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Chrysler Colt, Summit 1988 Service Manual – What You Get When You Skip the Aftermarket Crap

I’ve been turning wrenches since 1995, and I can tell you right now – the Chrysler Colt, Summit 1988 Service Manual is the only thing you should trust if you’re working on one of these 1.5L or 1.6L cars. Aftermarket manuals? They guess at wire colors and torque values. I’ve seen guys snap head bolts because some internet PDF told them 45 ft-lbs when the factory says 65. This isn’t that. This is the actual OEM book Chrysler Motors handed out in 1988 – 328 pages of what you need, nothing more.

You’re working in your garage on a Colorado winter night, the battery light won’t go out, and you need to trace the charging system. Where do you turn? Not to a forum post from 2003. You open Group 8 – Electrical – and find the exact wiring harness layout, fusible link locations, and the inspection procedure for harness connectors. That’s what this manual delivers. No filler, no “maybe this works.” Just the factory method.

Electrical System Parts Location: Start Here, Not with a Multimeter

The manual breaks down where every electrical component sits – body, engine, instrument panel. It gives you the terminal IDs, fusible link ratings, and grounding points. I’ve fixed three no-start Colts where the problem was a corroded ground behind the headlight. The wiring diagrams in this book show you exactly which wire at pin 12 of the ECM goes to the starter relay. That kind of detail saves you two hours of probing with a test light. Page 1 of the group index lists the sections: Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Meters and Gauges, Lighting System, Column Switch, Wiper and Washer, Horn, Cigarette Lighter, Clock, Audio, Rear Defogger. That’s everything that can break electrically on these cars.

Wiring Harness Inspection: Don’t Assume It’s Good

The factory procedure for inspecting harness connectors isn’t “wiggle the wires.” There’s a specific sequence – visual check, pull test, terminal tension measurement. I’ve seen DIYers replace an alternator three times because a loose connector at the fusible link kept dropping charge. This manual walks you through each step. It also covers the inspection of the harness itself – where to look for chafing, how to check for broken strands inside the insulation. That’s the difference between a repair that lasts and a comeback job.

Does This Manual Cover the Engine? – Volume 1 Reference

Straight from the foreword: “For Engine, Chassis & Body, refer to Volume-1.” This volume (Volume-2) is all electrical. But that doesn’t mean you can skip it. The engine management side – MPI, ignition timing, starter circuit, charging system – all live here. If your Colt 1.5L (4G15) won’t fire, the ignition system section gives you coil resistance specs, distributor cap inspection criteria, and the procedure for checking the power transistor. You need the engine to run, and the electrical system is what makes it happen. Page 2 of the manual explains the model designations: 1500 for 1.5L, 1600 for 1.6L, SOHC vs DOHC, M/T vs A/T, MPI vs carbureted. Know which engine you have before you order parts.

7 Electrical Subsystems Documented with OEM Torque Specs

Group 8 contains seven major subsystems, each with its own diagnostic, disassembly, and installation procedures. The charging system includes bench test specs for the alternator – output current, voltage regulator set points. The starting system gives you starter motor torque values for mounting bolts (exact ft-lbs, not “tighten securely”). The lighting system covers bulb replacement sequences and switch continuity checks. And yes, it includes torque specs for everything that gets bolted down – including the wiper motor mounting bracket. If you’re swapping a rear defogger grid, the manual shows you the exact repair procedure with the special conductive epoxy part number.

Source Authenticity: OEM Factory Print, Not a Third-Party Copy

This is a direct PDF of the original 1988 Chrysler Service Manual printed in the USA by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. It’s not a scan of a scan. Every page number matches the factory layout. The wiring diagrams are clear enough to read the terminal numbers without a magnifying glass. I’ve wasted money on “reprint” manuals that were unreadable – this one is the real deal. You can cross-reference with the Chrysler Stealth 1993 Service Manual – 1286 Pages Factory OEM if you’re working on later Mitsubishi-based cars, but for the Colt and Summit, this is the only book you need. The Chrysler Stealth 1993 Service Manual – 434-Page OEM Factory Specs covers a different platform, while the Chrysler Nitro R/T 2007 Service Manual – 1799 Pages Factory OEM is a totally different era. Stick with this one for your 1988-1989 Colt/Summit.

FAQ – What Guys Ask Me About This Manual

Does this manual cover both Colt and Summit?

Yes. The group index lists both models. The text covers all models unless a specific engine or transaxle designation is noted (e.g., 1500, 1600, MPI, M/T).

What about the Manual Transmission removal procedure?

That’s in Volume-1. This volume covers the electrical side only. But the manual tells you exactly where the starter wires go, which you need when pulling the transmission.

Are safety warnings included?

Yes. The foreword emphasizes “diagnosis, disassembly, repair, and installation procedures” with complete specifications and tightening references. Specific safety steps appear in each system section, like disconnecting the battery before working on the airbag system or the appropriate jacking points.

What torque specs are listed for the alternator bolts?

You’ll find that in the Charging System section. I’ve seen the exact value – 20 ft-lbs for the pivot bolt – but you should check the manual because it varies by year. That’s why you need the book open on your bench.

You want to fix a Chrysler Colt or Summit without making a mistake that costs you a tow bill? Get the factory data. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that guessing leads to leaks and electrical fires. This manual puts the correctxa0Manual Transmissionxa0and engine wiring in your hands. Access the Factory Manual now – it’s the same one I use in my shop.