Historical Context:
The Austin Metro was a significant small car for British Leyland, designed to compete in the burgeoning supermini segment. The MG Metro variant added a performance-oriented option, appealing to enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers DIY mechanics and owners comprehensive, dealer-level information to maintain and repair their Austin Metro or MG Metro, saving significant costs on professional servicing.
Diagnostic Capability:
Enables accurate diagnosis of mechanical and electrical faults through detailed descriptions and troubleshooting guides.
Applicable Years:
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990
Model Coverage:
All Austin Metro and MG Metro models
Engine Coverage:
All engine types and variants
Estimated Pages:
Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
File Format:
PDF (Printable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, cooling, fuel system, emissions control, ignition, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch, differential, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear Hydragas/Hydrolastic), steering system, braking system (including ABS if fitted).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, ignition system, ancillary electrical components, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) if equipped.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, heating system, air conditioning (if equipped), climate control.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks, lubrication points, tune-up procedures.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head service, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension overhaul, steering rack overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common faults, diagnostic charts, symptom-based repair procedures.
Technical Data:
Specifications for all components, tightening torques, valve timing procedures, chain/gear routing, tensioner adjustments and release methods.
Depth:
Comprehensive A-Z coverage, from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and illustrations for clarity.
Engine Family Common:
A-Series (BMC/BL/Rover derived)
Common Displacement 1:
1.0 Litre (998 cc)
Common Displacement 2:
1.3 Litre (1275 cc)
Mg Metro Performance Highlights:
MG Metro variants featured the larger 1275cc engine, often with twin SU carburetors, offering enhanced power and torque compared to standard models.
Fuel Delivery Common:
Carburettor (e.g., SU, Weber) for most models. Later variants or specific markets may have had fuel injection.
Engine Codes Example:
12H, 12A, 10H, 10A (indicating displacement and variation)
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual Transaxle
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic Transaxle (less common)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, hydraulically actuated.
Crash Safety Context:
Vehicle design predates modern stringent crash safety standards. Structural integrity and passive safety features reflect early 1980s automotive design.
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dependent on specific model year and trim for features like power-assisted steering.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (typically front inertia reel), padded dashboard, safety glass.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever came first. Check manual for specific engine.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 12,000-18,000 miles, dependent on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/CC or SG/CD, SAE 20W/50 or 15W/40 (check specific manual for ambient temperature range and exact spec).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Typically 50% antifreeze / 50% water mixture. Refer to manual for specific formulation.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual for specific requirements).
Gearbox Oil Type Manual:
GL4 hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W/90 (check manual for specific grade and capacity).
Hydragas Fluid:
Proprietary Hydragas fluid, typically a mix of distilled water and alcohol-based anti-freeze. **Crucially, DO NOT mix with Hydrolastic fluid.**
Common Rust Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, boot floor, suspension mounting points are prone to corrosion.
Hydragas Suspension:
Hydragas suspension units can lose pressure over time, requiring recharging. Diaphragm failure is also a possibility.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors (especially SU) can require regular tuning and are susceptible to wear and gumming if not maintained.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring looms and connections can be prone to corrosion and high resistance, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Austin Rover Group:
Part of the Austin Rover Group, inheriting the legacy of British Leyland's passenger car division.
Metro Development:
Developed as a successor to the Morris Marina and Austin Allegro in the small car sector. Famous for its Mini-derived front-wheel-drive transverse engine layout.
Production Locations:
Primarily produced at the Longbridge plant in Birmingham, England.
Production Period:
1980 - 1990
