Model Years Covered:
1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Vin Code Digit 6:
Designation of year of manufacture
Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Car
Target Demographic:
Economy-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, individuals seeking a reliable and affordable mode of transportation.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, and a relatively straightforward mechanical design.
Manual Value:
Provides essential technical information for DIY repairs and maintenance, extending vehicle lifespan and reducing ownership costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel, lubrication, cooling, ignition, emissions
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic Transmission, Clutch
Drivetrain Systems:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, axles, differential
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering system, Brake system (hydraulic, parking)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, engine control module (ECM), sensors
Body Chassis:
Body construction, doors, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, frame
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Estimated Pages:
~800-1200 (variable based on specific edition and engine/trim options)
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting guides for engine performance issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor testing, component diagnosis.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injection system (EFI) diagnosis, fuel pump testing, injector servicing, fuel pressure regulation.
Transmission Overhaul:
Step-by-step procedures for manual transmission gear train disassembly, inspection, and reassembly; Automatic Transmission fluid changes, filter replacement, and minor adjustments.
Brake System Repair:
Disc and drum brake component replacement (pads, rotors, shoes, drums), hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustments, ABS component diagnosis (if applicable).
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component location charts, circuit testing procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing components such as alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, radiators, suspension components, exhaust systems, and interior/exterior trim pieces.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing common and uncommon vehicle problems, including intermittent issues and performance anomalies.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners across various systems, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics, component overhauls, and detailed electrical system troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Tools:
Recommendations and procedures for using common automotive diagnostic tools (multimeters, scan tools, pressure gauges).
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for major component overhauls such as engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and carburetor rebuilding (if applicable).
Engine Code:
1.6L L4 SOHC (This is a common engine for the era and model, specific codes may vary)
Displacement:
1598 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
77.4 mm x 84.5 mm (typical for 1.6L family)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 to 9.0:1 (typical)
Horsepower Net Est:
70-80 HP @ 5000-5500 RPM (est.)
Torque Net Est:
85-95 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM (est.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Carburetor (depending on market and trim).
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump (for EFI models)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based electronic ignition
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for EFI models.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
3-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Consult manual for specific viscosity and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon equivalent (Consult manual for specific capacity)
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Not consistently available or reported for this specific model and era in a standardized format.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional rear disc brakes on some models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in the front, lap belts in the rear.
Body Construction:
Unibody construction with crumple zones.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems might have existed in higher trims.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. No digital displays or touchscreens.
Active Safety Features:
Limited. Primarily ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on select higher-trim models, typically only on front wheels.
Connectivity Options:
None. No Bluetooth, USB ports, or Wi-Fi capabilities. Communication primarily through radio.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typically 5,000 miles recommended for synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, or SJ; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (Consult manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Quarts (with filter change) - Refer to manual for exact capacity.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, clutch wear (manual transmission), exhaust system corrosion, radiator leaks, aging rubber hoses and seals, starter motor brushes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, aging wiring harnesses, faulty relays and switches are common in vehicles of this vintage.
Engine Performance Issues:
Carburetor adjustments and cleaning, fuel injector clogging (EFI models), timing belt wear or failure (if applicable, though many of this era used chains), vacuum leaks.
Manufacturer History:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to heavy-duty trucks, since its founding in 1911.
Origin Platform:
The Chevrolet Storm was largely based on the Isuzu Piazza and Isuzu Gemini platforms, reflecting a period of GM's collaboration with Isuzu.
Body Styles:
Primarily offered as a hatchback coupe, with some markets receiving sedan or notchback variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan by Isuzu for export to various markets, including North America.
Production Duration:
Produced from approximately 1985 to 1993.
Industry Accolades:
The Chevrolet Storm, being largely a rebadged Isuzu, did not typically receive major standalone awards. Its success was more measured by its affordability and utility in the compact car market.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
Generally rated as good for its class, typically in the range of 25-30 MPG city and 30-35 MPG highway, depending on engine and transmission.
