1990 Dodge Spirit

Introduction

The 1990 Dodge Spirit is a mid-size sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.5L inline-4 that produced 100 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0L V6 was also available, producing 141 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 3-speed automatic, a 4-speed manual, and a 5-speed manual.

People like the Dodge Spirit for its affordability, reliability, and spacious interior. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and cheap interior materials.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and oil in the coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to stall. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, difficulty starting the engine, and a rattling noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, stalling, and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and a squealing noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

3.0L V6

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and oil in the coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to stall. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, difficulty starting the engine, and a rattling noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, stalling, and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and a squealing noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, difficulty shifting gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid may leak, causing the transmission to lose fluid. Symptoms include a loss of power, difficulty shifting gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to fix the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+

4-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch may fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, difficulty shifting gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizers may fail, causing the transmission to grind when shifting gears. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears and a grinding noise. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch may fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, difficulty shifting gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizers may fail, causing the transmission to grind when shifting gears. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears and a grinding noise. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+

Suspension

• Front strut failure: The front struts may fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough. Symptoms include a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling. The solution is to replace the front struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
• Rear shock failure: The rear shocks may fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough. Symptoms include a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling. The solution is to replace the rear shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Control arm failure: The control arms may fail, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. Symptoms include a pull to one side, uneven tire wear, and a decrease in handling. The solution is to replace the control arms. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to discharge. Symptoms include a dim