1988 Plymouth Colt Oil Type & Capacity
The 1988 Plymouth Colt oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Automatic takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Standard takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Automatic takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Standard takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 4D Wagon, Automatic takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the DL, 4D Wagon, Standard takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the E, 2D Hatchback takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the E, 4D Sedan, Automatic takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the E, 4D Sedan, Standard takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Premier, 1.5 K, Automatic takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Premier, 1.5 K, Standard takes 5W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Premier, 1.6 F, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Premier, 1.6 F, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Automatic: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Standard: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Standard: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Automatic: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Standard: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Standard: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 4D Wagon, Automatic: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- DL, 4D Wagon, Standard: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- E, 2D Hatchback: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- E, 4D Sedan, Automatic: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- E, 4D Sedan, Standard: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Premier, 1.5 K, Automatic: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Premier, 1.5 K, Standard: 5W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Premier, 1.6 F, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Premier, 1.6 F, Standard: 5W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Automatic — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Standard — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Automatic — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Standard — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Automatic — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Standard — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Automatic — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Standard — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 4D Wagon, Automatic — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| DL, 4D Wagon, Standard — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| E, 2D Hatchback — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| E, 4D Sedan, Automatic — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| E, 4D Sedan, Standard — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Premier, 1.5 K, Automatic — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Premier, 1.5 K, Standard — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Premier, 1.6 F, Automatic — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Premier, 1.6 F, Standard — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20/30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above 0Deg.F), 15W-40 (Above 10Deg. F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to 80Deg. F), 20W-40/50/30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Colt
🛞 1988 Plymouth Colt Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 Plymouth Colt Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 Plymouth Colt Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 Plymouth Colt Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.3 quarts (5.01 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. Includes: .69 qt. in reserve tank.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Plymouth Colt take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-20; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Automatic uses 5W-20; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Standard uses 5W-20; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Automatic uses 5W-20; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Standard uses 5W-20; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Automatic uses 5W-20; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Standard uses 5W-20; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Automatic uses 5W-20; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Standard uses 5W-20; DL, 4D Wagon, Automatic uses 5W-20; DL, 4D Wagon, Standard uses 5W-20; E, 2D Hatchback uses 5W-20; E, 4D Sedan, Automatic uses 5W-20; E, 4D Sedan, Standard uses 5W-20; Premier, 1.5 K, Automatic uses 5W-20; Premier, 1.5 K, Standard uses 5W-20; Premier, 1.6 F, Automatic uses 5W-20; Premier, 1.6 F, Standard uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 Plymouth Colt?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 3.5 quarts with filter; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.5 K, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; DL, 2D Hatchback, 1.6 F, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.5 K, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; DL, 4D Sedan, 1.6 F, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; DL, 4D Wagon, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; DL, 4D Wagon, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; E, 2D Hatchback holds 3.5 quarts with filter; E, 4D Sedan, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; E, 4D Sedan, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Premier, 1.5 K, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Premier, 1.5 K, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Premier, 1.6 F, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Premier, 1.6 F, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 Plymouth Colt?
Most 1988 Plymouth Colt owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Plymouth recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Plymouth Colt?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Plymouth Colt. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.