🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Plymouth Model: Acclaim Years Covered: 1989-1995 Codes Platform Code: Chrysler J platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Mid-size Sedan (often considered a 'K-car' derivative) Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain their vehicle affordably Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra Key Features Manual Advantage: Factory-level detail, step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, cost savings on repairs Vehicle Advantage: Affordable transportation, fuel-efficient (for its time), spacious interior for its class 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Complete vehicle service and repair Page Count Estimated Pages: High (typically 500-1500+ pages for comprehensive factory-level manuals) Manual Type Type: Factory-type Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, diagnostics, overhaul Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (OBD-I) Transmission Manual: Service, repair, and overhaul of manual transmissions Transmission Automatic: Service, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions (e.g., A604 Ultradrive) Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive systems, CV joints, axles Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc/drum brake service, parking brake Suspension: Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, springs, wheel alignment Steering: Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams HVAC: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service and repair Body: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, rust repair, collision repair basics Chassis: Frame, unibody structure Body Control Modules: Power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, etc. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tune-ups Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common problems Repair: Component removal, installation, adjustment, overhaul Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), sensor testing, component testing Special Tools: Identification of and procedures using specialized tools Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Quality: Professional Quality (implied high resolution, clear text, and diagrams) Binding Type Binding: Digital (N/A for PDF format, but implies printable) Paper Type Paper: Digital (N/A for PDF format, but implies printable on standard paper) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type 1: 2.5L Inline-4 (Turbocharged) Engine Code 1: G-series / Turbo (e.g., TC3) Horsepower 1: Approximately 150-170 hp (depending on year/tune) Torque 1: Approximately 170-190 lb-ft Fuel System 1: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Engine Type 2: 2.5L Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated) Engine Code 2: G-series (e.g., G5) Horsepower 2: Approximately 100-108 hp Torque 2: Approximately 136-140 lb-ft Fuel System 2: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Engine Type 3: 3.0L V6 (Naturally Aspirated) Engine Code 3: Mitsubishi 6G72 Horsepower 3: Approximately 140-150 hp Torque 3: Approximately 160-170 lb-ft Fuel System 3: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Performance 0-60 Mph Approx: 9-12 seconds (depending on engine and transmission) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual (less common) Optional Optional Transmission 1: 3-speed Automatic (e.g., Torqueflite A413) Optional Transmission 2: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., A604 Ultradrive) Features Transmission Fluid Spec Auto: ATF+3 or ATF+4 (refer to specific year/manual for exact specification) Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Approx: 177-179 inches Width Approx: 69.3 inches Height Approx: 53.5 inches Wheelbase Approx: 100.3 inches Weights Curb Weight Approx: 2700-3000 lbs (depending on engine and trim) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx: 3700-4000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Rating Approx: Likely 3 or 4 stars (based on typical vehicles of this era and platform) Active Features Active Safety Features: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure, potentially driver-side airbag (introduced later in the model run, optional) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (later models), basic speaker systems. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Cruise control, optional power windows/locks/mirrors, optional ABS. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to basic features; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type) Engine Coolant Change: Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Every 60,000-100,000 miles for 4-cylinder engines (critical preventative maintenance) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: API Service SG, SH, or SJ rating; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature) Coolant Spec: Chrysler 'Type A' or equivalent (long-life ethylene glycol coolant) Brake Fluid Spec: DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid Known Issues Common Wear Items: CV axles, tie rod ends, ball joints, exhaust systems, radiator, water pump, alternator Electrical Gremlins: Wiring harness issues, faulty sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), module failures can occur over time. Transmission Issues: Ultradrive (A604) can be prone to solenoids, torque converter issues, and fluid leaks if not maintained. Engine Performance...
Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure, potentially driver-side airbag (introduced later in the model run, optional)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (later models), basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, optional power windows/locks/mirrors, optional ABS.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic features; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles for 4-cylinder engines (critical preventative maintenance)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ rating; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler 'Type A' or equivalent (long-life ethylene glycol coolant)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, tie rod ends, ball joints, exhaust systems, radiator, water pump, alternator
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness issues, faulty sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), module failures can occur over time.
Transmission Issues:
Ultradrive (A604) can be prone to solenoids, torque converter issues, and fluid leaks if not maintained.
Engine Performance Issues:
Carbon buildup in older engines, potential head gasket issues with the 3.0L V6, turbocharger reliability on performance models.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Context:
Plymouth was Chrysler's entry-level brand, known for affordable and practical vehicles.
Model Evolution
Platform Basis:
Based on Chrysler's highly successful 'K-car' architecture, specifically the J platform, sharing components with the Dodge Spirit and Chrysler LeBaron sedan.
Styling:
Aerodynamic styling for its era, aimed at a family sedan market.
Trim Levels:
Available in various trims, including base models and sportier 'ES' or 'Turbo' versions.
Production
Production Location:
United States (primarily Sterling Heights, Michigan)
Production Years:
1989-1995 (discontinued as Plymouth brand was phased out)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Critical Reception:
Generally received mixed reviews, often praised for affordability and interior space, but criticized for ride quality, handling, and some powertrain reliability concerns compared to Japanese competitors.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Rankings:
Likely ranked average to below average in reliability for its segment during its production run.