🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

Metro

Year:

1989

Market Segment:

Supermini / Subcompact

Internal Codes:

Various internal Austin/Rover codes would apply, often referencing specific sub-models or engine designations.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Austin Metro, particularly in its 1989 iteration, was a prominent British supermini designed to compete in a highly contested segment. It was known for its compact size, front-wheel-drive layout, and affordable operation, making it a popular choice for urban commuting and first-time car buyers.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova (Opel Corsa), Peugeot 205, and Fiat Uno. The 1989 model would have featured updates to meet evolving emissions standards and market expectations.

Key Features:

This workshop manual is designed for mechanics and knowledgeable owners, offering dealership-level repair information. Its specific, non-generic content, clear instructions, diagrams, and illustrations make it an invaluable resource for accurate and efficient maintenance and repair of the 1989 Austin Metro.

Manual Utility:

The manual's emphasis on 'step-by-step instruction,' 'diagrams,' and 'illustrations' signifies its practical utility. Its claim of providing 'the same specifications and procedures available to an authorised dealer service department' is a crucial selling point, indicating a high level of accuracy and completeness. The mention of saving money on common maintenance tasks like oil changes and filter replacements highlights its economic value for owners.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full service and repair instructions for the 1989 Austin Metro, covering all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems.

Page Count:

Not specified, but typical comprehensive workshop manuals of this era range from 400-800+ pages.

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Manual Type Detail:

This is a 'Workshop Manual' or 'Service Manual,' distinct from an 'Owner's Manual.' It provides detailed technical information for repair and maintenance, intended for technicians or skilled DIYers, rather than general usage instructions for an owner.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Systems Covered Detail:

Engine Mechanical: Cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing systems, lubrication, cooling. Engine Electrical: Ignition system (distributor, coil, HT leads, spark plugs), starting system, charging system (alternator), engine management sensors (if EFI). Fuel System: Carburetor adjustment/overhaul, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, EFI components (injectors, ECU, sensors). Emission Control: EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), catalytic converter (if fitted), PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation). Clutch: Clutch assembly, hydraulic actuation, pedal adjustment. Manual Transaxle: Gearbox internal components, selector mechanism, bearings, seals, gear oil. Automatic Transaxle: Torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, hydraulic control, ATF. Driveshaft & Axle: Constant Velocity (CV) joints, driveshafts, hub bearings. Suspension: Front struts/MacPherson setup, rear torsion beam or trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, wheel alignment. Steering: Rack and pinion or steering box, column, linkages, steering wheel. Restraint: Seat belts, seat belt anchorages, potential for airbags on very late or specific market variants, though unlikely for 1989 in standard models. Brake System: Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake pads/shoes, parking brake. Body: Interior trim, dashboard, seats, door panels, headliner, exterior panels, bumpers, glass, seals, hinges, latches. Body Electrical: Lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators), wipers, horn, central locking (if fitted), dashboard instruments, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays. HVAC: Heater core, blower motor, ducting, controls. The manual also includes specific torque values for critical fasteners, diagnostic flowcharts for troubleshooting, and detailed procedures for disassembly and reassembly of all major components.

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, maintenance schedules, component replacement, adjustment procedures, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, illustrations, and diagrams.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, equivalent to factory dealer service procedures. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Adobe Acrobat compatible)

File Format Detail:

The PDF format ensures wide compatibility across operating systems (Windows, macOS) and devices. It allows for searchable text, making it efficient to find specific information quickly. Adobe PDF Reader is a free and ubiquitous application for viewing these files.

Print Quality:

Printable on demand from PDF. Original quality is assumed to be that of a factory workshop manual, with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF), printable pages. Original physical manuals were typically bound in sturdy hardcovers or ring-binders.

Paper Type:

Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals would have used durable, often coated paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Likely the Austin Rover A-Series engine family (e.g., 998cc, 1275cc variants). For 1989, this would typically be the OHV (Overhead Valve) design, possibly with electronic ignition and fuel injection on higher specification models.

Engine Variants:

Common engine displacements for the 1989 Metro would include the 998 cc (A-Plus) and 1275 cc (A-Plus) OHV inline-four engines. Performance variants might exist, such as the Metro GTI or MG models with tuned 1275cc engines. The manual would cover these specific variants.

Performance:

Specifications vary by engine size and trim. 998cc engines typically produced around 40-45 bhp, while 1275cc engines could produce 50-60+ bhp. Torque figures would be correspondingly modest.

Fuel System:

Could be carbureted (e.g., SU, Weber) on base models or feature single-point or multi-point fuel injection on higher performance or later models, particularly to meet emissions regulations.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

Manual Transaxle (4-speed or 5-speed, depending on market and trim)

Optional:

Automatic Transaxle (less common, likely a 3-speed unit if fitted)

Features:

Front-wheel drive, transaxle design integrating gearbox and differential. Clutch system would be dry, single-plate diaphragm type.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Compact dimensions, typical of its supermini class. Length approximately 3.4 meters, width around 1.5 meters, height around 1.3 meters. Specific dimensions vary slightly by body style (e.g., 3-door, 5-door).

Interior:

Designed for efficient use of space, often with a relatively upright seating position. Boot space would be limited but expandable with folding rear seats.

Weights:

Kerb weights typically ranged from 700-800 kg, depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

Safety standards for 1989 vehicles were less stringent than modern standards. Crash test data for this specific model and year might be limited in publicly available comprehensive databases but were assessed against contemporary regulations.

Active Features:

Standard braking system, steering. Anti-roll bars likely present on front and rear suspension for improved handling.

Passive Features:

Seat belts (likely lap and diagonal at front, lap at rear), crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell. Restraint system section covers seat belt adjustments and maintenance.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic. Likely an AM/FM radio, potentially with cassette player on higher trims. Simple analogue gauges for speed, revs (if fitted), fuel, and temperature.

Driver Assistance:

Minimal to none by modern standards. Primarily relied on driver input and mechanical systems. No advanced electronic driver aids were typically fitted.

Connectivity:

No electronic connectivity features. Systems were entirely self-contained.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical intervals for this era include oil and filter changes every 6,000-10,000 miles (or annually), spark plug checks/changes at 12,000-20,000 miles, and coolant changes every 2 years. Timing belt (if applicable) or chain checks would be at specified mileages. The manual would detail precise intervals.

Fluid Specifications:

Engine Oil: Typically 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SF/SG/SH), manual would specify precise type and capacity. Coolant: Ethylene glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Transmission Fluid: Manual gearbox oil (e.g., GL-4 specification) and Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic variants. Power steering fluid (if fitted) would also have specific types.

Specific Fluid Recommendations:

Manual transmission fluid: Likely a 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil. Automatic transmission fluid: Dexron II or equivalent. Engine oil viscosity grade recommendations would be influenced by ambient temperature and specific engine type, with 20W-50 being common for older A-Series engines in warmer climates and 10W-40 for broader use or cooler conditions. The manual would provide a detailed chart based on temperature ranges.

Known Issues:

Common issues for Metros of this era can include corrosion (especially on sills, wheel arches, and subframes), wear in suspension bushings, starter motor issues, and electrical gremlins due to aging wiring harnesses. Carburetor issues and fuel system component wear are also possibilities. The manual will provide diagnostic steps for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Austin, a historically significant British automotive manufacturer, was part of British Leyland and later the Rover Group. The Metro was conceived as a successor to older Mini models and a modern competitor in the burgeoning hatchback market.

Model Evolution:

Launched in 1980, the Metro underwent various updates and facelifts. The 1989 model represents a later iteration, benefiting from refinements in styling, powertrain, and features. The 'Austin' badge was phased out in favor of 'Rover' in later years.

Model Updates For 1989:

By 1989, the Metro had likely received its facelift (often referred to as the 'facelifted' or 'Metrpolitan' range). This typically involved revised exterior styling, updated interior trim, improved dashboard ergonomics, and potentially engine upgrades for better performance and emissions compliance. The manual would reflect these specific 1989 updates.

Production:

Produced from 1980 to 1997. The 1989 models were manufactured at Longbridge, Birmingham, UK, a historic Austin/Rover production facility.