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Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Segment:
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Compact/Mid-size Sedan (also available as Hatchback/Wagon variants of the contemporary Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron).
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Purpose:
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A reliable and affordable family car, often a value-oriented alternative in its segment.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Celebrity, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Buick Century, Pontiac 6000, Mercury Topaz.
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Key Features
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Design Platform:
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Chrysler's J-body platform, shared with Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron, featuring front-wheel drive.
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Manual Utility:
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Provides factory-level repair and maintenance data, empowering owners and technicians with essential knowledge for keeping the vehicle in optimal condition.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM).
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Drivetrain:
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Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drive axles, differentials.
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Chassis:
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Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, power assist, parking brake).
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Electrical:
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Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, horn, power windows, power locks, wipers, blower motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
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Body And Interior:
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Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, exterior trim, bumpers.
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Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
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General troubleshooting procedures, specific fault diagnosis for various systems.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Routine inspections, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, tune-ups.
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Disassembly Assembly:
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Step-by-step procedures for component removal and installation.
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Repair Rebuild:
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Detailed instructions for repairing or rebuilding major vehicle components.
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Cleaning:
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Specific cleaning instructions for various parts and systems.
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Torque Specifications:
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Crucial torque values for fasteners across all systems.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering professional technician level with data suitable for advanced DIY mechanics. Includes fundamentals to complex repairs.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Code:
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2.5L (153 cu in) Turbocharged I4 (VIN G)
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Engine Displacement:
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2499 cc
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Horsepower Rating:
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Approx. 104 hp @ 4000 rpm (for naturally aspirated 2.5L) / Approx. 150 hp (for Turbocharged 2.5L)
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Torque Rating:
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Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (for naturally aspirated 2.5L) / Approx. 173 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (for Turbocharged 2.5L)
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Secondary Engine
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Engine Code:
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3.0L (181 cu in) V6 (VIN K)
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Engine Displacement:
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2972 cc
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Horsepower Rating:
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Approx. 141 hp @ 4800 rpm
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Torque Rating:
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Approx. 171 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
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Fuel System
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Injection Type:
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Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) or Throttle Body Injection (TBI) depending on engine and trim.
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded Gasoline
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Performance
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0 60 Mph:
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Varies by engine and transmission, typically 9-12 seconds.
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Top Speed:
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Approx. 105-115 mph.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Every 30,000 miles for conventional plugs, or 60,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped).
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Coolant Flush:
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Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
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Transmission Fluid Change:
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Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, consult manual for specifics on fluid type and filter replacement.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
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Coolant:
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Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170).
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Transmission Fluid Auto:
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Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent specification, consult manual for correct type, e.g., Dexron II/III compatibility may be noted).
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Power Steering Fluid:
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Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent ATF+3.
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 Brake Fluid.
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Known Issues
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Engine:
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Head gasket leaks on 2.5L engines, premature wear on turbocharger components (if equipped), intake manifold gasket leaks.
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Transmission:
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Ultradrive transmission (A-604) can be prone to electronic control issues or torque converter problems if not maintained.
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Electrical:
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Faulty radiator fan relays, power window motor failures, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
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Suspension Steering:
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Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts due to age and mileage.
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