Positioning:
The Daihatsu Charade G11 was positioned as a compact, economical, and reliable subcompact car, popular for its fuel efficiency and affordability.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Starlet, Nissan March (Micra), and Ford Fiesta in various global markets.
Vehicle Appeal:
Known for its compact dimensions, lightweight construction, fuel-sipping engines, and surprisingly practical interior for its size.
Value:
Provides owners and independent mechanics with the essential, official information to maintain and repair the G11 Charade to factory standards.
Audience:
Daihatsu Charade G11 owners, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and independent repair shops.
Engine Mechanicals:
Detailed coverage of engine block, cylinder head, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, valve train, timing system, seals, and gaskets.
Engine Tune Up:
Procedures for ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment, idle speed control, spark plug specifications, and replacement intervals.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Hitachi or Mikuni), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, and evaporative emission control system.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil passages, lubrication schedules, and fluid specifications.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan, cooling fan clutch, and coolant specifications.
Turbocharger System:
Specific procedures for turbocharger inspection, maintenance, lubrication, and common issues related to turbochargers if equipped.
Engine Electrical System:
Ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plug wires), starter motor, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, and component testing.
Intake System:
Air cleaner assembly, intake manifold, vacuum hoses, and PCV system.
Exhaust Emission Control System:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensor (if applicable), EGR system, and emission control component troubleshooting.
In Vehicle Service:
Procedures for performing repairs and maintenance with the engine installed in the vehicle, minimizing disassembly.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt adjustments, and general servicing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex problems across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major engine components such as the carburetor, water pump, and alternator.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools and techniques to pinpoint issues.
Depth:
Factory-level, comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls.
Detail Level:
Highly detailed, including torque specifications, clearances, special tool requirements, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Engine Family:
Daihatsu CB Series
Engine Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder (most common for G11)
Displacement Cc:
Approximately 993 cc (CB23, CB43, CB50, CB60 variants)
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 70.0 mm x 86.0 mm (specifics vary by exact CB variant).
Compression Ratio:
Around 9.7:1 to 10.0:1 (varies by engine variant and market).
Horsepower Ps:
Approximately 50-60 PS (37-44 kW) for naturally aspirated versions. Turbocharged versions (e.g., GT Turbo) could reach 70-80 PS.
Torque Nm:
Around 75-85 Nm for naturally aspirated versions. Turbocharged versions would have higher torque figures.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi DCZ, Mikuni types) for most models. Fuel injection was rare in this generation, potentially in later or specific market variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating dependent on market, typically 91 RON).
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check specific owner's manual for exact specification).
Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 3.0 - 3.5 liters (including filter), dependent on specific engine variant.
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (less common, market dependent)
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate Clutch, hydraulically actuated.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (if equipped).
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km, depending on plug type (e.g., standard copper).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years, as belt failure can cause severe engine damage.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use of silicate-free coolant is advisable.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Carburetor Problems:
Clogged jets, vacuum leaks, and worn diaphragms leading to poor idle, hesitation, or rough running.
Ignition System Wear:
Distributor cap and rotor wear, worn spark plug wires, and aging ignition coils can cause misfires.
Cooling System Leaks:
Aging rubber hoses, water pump seals, and radiator gaskets can develop leaks, leading to overheating.
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Wear in the timing belt tensioner can lead to incorrect belt tension and potential damage.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many cars of this era, rust in common areas like wheel arches, sills, and floor pans can be an issue, especially in regions with road salt.
Daihatsu Focus:
Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, is known for producing small, economical, and reliable vehicles, often with innovative engineering for their size.
G11 Generation:
The G11 generation, introduced in 1982, was a significant update for the Charade, featuring a more modern design and front-wheel drive across the range (previous generations were often rear-wheel drive).
Production Period:
The G11 generation was produced from 1982 to 1987. This manual covers the majority of its production run.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.