🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Dodge
Model:
Spirit
Year:
1989-1995
Codes
Platform Code:
J-body (Chrysler A platform derivative)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Market Segment:
Compact Sedan/Coupe, economy to mid-range segment
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Tempo, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Key Features
Value Proposition:
Affordable transportation with practical features and accessible maintenance
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbishment, Restoration
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a complete workshop manual covering multiple years)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine (2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.0L V6), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Transmission (Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Ignition System, Starting & Charging System, Power Accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC Controls, Radio/Audio System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers
Procedures Included
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic codes, component testing procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures for major systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z), suitable for professional technicians and skilled DIYers
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Adobe PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - Print as needed)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
2.5L (153 cu in) Mitsubishi 4G53 Sirius I4
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 103-116 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 137-140 lb-ft (depending on year and specific configuration)
Secondary Engine
Engine 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 141-150 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 166-170 lb-ft (depending on year and specific configuration)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
Automatic Transmission (3-speed or 4-speed depending on engine and year)
Optional
Manual Transmission Availability:
Generally not common or widely available for this model in North America; focus on automatics.
Features
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (consult specific year manual for precise recommendation)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.2 inches (2545 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg) depending on configuration
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
Designed to meet FMVSS standards of the era, specific ratings vary by test year and agency.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag typically standard from late 1989 onwards; passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims in later years.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point or 3-point rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette player; optional CD player on later models. Basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as per manual specification.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Conformance Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) - typically green or orange
Known Issues
Common Issues 1:
Electrical connector corrosion, aging rubber hoses and seals, potential for head gasket issues on some engine variants, transmission solenoid failures.
Common Issues 2:
Rust/corrosion on body panels and undercarriage, HVAC system blower motor resistors failing, fuel pump and injector issues over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Brand Focus:
Dodge historically positioned as Chrysler's performance and value-oriented brand.
Model Evolution
Platform Origin:
Based on the front-wheel-drive Chrysler J-body platform, derived from the Dodge Lancer/Chrysler LeBaron GTS.
Production
Production Period:
1989-1995
Manufacturing Location:
North America (primarily Mexico)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historic Awards:
While not a highly awarded vehicle, it served as a practical and affordable option during its production run.
Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures for major systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (A-Z), suitable for professional technicians and skilled DIYers
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Adobe PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - Print as needed)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
2.5L (153 cu in) Mitsubishi 4G53 Sirius I4
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 103-116 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 137-140 lb-ft (depending on year and specific configuration)
Secondary Engine
Engine 2:
3.0L (181 cu in) Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 141-150 hp (depending on year and specific configuration)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 166-170 lb-ft (depending on year and specific configuration)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
Automatic Transmission (3-speed or 4-speed depending on engine and year)
Optional
Manual Transmission Availability:
Generally not common or widely available for this model in North America; focus on automatics.
Features
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (consult specific year manual for precise recommendation)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.2 inches (2545 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg) depending on configuration
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
Designed to meet FMVSS standards of the era, specific ratings vary by test year and agency.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag typically standard from late 1989 onwards; passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims in later years.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point or 3-point rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette player; optional CD player on later models. Basic speaker systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as per manual specification.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Conformance Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) - typically green or orange
Known Issues
Common Issues 1:
Electrical connector corrosion, aging rubber hoses and seals, potential for head gasket issues on some engine variants, transmission solenoid failures.
Common Issues 2:
Rust/corrosion on body panels and undercarriage, HVAC system blower motor resistors failing, fuel pump and injector issues over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Brand Focus:
Dodge historically positioned as Chrysler's performance and value-oriented brand.
Model Evolution
Platform Origin:
Based on the front-wheel-drive Chrysler J-body platform, derived from the Dodge Lancer/Chrysler LeBaron GTS.
Production
Production Period:
1989-1995
Manufacturing Location:
North America (primarily Mexico)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historic Awards:
While not a highly awarded vehicle, it served as a practical and affordable option during its production run.
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