🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Plymouth Model: Sundance Generation: First Generation Production Years Covered: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Compact car, hatchback Brand Strategy: Positioned as an affordable and practical compact offering within the Chrysler/Plymouth lineup. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Key Features Design Platform: Based on Chrysler's K-car platform, evolving into the P-body platform. Practicality: Offered a practical hatchback body style with a focus on fuel economy and reasonable interior space for its class. Availability: Wide range of engines and trims available throughout its production run. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Comprehensive Coverage: All systems and components Target Audience: Professional technicians and DIY mechanics with basic knowledge Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 1000+ pages (typical for factory-style repair manuals covering multiple years and configurations) Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual Synonymous Terms: Factory Service Manual Repair, Workshop Manual Repair Service Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Delivery Method: Instant Download Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip Compatibility Operating Systems: All Versions of Windows & Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed repair, diagnostics, and overhaul procedures for all gasoline engines offered. Engine Details: Includes engine identification, component removal/installation, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions systems. Transmission: Repair and overhaul for both manual and automatic transmissions. Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive system components, including axles, CV joints, and differential (if applicable). Brakes: Disc and drum brake systems, including hydraulic components, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped). Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and shock absorber/strut service. Steering: Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, and wheel alignment. Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, and accessories. Body And Frame: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and underbody structure. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for various common and uncommon issues. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups. Disassembly Assembly: Step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies. Repair: Detailed instructions for repairing specific parts and systems, often with diagrams and specifications. Cleaning: Instructions for cleaning specific components during overhaul or repair. Reinstallation: Guidance on correct reassembly and torquing procedures. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Covers fundamental maintenance to complex diagnostics and major component overhauls, as expected from a factory service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Print Quality: Full Printable (allows for printing of individual pages or sections) Zoom Capability: YES (allows users to zoom in for detailed inspection of diagrams and text) Binding Type Digital Format Advantage: No physical binding; delivered as a digital file. Paper Type Digital Format Equivalent: Digital PDF format, equivalent to high-quality paper manual content. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine 1988: 2.2L (2242cc) SOHC Inline-4 (83 hp @ 4800 rpm, 115 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm) Base Engine 1989-1993: 2.5L (2507cc) SOHC Inline-4 (often with sequential fuel injection, approx. 100-107 hp) Performance Optional Engine Turbo: 2.2L Turbocharged SOHC Inline-4 (higher horsepower variants, e.g., 146 hp in certain trims) Optional Engine V6: 3.0L (182 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 SOHC V6 (approx. 141 hp) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) across most models, Carbureted on some earlier base engines (less common in later years). Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Chrysler's early electronic engine control units (ECUs). 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: Chrysler A520/A555 5-speed manual transmission Optional Automatic Transmission: Chrysler A413/A470 3-speed automatic transmission Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch (manual) Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Chrysler ATF+2 or ATF+3 (refer to specific year for precise recommendation) Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to specific year for precise recommendation) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 167.5 inches (varies slightly by year/trim) Width: Approximately 66.5 inches Height: Approximately 51.8 inches Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approximately 96.5 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2500 - 2800 lbs (varies by engine and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Nthsa Front Impact: Likely achieved 4-star rating in earlier NHTSA frontal impact tests (common for this era). Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Optional front and rear disc brakes and ABS on higher trims. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag became available in later model years (e.g., 1990/1991 onwards) as an option or standard on certain trims. Seatbelts: Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems and CD players in later years/higher trims. Instrumentation: Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature). Digital dashboards were less common or not available. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option on most...
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) across most models, Carbureted on some earlier base engines (less common in later years).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Chrysler's early electronic engine control units (ECUs).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
Chrysler A520/A555 5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
Chrysler A413/A470 3-speed automatic transmission
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch (manual)
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+2 or ATF+3 (refer to specific year for precise recommendation)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to specific year for precise recommendation)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 167.5 inches (varies slightly by year/trim)
Width:
Approximately 66.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 51.8 inches
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approximately 96.5 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2500 - 2800 lbs (varies by engine and equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Nthsa Front Impact:
Likely achieved 4-star rating in earlier NHTSA frontal impact tests (common for this era).
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Optional front and rear disc brakes and ABS on higher trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became available in later model years (e.g., 1990/1991 onwards) as an option or standard on certain trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems and CD players in later years/higher trims.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature). Digital dashboards were less common or not available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional on certain trims, particularly those with the V6 engine or sportier configurations.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for precise interval).
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement typically at 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Timing Belt Interval:
Crucial for 2.2L and 2.5L engines. Typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (critical to follow manual's recommendation to avoid catastrophic engine damage).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Issues Electrical:
Intermittent electrical faults, power window/lock issues, instrument cluster problems.
Common Issues Engine:
Oil leaks, vacuum hose deterioration, premature timing belt failure (if not maintained), EGR valve issues.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Common Issues Interior:
Seat wear, headliner sagging, dashboard cracks due to sun exposure.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Plymouth, a division of Chrysler Corporation.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Closely related to the Dodge Omni, serving as a badge-engineered variant.
Design Era:
Represented Chrysler's move towards more aerodynamic and modern styling in the compact segment of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Production
Production Location:
Toluca Car Assembly, Mexico
Production End Year:
1993 (replaced by the Plymouth Neon).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journal Ratings:
Received mixed reviews during its production run, often praised for value and practicality but criticized for refinement and performance compared to Japanese competitors.
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