20 Most Recent 1989 Dodge Spirit Questions & Answers

Take both your battery and alternator to an auto parts store like Autozone or Napa they will check both for free.

Fuse box by driver side door side dash

Hi vann peterson. I am not familier with your vehicle, but the timing mark is normaly a scribed line, or a punch mark. There will be a similar mark on the crankcase. Study the workshop manual. If you have not got a manual, your local public library may have a copy. Good luck!

Most probably, the AIC stepper motor is bad, one way to kno, is when the engine slows at idle when you swithc on the air conditioner, and the Idle automatioc control does not correct the RPM dropping from the increased load. An engien that does not maintain correct and stable idle cannot maintain the battery charged, but it could have multiple issues.

ADD COOLANT.

check the coolant level, check for leaks, that is an indiacation of an over heat condition, check if the radiator fan is operating

look behind t6he glove department

the oil filler cap ?? please ask a local mechanic to advise as with my head under the bonnet i couldnt tell you

Try switching with another relay the same you don't rea;y need as a test. Check something like the horn relay & make sure it has the same numbers on it

Check battery then check altenator. Sounds like your altenator needs replacing but I have seen a bad battery do that to a car.

We are in cold environment too so I have some simple tips. If car has block heater plug in for a couple hours.If cranking is too slow due to cold - battery must be getting weak. Need a boost / jump start from someone to get it started - or - alternately, hook up a battery charger for several hours. Then let it run awhile to warm up and to charge. Then all charging system should be checked at garage. Battery, alternator for charging ...etc etc.1989? Fairly old. Carburator or fuel injected? If carburator - take off air cleaner cover and prop open choke butterfly valve at top 1/4" with ex. small screwdriver inserted - then try and start (too much fuel in mix/choke staying shut too much when cold, engine "flooded"). If water or condensation gets in fuel = trouble. Add some premium gas line antifreeze ( pure isopropyl alcohol type is best ). In cold season, try and keep gas tank near full (helps avoids condensation moisture in air part of tank), and use better gasoline, try premium for awhile - costs more but worth it. A general tune up/check up at garage for cold season may be necessary. Check battery & connections. Clean battery connections, they can get corroded. Check charging system incl alternator. New spark plugs and ignition wires may be a good idea if very old. In winter, if it gets very cold where you are (below -10 C or below -15 F), consider using a synthetic engine oil - helps make cold cranking easier and lubrication better during cold startup.Car may just be getting very old and tired. A 1989, if not kept up, may always give some trouble starting when it gets very cold. As everything ages and wears, performance drops - naturally - and cold starting may be difficult on an older vehicle - and you may only be able to improve that only so much ...best of luck. I think consult with a mechanic or get a nearby friend who is knowlegeable in cars to help you out. May not be such an easy problem to solve. You know ...cars ... that is just the way they are.

You need to use a strobe light to set the timing. The timing mark of the crank /flywheel is marked and so the strobe must be triggered from the first plug.The changes on the timing can be adjusted on the distributor to set the timing to coincide with the correct mark specified as the stobe flashes to show the mark being constant.

fuel,fire and compression are the 3 keys,does it turn over fast,(timing belt?)
Also check to make sure there is exhaust coming out the tailpipe when cranking (plugged exhaust
will also keep it from starting)

Click on the following direct Link. It has some of the Timing Belt Diagrams that you will need. Plus additional Instruction and Directional Diagrams you should use.

As far as "how", with this type forum - it would literally take several dozen pages of instructions - from start to finish. I would strongly suggest buying a Haynes or Chilton Manual available at most auto parts stores. They cost $20-$25. These include specifics including Torque Specifications of each and every Bolt or Nut.

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1989/make/dodge/model/spirit/1989_dodge_spirit_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

Sounds like weak fuel pump check your fuel pressure.