Segment:
Compact Car (Supermini/Small Family Car)
Target Audience:
Everyday motorists, DIY mechanics, automotive enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Fiat Uno, Peugeot 309, Renault 9/11, Toyota Corolla
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, practical interior, fuel efficiency
Manual Benefit:
Enables cost-effective maintenance and repair, deepens understanding of vehicle systems
Coverage Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Body Styles Covered:
Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Saloon (4-door), Estate/Caravan (5-door), Convertible (2-door)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Service and Workshop Manual
Scope:
Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (including ABS on later models)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers, body sealing
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic flowcharts, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake repairs
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory fitting guidelines
Depth:
Detailed technical specifications, torque values, tolerances, overhaul procedures, diagnostic test values
Diagrams:
Exploded views, wiring schematics, diagnostic charts, timing diagrams
Engine Family:
Opel Family II (Cam chain driven OHC)
Common Displacements:
1.2L (12S, 12NV), 1.3L (13S, 13NB, 13N), 1.4L (14NV, C14SE), 1.6L (16SV, C16NZ, X16SZR), 1.8L (18E, 18SE, C18XE), 2.0L (20SEH, C20NE, C20XE)
Typical Horsepower Range:
55 hp to 150 hp (depending on engine variant)
Typical Torque Range:
95 Nm to 195 Nm (depending on engine variant)
Carbureted Engines:
Single-point or twin-point carburetors (e.g., Zenith, Pierburg)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic, or Simtec (later models, e.g., GSi variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline), some early models may have used leaded
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based, electronic ignition
Engine Control Unit ECU:
Present on fuel-injected models
Length:
Approx. 3990-4160 mm (depending on body style)
Width:
Approx. 1660-1680 mm
Height:
Approx. 1390-1450 mm (depending on body style)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 850-1050 kg (depending on variant)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1300-1450 kg
Luggage Capacity:
Varies by body style (e.g., hatchback ~300-350 litres, estate ~400-500 litres)
Crash Test Performance:
Limited formal crash test data from the era, generally considered average for its time. Later models had improved safety features.
Brakes:
Disc front, drum rear (optional front discs on all models, optional ABS on later higher trims)
Steering:
Rack and pinion (optional power steering on higher trims)
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, optional rear seatbelts
Headrests:
Standard front, optional rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure, crumple zones
Radio Options:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Aftermarket units common.
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trim levels from the late 1980s onwards.
Power Steering:
Optional on most models, standard on some higher performance variants.
Connectivity Features:
Basic connectivity, primarily focused on audio systems. No modern electronic connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A for most Family II engines (they use a timing chain). Check chain tensioner if applicable.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/CD, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Rust:
Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, and tailgate. Early corrosion protection was not as advanced as later vehicles.
Electrical:
Aging wiring looms can develop issues; degraded insulation, corroded connectors, failure of relays and the central locking system.
Engine Cooling:
Plastic thermostat housings can become brittle and crack; radiator fan motors can fail.
Suspension:
Worn front suspension bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers are common. Rear axle beam bushes can also wear.
Exhaust System:
Rust can affect exhaust pipes, silencers, and catalytic converters (if fitted).
Manufacturer:
Opel AG (Germany), rebadged as Vauxhall in the UK
Development:
E-Kadett replaced the D-Kadett, introduced in 1984. Known for its aerodynamic design and extensive range of body styles and engines.
Generations:
The E-Kadett was the fourth generation of the Kadett line, produced from 1984 to 1991, followed by the Opel Astra.
Production Period:
1984-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Germany (Rüsselsheim), also UK (Vauxhall), Poland, and other GM plants.
