Segment:
Family Car / Compact Executive Car
Era:
Launched as a replacement for the Ford Taunus/Cortina
Competitors:
Vauxhall Cavalier, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 505, Renault 25, Fiat Croma, Opel Vectra (later models)
Aerodynamics:
Pioneering 'jelly mould' design, highly aerodynamic for its time
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive standard, with selectable or permanent four-wheel drive (4x4) available on performance models (e.g., XR4x4)
Suspension:
Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), Independent rear suspension (multi-link beam axle on some models, trailing arms on others)
Region:
Global (Europe, Australia, South Africa, etc.)
Body Styles:
Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Estate (Wagon), Saloon (Sedan), Coupe (XR4i/XR4x4)
Estimated Pages:
Over 1000 (comprehensive)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (RWD, 4WD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Hydraulic, ABS where applicable)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Ignition Switch, Fuses & Relays, Power Accessories, Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hinges, Locks, Glass, Seating, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Routine Service, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Faults and Remedies, Symptom-Based Diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Data
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures)
Engine Variants:
OHC (Pinto), CVH, DOHC (Zetec, Cosworth YB), Diesel (2.3L, 2.5L)
Common Petrol Displacements:
1.3L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L, 2.8L, 2.9L, 2.0L Turbo (Cosworth)
Common Diesel Displacements:
2.3L, 2.5L
Cosworth Yb 2.0 Turbo Power:
Approx. 204 PS (150 kW) in Sierra RS Cosworth
Xr4I 2.8I Power:
Approx. 150 PS (110 kW)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetted (early models) and Fuel Injection (MPI/EFI, various systems depending on engine and year)
Manual Gearboxes:
4-speed, 5-speed (e.g., Type 9)
Automatic Gearboxes:
3-speed, 4-speed automatic transmissions
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) on XR4x4 models
Length:
Varies by body style, e.g., ~4400-4500 mm for hatchback/saloon
Width:
Varies by body style, e.g., ~1700 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2600 mm
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine and specification, typically 1100-1400 kg
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not applicable for original Euro NCAP tests (introduced later)
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard); Front & Rear Discs on higher trims/performance models; ABS available on later/performance models
Suspension Stability:
Independent front and rear suspension contributed to stable handling
Seatbelts:
Standard seatbelts; inertia reel seatbelts common
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones and reinforced passenger cell
Audio Systems:
Factory fitted radios (often cassette players), optional multi-speaker systems
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option on higher trims and performance models during the later years of production
Early Tech:
Basic analogue instrumentation, manual window winders common, central locking optional
Oil Change Interval Petrol:
Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles or 12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months
Timing Belt Replacement DOHc:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years forOHC/DOHC engines
Engine Oil Specification:
e.g., SAE 10W-40, 15W-40 or 5W-30 API SF/SG (refer to manual for specific engine variant)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 API GL-4 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
e.g., Ford ESW-M2C33-F or Mercon/Dexron II
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and rear spring mounts
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring looms can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can wear over time
Cosworth Engine Specific:
Head gasket issues, oil leaks, turbocharger wear if not maintained correctly
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company
Facelifts:
Key facelift in 1986 introduced revised interior, updated styling, and new engine options (e.g., 2.0 DOHC, 2.3 Diesel)
Performance Variants:
Iconic Sierra RS Cosworth (1986) and Sierra RS500 Cosworth (1987) were rally and touring car homologation specials
Manufacturing Plants:
Genk (Belgium), Saarlouis (Germany), Halewood (UK), and others globally
Total Production Numbers:
Over 2.7 million units worldwide
