the Dodge Colt, heavily based on the Mitsubishi Mirage and featuring a more modern design and improved powertrains compared to its predecessors.

Manufacturing Location:

Manufactured in Japan by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Sales Trend:

The Colt was a popular model for Dodge in the compact segment during the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its value and fuel efficiency.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

While specific awards for the 1990 Dodge Colt might be scarce, it was generally well-regarded for its fuel economy and value proposition within the compact segment during its production run.