Vehicle Segment:
Kei car (city car), compact economy vehicle.
Competitors:
Suzuki Alto, Mitsubishi Minica, Honda Life (during the L500/L501 era).
Selling Points:
Compact size, fuel efficiency, affordability, maneuverability in urban environments, simplicity of design for maintenance.
Primary Users:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking to understand and maintain their vehicles.
Objective:
To provide detailed technical information, maintenance procedures, and repair guidance for the Daihatsu Cuore L500/L501 models.
Regions Covered:
Global (specific markets may have regional variations, but manual covers general repair and maintenance)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies based on digital format compression, but comprehensive coverage implies several hundred pages of technical data.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English (as indicated by product description and typical availability for international markets)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF or similar, printable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers and washers, power windows, central locking, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body exterior and interior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seats, body repair (minor collision damage repair guidance)
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, diagnosis, and repair procedures (if factory-equipped).
Bodywork Repair:
Guidance on minor body repairs, panel alignment, and rust prevention/treatment.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era and systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Assembly Disassembly:
Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle components, including torque specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to detailed engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair techniques.
Diagnostics Level:
Includes detailed diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts, and explanations of symptoms to pinpoint issues.
Engine Code:
Typically EF-EL (659cc, 3-cylinder, SOHC, 12-valve) or potentially other variations depending on market. EF-SE (659cc, 3-cylinder, DOHC, 12-valve) for performance variants.
Displacement:
659cc (common for Kei cars in Japan).
Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 12 valves total.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 40-55 HP depending on engine variant and market.
Torque Range:
Approximately 55-70 Nm depending on engine variant and market.
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Multi-point)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for managing fuel injection and ignition timing.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) may be available on some variants.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (refer to manual for specific viscosity and capacity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type and capacity).
Length:
Typically around 3,200 mm to 3,395 mm (Kei car regulations).
Width:
Typically around 1,475 mm (Kei car regulations).
Height:
Typically around 1,440 mm to 1,550 mm depending on roofline.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 700-800 kg depending on equipment and drivetrain.
Cargo Volume:
Limited due to compact nature, but rear seats are typically foldable for increased capacity.
Crash Test Ratings:
Varies significantly by market and testing body. Likely modest ratings due to era and vehicle class.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may be optional on higher trims or later models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag typically standard. Passenger airbag may be optional or unavailable on base models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts in front, two-point or three-point in rear (depending on seating position).
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially CD player on higher trims. Speaker configuration typically limited (e.g., 2 speakers).
Driver Aids:
Minimal by modern standards. ABS may be an option. Focus is on mechanical simplicity.
Connectivity Features:
Not applicable. No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration typical for this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact mileage/time and specific oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 km, depending on spark plug type (standard or iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical maintenance item, typically around 80,000-100,000 km. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate and specific engine recommendation in manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Daihatsu/Toyota coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap or manual).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
If equipped with power steering, likely Dexron II/III or a specific power steering fluid.
Common Problems:
Rust on body panels (especially sills, wheel arches), aging rubber components (hoses, mounts), potential electrical gremlins due to age, clutch wear (manual transmission), engine oil leaks, ignition system issues (coil packs, spark plug wires).
Parts Outlook:
While an older vehicle, parts for the L500/L501 are generally available through specialized Daihatsu parts suppliers or aftermarket manufacturers, particularly in regions where these cars were popular.
Daihatsu Legacy:
Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, has a long history of producing small, economical vehicles, particularly Kei cars for the Japanese market.
Cuore Lineage:
The Cuore is one of Daihatsu's longest-running nameplates, with the L500/L501 representing a specific generation known for its rounded styling and compact dimensions.
Production Years:
L500/L501 Series: Approximately 1994-1998.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
