Segment:
        
        
            Compact/Mid-size Performance Hatchback/Saloon
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiasts, motorsport fans, owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Opel Kadett GSI, BMW 3 Series (E30)
        
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Appeal:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive dynamics (RS Cosworth), aggressive styling, powerful turbocharged engine (RS Cosworth), homologation special for rallying.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value Proposition:
        
        
            Provides essential, factory-level information for maintaining and repairing the iconic Sierra RS models, especially the sought-after RS Cosworth.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            2.0 OHC (Pinto), 2.0 DOHC Turbocharged (Cosworth YBP), Cooling System, Lubrication System, Fuel System (Carbureted & Injection), Ignition System, Emission Control Systems
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual (T9, MT75), Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for RS variants
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) for RS Cosworth
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front Independent (McPherson Strut), Rear Independent (Semi-Trailing Arm), RS specific tuning and components
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front Discs (Vented for RS), Rear Discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for select models
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Rack and Pinion, Power Steering (optional/standard on RS)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Fuses and Relays, Wiring Diagrams, ECUs (Engine Control Units)
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Sealing, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Body Repairs, Corrosion Prevention
        
     
    
        
            Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
        
        
            HVAC System Operation and Repair
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs, Belts, Hoses
        
     
    
        
            Engine Repair:
        
        
            Engine Removal/Installation, Cylinder Head Overhaul, Piston and Connecting Rod Replacement, Crankshaft Rebuild, Timing Belt/Chain Service
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Repair:
        
        
            Transmission Disassembly/Assembly, Clutch Replacement, Gearbox Overhaul, Differential Service
        
     
    
        
            Brake Service:
        
        
            Brake Pad/Disc Replacement, Caliper Overhaul, Brake Line Flushes, ABS System Troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering Service:
        
        
            Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Service, Tie Rod End Replacement, Wheel Alignment Procedures
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting Electrical Faults, Wiring Harness Repair, Sensor Testing, ECU Diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Body Repair:
        
        
            Panel Replacement, Dent Repair, Welding Procedures, Rust Repair, Interior Component Installation/Removal
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System Service:
        
        
            Fuel Pump Replacement, Injector Cleaning/Replacement, Carburetor Adjustment/Rebuild (where applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            System-Specific Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, fault code interpretations (for EFI models)
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of special Ford tools required for specific repair procedures
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Naturally Aspirated 2.0L OHC (Pinto)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1993 cc (2.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            93.7 mm x 72.5 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            9.5:1 (typical for injection models)
        
     
    
        
            Power Output:
        
        
            Approx. 115-125 PS (85-93 kW) for fuel-injected variants
        
     
    
        
            Torque Output:
        
        
            Approx. 170-185 Nm (125-136 lb-ft)
        
     
    
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Engine Type:
        
        
            2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Cosworth YB
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Displacement:
        
        
            1993 cc (2.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            90.8 mm x 77.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Compression Ratio:
        
        
            8.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Power Output:
        
        
            204 PS (150 kW) for early models
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Torque Output:
        
        
            290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carbureted Models:
        
        
            Weber or Solex carburetors (e.g., 2.0 OHC)
        
     
    
        
            Injection Models:
        
        
            Bosch L-Jetronic or Ford EFi
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Fuel System:
        
        
            Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection with Turbocharger
        
     
    
    
        
            Ignition Type:
        
        
            Distributor-based electronic ignition (various types depending on engine and year)
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Ford Super Plus Coolant or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check specific engine variant)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.7 - 5.3 US qt) with filter
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Saloon, 5-door Estate (Wagon)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2605 mm (102.6 in)
        
     
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 4200-4400 mm (165-173 in) depending on body style
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 1700 mm (67 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1380-1430 mm (54-56 in) depending on body style
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1100-1300 kg (2425-2866 lbs) depending on model and specification
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1250 kg (2756 lbs)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Crash Test Data:
        
        
            Limited official Euro NCAP data for this era; often based on contemporary consumer testing.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Optional on many models, standard on later RS Cosworth variants.
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Not typically available on 1985-1987 models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear (some models).
        
     
    
        
            Crumple Zones:
        
        
            Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.
        
     
    
        
            Roll Cage:
        
        
            Internal roll cage structure for RS Cosworth models for chassis rigidity and safety.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Basic AM/FM radio cassette players, often with optional upgraded speakers or amplifiers.
        
     
    
        
            Digital Displays:
        
        
            Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. No digital infotainment systems of the modern era.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Available as an option, providing enhanced braking stability.
        
     
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Rarely fitted, typically an aftermarket or very late model option.
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Features:
        
        
            None; vehicles of this era predate modern connectivity standards.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles), check gap regularly.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 5 years for OHC engines; Cosworth YB has a timing chain system (check manual for specific chain maintenance).
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 liters (7.4 - 8.5 US qt) for the cooling system.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Ford specification power steering fluid or ATF Dexron II/III (check manual).
        
     
    
    
        
            Rust:
        
        
            Common rust points include wheel arches, sills, rear spring mounts, and around windows.
        
     
    
        
            Cosworth Yb Engine Gaskets:
        
        
            Head gasket failure, particularly on heavily modified or poorly maintained engines. Oil leaks from rocker cover and front/rear crank seals.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Bushings:
        
        
            Wear in control arm bushings, anti-roll bar bushes, and trailing arm bushings leading to imprecise handling.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Gremlins:
        
        
            Older wiring can degrade; issues with headlight motors, central locking, and intermittent dashboard warning lights are not uncommon.
        
     
    
        
            Gearbox Selector:
        
        
            Worn gearbox linkage bushes can result in vague gear selection.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ford Performance Legacy:
        
        
            Ford's long history in motorsport and performance road cars, including the Escort RS series.
        
     
    
    
        
            Sierra Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in 1982 as a replacement for the Ford Cortina/Taunus, featuring a distinctive aerodynamic shape and rear-wheel drive (later front-wheel drive on some variants).
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Development:
        
        
            Developed in conjunction with Cosworth, a legendary British motorsport engineering company, for Group A touring car homologation.
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Variants:
        
        
            Series 1 (1986-1987) featured RWD and the iconic 2.0L Cosworth YB engine; Series 2 and 3 followed with AWD and different styling cues.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Europe (e.g., West Germany, Belgium, UK)
        
     
    
        
            Rs Cosworth Production Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 5,545 units for the Series 1 RS Cosworth.