Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Mid-size sedan, often marketed as an affordable and practical family car.
Key Competitors 1991:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Tempo, Oldsmobile Achieva, Pontiac Sunbird, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla
Badge Engineering:
Shared platform and many components with the Plymouth Acclaim and Chrysler LeBaron.
Primary Coverage:
Repair, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and specifications for the 1991 Dodge Spirit
Estimated Page Count:
Varies, typically 800-1200 pages for comprehensive factory-level manuals covering this era and model complexity.
Manual Classification:
Service and Repair Manual (often referred to as a Workshop Manual or Factory Service Manual equivalent)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.5L TBI/MPI, 3.0L V6), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (TorqueFlite A413, A604 FWD Transaxle)
Chassis:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (beam axle, coil springs), steering system, brake system (front disc/rear drum), power steering
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horns, power windows/locks (if equipped), audio system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, inspections), fluid checks and changes, lubrication
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission service, brake repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair, bodywork adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for applicable systems, symptom-based diagnostics
Diagnostic Level:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers with basic mechanical and electrical knowledge. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and component testing.
Rebuild Depth:
Covers complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components like engines and transmissions.
Engine Option 1 Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2507 cc)
Engine Option 1 Fuel Delivery:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) depending on sub-model/trim.
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
Approximately 100-105 hp
Engine Option 1 Torque:
Approximately 135-140 lb-ft
Engine Option 2 Type:
V6 (Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2972 cc)
Engine Option 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
Approximately 140-144 hp
Engine Option 2 Torque:
Approximately 160-165 lb-ft
0 60 Mph Time:
Approximately 9-11 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Option 1 Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag A520, Chrysler A525 FWD)
Transmission Option 2 Type:
3-speed Automatic (Chrysler Torqueflite A413 FWD)
Transmission Option 3 Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (Chrysler Ultradrive A604 FWD - Electronically controlled, available on higher trims/V6 models)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type (e.g., ATF+3 or equivalent for automatics, gear oil for manuals)
NHTSA Crash Test Results 1991:
NHTSA ratings for this specific model year are not readily available through modern databases. However, vehicles of this era generally performed moderately in frontal impacts.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag may have been standard or optional on certain trims. Passenger airbag not standard.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear lap belts. Shoulder belts for rear occupants may have been present.
Audio System Options:
AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound system with more speakers.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
Early Electronic Features:
Basic electronic features such as digital clock, optional power windows and locks, and trip computer on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for this era). Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations (depending on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). Consult manual for specific viscosity and API service classification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (green or a compatible color) with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problems 2 5L:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, exhaust manifold leaks, timing belt (if applicable, though many had chains) wear, ignition system component failures.
Common Problems 3 0L V6:
Head gasket failures (especially on early models), oil leaks, timing belt replacement (critical maintenance item), starter motor issues.
Common Transmission Issues:
A604 Ultradrive transmission electronic control module (ESM) failures, valve body issues, torque converter problems.
Common Chassis Issues:
Strut mount wear, ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, brake component wear.
Dodge Legacy 1991:
Dodge, as part of Chrysler Corporation, focused on affordable, practical vehicles in the late 80s and early 90s. The Spirit represented this strategy.
K Car Lineage:
The Dodge Spirit is a descendant of Chrysler's groundbreaking K-Car platform, evolving into the L-body platform, which also underpinned the Aries and Reliant.
Production Years:
1989-1994 (for the Dodge Spirit)
Manufacturing Location:
Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA (primarily)
