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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Compact/Mid-size Sedan (often considered a 'K-car' derivative)
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Target Audience:
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Budget-conscious consumers, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain their vehicle affordably
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors:
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Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
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Key Features
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Manual Advantage:
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Factory-level detail, step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, cost savings on repairs
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Vehicle Advantage:
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Affordable transportation, fuel-efficient (for its time), spacious interior for its class
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Mechanical:
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Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, diagnostics, overhaul
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Engine Management:
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Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (OBD-I)
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Transmission Manual:
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Service, repair, and overhaul of manual transmissions
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Transmission Automatic:
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Service, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions (e.g., A604 Ultradrive)
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Drivetrain:
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Front-wheel drive systems, CV joints, axles
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Brakes:
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Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc/drum brake service, parking brake
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Suspension:
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Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, springs, wheel alignment
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Steering:
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Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion
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Electrical System:
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Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams
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HVAC:
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Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service and repair
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Body:
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Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, rust repair, collision repair basics
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Chassis:
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Frame, unibody structure
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Body Control Modules:
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Power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, etc.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Oil changes, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common problems
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Repair:
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Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul
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Diagnostics:
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On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), sensor testing, component testing
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Special Tools:
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Identification of and procedures using specialized tools
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type 1:
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2.5L Inline-4 (Turbocharged)
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Engine Code 1:
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G-series / Turbo (e.g., TC3)
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Horsepower 1:
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Approximately 150-170 hp (depending on year/tune)
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Torque 1:
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Approximately 170-190 lb-ft
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Fuel System 1:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
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Engine Type 2:
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2.5L Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated)
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Engine Code 2:
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G-series (e.g., G5)
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Horsepower 2:
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Approximately 100-108 hp
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Torque 2:
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Approximately 136-140 lb-ft
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Fuel System 2:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
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Engine Type 3:
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3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
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Engine Code 3:
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Mitsubishi 6G72
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Horsepower 3:
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Approximately 140-150 hp
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Torque 3:
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Approximately 160-170 lb-ft
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Fuel System 3:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
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Performance
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0-60 Mph Approx:
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9-12 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
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Engine Coolant Change:
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Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
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Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
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Every 60,000-100,000 miles for 4-cylinder engines (critical preventative maintenance)
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Spec:
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API Service SG, SH, or SJ rating; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
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Coolant Spec:
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Chrysler 'Type A' or equivalent (long-life ethylene glycol coolant)
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Brake Fluid Spec:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
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Known Issues
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Common Wear Items:
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CV axles, tie rod ends, ball joints, exhaust systems, radiator, water pump, alternator
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Electrical Gremlins:
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Wiring harness issues, faulty sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), module failures can occur over time.
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Transmission Issues:
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Ultradrive (A604) can be prone to solenoids, torque converter issues, and fluid leaks if not maintained.
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Engine Performance Issues:
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Carbon buildup in older engines, potential head gasket issues with the 3.0L V6, turbocharger reliability on performance models.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Brand Context:
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Plymouth was Chrysler's entry-level brand, known for affordable and practical vehicles.
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Model Evolution
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Platform Basis:
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Based on Chrysler's highly successful 'K-car' architecture, specifically the J platform, sharing components with the Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron sedan.
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Styling:
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Aerodynamic styling for its era, aimed at a family sedan market.
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Trim Levels:
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Available in various trims, including base models and sportier 'ES' or 'Turbo' versions.
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Production
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Production Location:
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United States (primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan)
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Production Years:
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1989-1995 (discontinued as Plymouth brand was phased out)
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