🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Colt

Year:

1994

Generation:

Eighty Series (A170/A172)

Platform Code:

Mitsubishi E Platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Compact subcompact car, positioned as an affordable and economical option, often rebadged from Mitsubishi. Competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Escort of its era.

Target Demographic:

First-time car buyers, budget-conscious individuals, students, and those seeking economical transportation.

Competitive Analysis:

The 1994 Dodge Colt was a rebadged Mitsubishi Mirage. Its main selling points were affordability, fuel efficiency, and a decent feature set for its price class. Competitors included other Japanese and American compacts known for similar attributes. Dealer service manuals are crucial for maintaining these vehicles due to their relatively complex Japanese engineering and electronics compared to some domestic contemporaries.

Key Features:

Vehicle-specific information, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, comprehensive A-Z repair coverage, printable PDF format for ease of use in workshop environments.

Benefits For Owner:

Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money on labor costs, understanding vehicle systems better, and prolonging vehicle lifespan. Facilitates easier diagnosis of problems.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Page Count:

Not specified, but described as comprehensive.

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

File Compatibility:

Windows Vista (32/64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac OS. Requires Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Maintenance, Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust/Cooling, Lube, Ignition/Starting/Charging, Automatic 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 (SRS), 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.

Electrical System Detail:

Comprehensive wiring schematics for all major electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, power windows, locks, and audio systems. Troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults.

Brake System Detail:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Coverage includes inspection, replacement of pads/shoes, rotor/drum machining or replacement, hydraulic system components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, lines).

Suspension Steering Detail:

Front: Independent MacPherson struts. Rear: Torsion beam axle with trailing arms. Covers shock absorber replacement, spring replacement, alignment specifications, power steering system diagnostics and repair.

HVAC System Detail:

Covers air conditioning system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant), heating system components (heater core, blower motor, controls), and ventilation. Includes refrigerant charging specifications and leak detection procedures.

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic procedures, maintenance procedures, component installation, troubleshooting guides, wiring schematic interpretation, specifications for adjustments and repairs.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees for engine performance issues, transmission problems, braking systems, and electrical faults. Includes guidance on using diagnostic tools if applicable for the era.

Engine Rebuild Procedures:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, overhaul, and reassembly procedures, including torque specifications, piston ring installation, bearing clearances, valve adjustments.

Technical Depth:

Factory highly detailed, equivalent to dealership technician manuals. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete vehicle repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval. Ability to print individual pages or entire sections.

Print Quality:

High-quality, with printable pages allowing for enlarged images.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF). Original format not specified, but likely digital distribution.

Paper Type:

Not applicable for digital format, but printable pages can be on any paper type.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.5L 4G15 SOHC I4

Horsepower:

Approximately 82 hp @ 5500 rpm (for the 1.5L engine)

Torque:

Approximately 87 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (for the 1.5L engine)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Codes:

4G15

Engine Displacement:

1.5 Liters (1490 cc)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (F3A21)

Transmission Features:

Manual: Cable-operated clutch. Automatic: Lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 96.5 inches (2450 mm)

Length:

Approximately 160.4 inches (4075 mm)

Width:

Approximately 65.2 inches (1655 mm)

Height:

Approximately 53.7 inches (1365 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 5.5-6.0 inches (140-150 mm), depending on suspension variant.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2100-2300 lbs (950-1040 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact Rating:

Not readily available for this specific year/model, but generally rated average for its class at the time.

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power-assisted steering (optional), anti-lock braking system (ABS) available on higher trims.

Passive Features:

Seat belts, crumple zones, padded interior surfaces. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - driver airbag became more common in this era.

Seat Belt Type:

Front: 3-point retractable seat belts. Rear: Lap belts (may have optional shoulder belts in some configurations).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Limited to audio playback.

Driver Assistance Features:

Mainly basic features. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models. No advanced electronic driver aids.

Connectivity Features:

No external connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB. Relies on analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Approximately every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years for the 4G15 engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific temperature ranges).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type (e.g., green conventional).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mitsubishi DiaQueen ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification and capacity).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF (if equipped with power steering).

Known Issues:

Timing belt failure, alternator issues, rust on body panels, minor electrical gremlins, worn CV joints, clutch wear in manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge, as a division of Chrysler, historically offered a range of vehicles from muscle cars to economy cars. The Colt represented their entry into the compact segment, often through badge engineering agreements.

Model Evolution:

The Dodge Colt was based on Mitsubishi's platform. The 1993-1996 models were based on the Mitsubishi E platform, shared with the Mitsubishi Mirage and Eagle Summit. This generation saw styling updates and improved features over previous iterations.

Body Styles Available:

Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Sedan, and potentially a Wagon (rebadged from Mitsubishi Wagon models).

Production Years In Usa:

1970-1996 (various generations and rebadges)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured by Mitsubishi in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1994 Dodge Colt are not widely publicized, its sibling, the Mitsubishi Mirage, often received positive mentions for value and fuel economy from automotive publications of the era.